Nutrisystem

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Products

The company states that its mission is to provide a weight loss program based on quality foods and a nutritionally balanced meal plan. The foundation of all Nutrisystem programs is the home delivery of portion-controlled entrees and snacks. Customers supplement these packaged foods with grocery foods, including vegetables, fruits, and dairy items. When followed, the diet is low in glycemic index and provides nutrition consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans – 2010. Resources are also available for increasing physical activity and obtaining behavioral support.

Meal plans

Separate plans are offered for women and men, at calorie levels that support a weight loss of 1-2 lb/week (approximately 1200 calories per day for women and 1500 per day for men). Approximately 52%, 26%, and 22% of calories come from carbohydrate, protein, and fat, respectively. All plans contain at least 28 g of fiber per day, and have no more than 85 g of sugar, 170 mg of cholesterol, and 2300 mg of sodium per day.

Under its current program, Nutrisystem Success, the company offers four categories of weight loss plans: standard plans for women and men, Nutrisystem D (a plan designed for people with diabetes or prediabetes that meets the nutrition guidelines of the American Diabetes Association); Nutrisystem Silver (a plan targeting heart health); and Nutrisystem for Teens (a plan for adolescents age 14–17 years old who are above the 85th percentile for body mass index). Many special dietary needs can be accommodated (e.g., low-sodium, vegetarian), whereas others cannot (e.g., allergies to peanuts or soy, celiac disease). It should be noted that NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence (based in the United Kingdom), advises doctors and other health professionals to "Discourage the use of foods marketed specifically for people with diabetes".

Food

The Nutrisystem program provides over 150 menu choices in four categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks/desserts. Most options are shelf-stable products which include bars, muffins, pretzel snacks and pancake mix, as well as microwavable soups and dinner entrees. All shelf-stable microwaveable entrees are developed through retort preparation, which uses heat and pressure to cook food in a strong, sealed package (like a can or pouch). This preparation method allows for safe holding at room temperature and minimizes the need for added preservatives or sodium. Nutrisystem also has a line of frozen food choices available called "Nutrisystem Select."

The Nutrisystem products provide approximately 60% of daily calorie needs. The remaining 40% of daily calorie intake comes from grocery foods, which the customer purchases separately. These grocery food additions include fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy and protein sources. The program provides specific guidance on how to choose and when to use these grocery additions.

Physical activity

Although dietary intervention is the primary focus of the program, Nutrisystem encourages customers to increase their physical activity. "My Daily 3," Nutrisystem's exercise guidelines, encourages customers to complete at least the equivalent of three 10-minute bouts of moderate-intensity activity per day. Customers who choose to set exercise goals are given targets for aerobic and strength training activities at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Online resources in support of customers' activity goals include sample workouts, articles, discussion boards, tips, and exercise trackers. Nutrisystem recommends that customers consult with a health professional before beginning a new fitness program.

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