Nutrisystems Diet

NutriSystem Nourish Diet plan is a "send you the food" diet plan operated by NutriSystem, Inc.(NASDAQ|NTRI) of Horsham, Pennsylvania. The NutriSystem Diet is based on the Glycemic Index of Carbohydrates. By combining exercise, and frequent smaller portioned meals, the glycemic index diet is supposed to reduce hunger (due to a constant blood glucose). [cite journal |author=Brand-Miller J, Holt S, Pawlak D, McMillan J |title=Glycemic index and obesity |url=http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/76/1/281S |journal=Am. J. Clin. Nutr. |volume=76 |issue=1 |pages=281S–5S |year=2002 |pmid=12081852] There is some support for weight loss and health benefits of low glycemic-index diets in controlled scientific studies, [cite journal |author=Livesey G |title=Low-glycaemic diets and health: implications for obesity |journal=The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society |volume=64 |issue=1 |pages=105–13 |year=2005 |pmid=15877929 |doi=10.1079/PNS2004400] [cite journal |author=Jenkins D, Kendall C, Augustin L, Franceschi S, Hamidi M, Marchie A, Jenkins A, Axelsen M |title=Glycemic index: overview of implications in health and disease |url=http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/76/1/266S |journal=Am. J. Clin. Nutr. |volume=76 |issue=1 |pages=266S–73S |year=2002 |pmid=12081850] however, some other studies have suggested there is no long-term benefit to these diets. [cite journal |author=Raben A |title=Should obese patients be counselled to follow a low-glycaemic index diet? No |journal=Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=245–56 |year=2002 |pmid=12458971] It was founded by Stacie Mullen, a television personality, in 1991 when the company was going to produce 20 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks. The company started out in 1972 selling a liquid protein diet, which it abandoned in 1978 due to the growth of competition. It then started selling food which was packaged and preserved in portion controlled packages, to take the decisions out of dining. [Burling, Stacey. "Shapely Success Selling diet food so sexy, simple!" The Philadelphia Inquirer. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. Washington: May 21, 2006. pg. 1. Source type: Wire Feed ProQuest document ID: 1039763531 Text Word Count 1433 Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1039763531&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=76566&RQT=309&VName=PQD (subscription)] The company went bankrupt in the early 1990's and closed down its weight-loss centers. It reemerged in 1999 as an internet advertiser, and a publicly traded company, with the meals shipped to consumers. [ [http://www.nutrisystem.com/about/ NutriSystem® - About Us ] ] CEO Michael Hagen shifted advertising to TV, using satisfied customers in ads. Clients can call, email or chat online with the weight loss counselors for advice or support. The average customer stays on the program 10 weeks. Many regain the weight lost. [Palmeri, Christopher, "How NutriSystem Got Fat And Happy. Business Week. New York: Sep 19, 2005., Iss. 3951; pg. 82. Source type: Periodical ISSN: 07398395 ProQuest document ID: 896350811 Text Word Count 893 Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=896350811&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=76566&RQT=309&VName=PQD (subscription)]

Current TV ads feature former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino as the lead spokesperson, also featuring other well-known celebrities who have purportedly lost weight using the company's products.

References

External links

* [http://www.nutrisystem.com Official NutriSystem Website]
* [http://www.consumeraffairs.com/nutrition/nutrisystem.htm Consumer Affairs Nutrisystem]
* [http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/nutrisystem_problems.html Consumer Affairs Nutrisystem Problems]
* [http://www.pcrm.org/magazine/GM98Winter/GM98Win2.html Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)Review Weighs Diet Programs]
* [http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/news/dietdelivery Epicurious Prepared Diet Food: The Good, the Bad, and the Unhealthy ]