NUTRISYSTEM CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AND MORE THAN 70 MILLION POUNDS LOST OVER THE PAST DECADE

To Mark 40^th Anniversary, Company Re-Commits to Helping Fight the Nation’s Obesity Epidemic and Launches 40% Off Promotion on Nutrisystem SUCCESS, Its Newest and Best Program to Date 

FORT WASHINGTON, PA (February 1, 2012) – Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), the leading home delivery weight loss program, is ushering in its 40^th anniversary year with a celebratory new promotion as well as a look back at four decades of helping people lose weight and get healthy.  Within the past decade alone, customers have lost over an estimated 71 million pounds on the Nutrisystem ® program – equivalent to the weight of over two Lucas Oil Stadiums (made of 16,000 tons of steel), home of Super Bowl XLVI.    

To commemorate Nutrisystem’s 40^th anniversary, the Company is promoting 40% savings on all of its 28-day auto delivery programs. This limited time promotion, starting today, Wednesday, February 1, enables customers to save approximately 40% off the monthly cost of the Nutrisystem SUCCESS™ program, the Company’s best program to date. 

“This Company was founded on the belief that there has to be an easier way for people to lose weight,” says Joe Redling, Nutrisystem’s Chairman and CEO. “Nutrisystem’s innovative approach – to combine low-calorie prepared meals based on the science of the Low Glycemic Index (GI) with counseling and medical supervision – has withstood the test of time and is responsible for millions of pounds being lost on the Nutrisystem program. As we usher in our 40^th anniversary year, we thought the most fitting celebration was one that recognized the people who have made Nutrisystem what it is today – our customers – and give them a great savings offer.”

 SUCCESS™: The Best Nutrisystem® Program Ever

 Last month, Nutrisystem announced the launch of SUCCESS, its most substantial reformulation in years. The Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ approach is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating. 

 The SUCCESS program offers the Company’s largest ever assortment of fresh-frozen meals including new signature artisanal Chef’s Table^TM dinner entrees, developed by Nutrisystem’s Celebrity Chef Culinary Council using revolutionary advanced steamer technology; new chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee flavored high quality protein shakes used in conjunction with Nutrisystem® entrees to help improve satiety and to create an optimized nutrition profile; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3^TM” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own. 

 Pioneering Nutritional Science

 Nutrisystem’s heritage is one of pioneering efforts to change the way people not only lose weight, but also how they think about losing weight. Through its 40-year history the Company has focused on the science behind nutrition to help people lose weight, eat healthy, fight cravings, stay full longer and maintain weight loss. One of the Company’s early employees and key developer was Dr. Jay Satz, a microbiologist dedicated to innovative thinking and breakthrough approaches in nutritional and dietary science. It was Dr. Satz who pioneered reduced calorie, portion-controlled, pantry ready meals and later introduced the Glycemic Index measurement to the Nutrisystem® menu.  Currently, Dr. Satz is the Senior Scientific Advisor to Nutrisystem.

 That tradition of using science to solve the complex issue of weight loss and management continues today at Nutrisystem under the leadership of Dr. Bruce Daggy, Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Science Officer. The Company believes that a combination of satisfying nutrition plus behavior and attitudinal changes is the key to long-term success for its customers.

 “From early childhood, people learn by doing. As three-year olds, we weren’t reading books or attending counseling sessions, yet we learned a great deal,” says Daggy.” Nutrisystem uses this learn-by-doing approach to eliminate the guesswork around the quality, quantity and frequency of food intake.  ‘Now I get it’ is something we hear regularly from our customers.  While losing weight and improving their health, they are learning habits that will also help them succeed over the long-term.”

 “As our country faces a growing obesity epidemic, Nutrisystem is committed more than ever to helping people reclaim their lives and health,” adds Redling. “We are very proud of what we have accomplished over the last 40 years and are looking forward to helping America shed millions of more pounds in the years to come.”

 Since its founding in 1971, Nutrisystem has grown and changed as the diet and fitness category has evolved. Its most recent history begins when the Company moved its sales and customer interaction online. Below is a look at some of the key consumer highlights from this period:  

 Key Highlights

1999: Nutrisystem.com is launched
2001: NutriSystem begins selling its program through QVC
2003: A new food line, NutriSystem® Nourish®, is introduced with Low Glycemic Index eating
2006: New Men’s program soars with Dan Marino as first celebrity spokesperson
2007: Introduction of Nutrisystem® Silver® with Don Shula as spokesperson
2008: Introduction of Nutrisystem® Advanced® with improved nutritional science
2008: Marie Osmond loses 50 pounds on Nutrisystem and becomes a brand evangelist
2009: Publication of the first clinical trial of Nutrisystem in managing Type 2 diabetes, and the launch of Nutrisystem® D®, aimed at people living with Type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes
2009: Nutrisystem® Select® (fresh-frozen meals) and Costco gift cards become available
2009: Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™, as a National Promotional Sponsor, to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control
2010: Nutrisystem launches its website for healthcare professionals, www.nutrisystem.com/hcp
2011: Celebrity Chefs Council formed and new fresh-frozen Chef’s Table Collection™ dinner line debuts
2011: Nutrisystem named “Least Expensive Home Delivery Program” by CBS Money Watch
2011: A clinical trial confirming the benefits of Nutrisystem in managing Type 2 diabetes, including patients on virtually all diabetes medications, was presented at the annual conference of the Obesity Society
2011: Launch of SUCCESS, Janet Jackson introduced as Brand Ambassador for the 2012 diet season
2011: My Daily 3™ activity component added to program for the 2012 diet season
2012: Terry Bradshaw loses 32 pounds and champions Men’s program
2012:  Nutrisystem tallies more than 71 million pounds lost over the last decade on Nutrisystem 

Nutrisystem customers lost more than 71 million pounds over the past decade, which is equivalent to approximately:

• - 281,746 NFL Players (average NFL Player = 252 pounds)
• - 10,142,857 Vince Lombardi Trophies (this Super Bowl award weighs in at seven pounds)
• - 408 Boeing 737′s (most popular commercial plane) at maximum take-off capacity weight of 174,200 pounds
• - Expressed as sticks of butter laid end-to-end, would nearly circle the globe at the equator 

To celebrate Nutrisystem’s 40^th anniversary and to receive 40% off the Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ program, please visit www.nutrisystem.com/success4u or call 1-888-841-2572.

About Nutrisystem, Inc.

Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight-loss company. Nutrisystem^® products are sold direct to the consumer through nutrisystem.com, by phone, and at select retailers, with convenient home delivery. The Company offers proven nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem^® D^® program, specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem^® program is based on 40 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offers a variety of great tasting, satisfying, good carbohydrate meals that are designed to be heart healthy. The program was named the “Least Expensive Home Delivery Program” by CBS Money Watch in January 2011. The program has no membership fees and provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and online and mobile weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™, as well as to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. For more information or to become a customer, visit http://www.nutrisystem.com or call 1-800-435-4074. For the healthcare professional, please visit http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp . Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem.

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NUTRISYSTEM USHERS IN 2012 BY CELEBRATING SUCCESS STORY LOSING 123 POUNDS

NEWLY SLIM MOM GRACES COVER OF PEOPLE MAGAZINE’S ICONIC “HALF THEIR SIZE ISSUE” AND APPEARS ON “TODAY SHOW”

FORT WASHINGTON, PA (January 25, 2012) – Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), the leading home delivery weight loss program is proud to announce and applaud success story, Crystal Evans, for losing 123 pounds on the Nutrisystem ®program  and for being selected to grace the cover of PEOPLE Magazine’s annual iconic “Half Their Size” Issue earlier this month. In addition, Ms. Evans, the 28 year old mother of two from Washington State, also appeared on “The Today Show,” to share her weight loss success story in hope of inspiring others to get healthy.

Evans, who is 5’1’’, shares with PEOPLE how pregnancy complications with both her children caused her severe weight gain peaking at 240 pounds, which ultimately led to self-doubt and a fear of going out in public. This wasn’t the life she wanted for herself or for her family and knew that she had to make a change.

“I tried everything I knew after my daughter’s birth to lose the weight I gained, but nothing seemed to work until I found Nutrisystem , “explains Evans. “Nutrisystem helped me become the mother I always wanted to be. I am more confident now than ever before not just because I love how I look and feel, but also because I am proud of what I have accomplished.”

 “The success of our members, such as Crystal, inspire us at Nutrisystem every day and is living proof that losing weight can have a positive impact on a very personal basis and inspire others to make a change, “said Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem. “ We are so proud of Crystal for representing Nutrisystem in PEOPLE’s “Half Their Size” Issue and want to applaud her for her bravery in sharing her inspirational story and photos with the world.”

“I was honored and excited to be featured on the cover and appear on national TV. The best part was having people come up to me after they’d seen the story to let me know how my journey inspired them to finally make healthy changes,” added Crystal who plans to continue on with Nutrisystem’s maintenance program.

 In addition to Crystal being featured in PEOPLE Magazine and on “The Today Show”, Nutrisystem also celebrated the New Year with the introduction of SUCCESS, the Company’s most complete and comprehensive weight loss program to date and its most substantial reformulation in years. Longtime Nutrisystem spokespeople Dan Marino and Marie Osmond join superstar Janet Jackson and football great Terry Bradshaw as the Company’s all-star Brand Ambassador line-up for the launch of Nutrisystem SUCCESS.

The Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ approach is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating.  The SUCCESS program offers the Company’s largest ever assortment of signature artisanal fresh-frozen meals including new Chef’s Table^TM dinner entrees, developed by Nutrisystem’s Celebrity Chef Culinary Council using revolutionary advanced steamer technology; new chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee advanced protein shakes used in conjunction with Nutrisystem entrees to help improve satiety and to create an optimized nutrition profile; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3^TM” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own. 

To view additional Nutrisystem success stories like Crystal, and for more information on the Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ program and to order today, please visit www.nutrisystem.com/success4u or call 1-888-841-2572.

“Get On It” in 2012 with Nutrisystem SUCCESS

It’s been an exciting and innovative year for us at Nutrisystem which has led to the launch of our new Success program. You’ve heard us describe Success as our “Most Complete Program Ever” – but what does this mean, and how exactly have we improved the program’s effectiveness and the overall Nutrisystem experience?  Below, I’ve provided a brief explanation of 4 key program enhancements:

-          Simplified Meal Plan – The most important aspect of a diet is that it’s simple to use.  If you can’t use it, you can’t benefit from it. To follow our previous program, it was required that you supplement your Nutrisystem meals with 13-16 servings of additional grocery foods each day. These grocery foods were divided into 7 different categories over 5 pages which listed 277 different foods in 33 different serving sizes. We knew we had an opportunity to decrease the complexity of this aspect of our program which could lead to better adherence (and therefore Success!) and a better overall learning experience (vs. memorizing food lists).  Thus was borne our new meal plan which has consolidated these required supplemental grocery foods into 3 simple categories – Smart Carbs (nutrient dense carbohydrate containing foods), Power Fuels (healthy proteins and fats) and Unlimited Vegetables (no more counting out cherry tomatoes). You’ll see this new structure only requires 4-5 different grocery food additions each day (plus at least 4 servings of veggies) from 3 different categories in 5 standardized serving sizes. Best of all, it’s all on 1 quick reference page.

(Need another reason to be convinced this is a program you can use?  Try our new chef’s table foods – frozen entrees created by our Celebrity Chef’s Council that  quickly steam in the microwave– this is delicious eating here people, not diet food  – YUM!)

-          Optimized Nutrition Profile – An interesting fact, when you lose weight, you’re not just losing fat, you’re losing lean muscle mass too! Research has shown that following a low glycemic and high protein diet can help you keep more of that muscle during weight loss. The redesign of the meal plan, plus the inclusion of our daily protein shakes, has helped us boost up the amount of protein in the Success program to provide you this added benefit. Additionally, protein offers help in managing hunger. This protein shake is not a meal replacement (I like food; I wouldn’t want to drink my breakfast either). It’s basically a punched up glass of milk – delivering almost double the amount of protein as a glass of skim milk – designed to offer a convenient way for you to achieve healthy targets for protein and calcium intake.   

-          Focus on Fitness – It’s no secret, eating well is only half of the equation when it comes to long term weight control; we also have to move more. Easier said than done right? Exercising can seem time consuming, and more like a chore than fun. It was with these challenges in mind that we created My Daily 3 which is designed to make getting the 30 minutes of physical activity per day recommended by the experts easy and achievable. Just carve out three 10 minute increments each day to do something a little extra (i.e. walk to the supermarket, hike the stairs at work, take a bike ride around the block after dinner). Getting in the habit of being more physically active now, will not only improve your health and success while you’re losing weight, but will really be key to helping  you keep it off! 

-          A True Partnership for Lasting Success – Our program offers a learn-by-doing approach, ingraining healthy habits through daily practice. However, we realized we could do a better job in providing you support as you become more self-sufficient in applying these practices to your daily life and rely less on our prepared foods. Previously, you were either “on-program” or “off-program”.  With Nutrisystem Success you have access to flexible Transition and Maintenance Programs, which allow you decide how little or how much structure and support you need during each phase of your transformation towards the new you!

Has the Nutrisystem® program always been good? Absolutely! However, from your feedback and our investment in clinical research (5 new studies were accepted to US medical conferences last year and more are on the way) we’ve learned a few things about what we can do better to support our members in achieving their health and weight goals.  It’s this mission and this knowledge that drove the strategy of our new program, and I hope you’ll agree, there’s no better name for it than SUCCESS!

TERRY BRADSHAW SCORES A TOUCHDOWN AS THE NEW MEN’S SPOKESPERSON FOR NUTRISYSTEM

BRADSHAW FINDS SUCCESS WITH NUTRISYSTEM® FOR MEN AND LOSES 32 LBS. 

COMPANY LAUNCHES SUCCESS:  MOST COMPREHENSIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM IN THE 40 YEAR HISTORY OF NUTRISYSTEM 

FORT WASHINGTON, PA (December 23, 2011) – Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), the leading home delivery weight loss program, announces today the unveiling of football legend and sports commentator, Terry Bradshaw, as the Company’s new marquee spokesperson for the launch of the new Men’s SUCCESS program – the Company’s most comprehensive weight loss program to date and its most substantial reformulation in years. To date, Bradshaw has lost 32 pounds on the Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ program and plans to continue shedding weight. His goals are to lose a total of 40 pounds and to help inspire millions to get healthy by losing weight with Nutrisystem in the New Year. Nutrisystem will feature Bradshaw individually, as well as with long time spokesman, Dan Marino, in a testimonial-style ad campaign as part of its 2012 diet season efforts aimed at the men’s market, where the Company currently leads the category.  
 

Terry Bradshaw Succeeds with Nutrisystem
Bradshaw, who played 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was the first quarterback to win four Super Bowls, and led the Steelers to eight AFC Central championships. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, Bradshaw was known for calling his own plays throughout his football career. Off the field, Bradshaw’s expertise and infectious personality have landed the football great a successful career as a broadcast commentator, an actor in both movies and television, a New York Times best-selling author, as well as a sought after motivational speaker.  Bradshaw is currently the co-host of FOX NFL Sunday. 

“During my time as a professional football player and even after retirement, I stayed in great shape, but it wasn’t until all the injuries caught up with me and I couldn’t work out that the pounds started packing on,” says Bradshaw. “I found myself overweight and looking for the perfect plan to help me shed these packed pounds and get my health back, when I was inspired by Dan Marino’s and Coach Don Shula’s weight loss success on Nutrisystem and gave the program a try. Bottom line, Nutrisystem for Men is the go-to guy’s diet. It’s simple, has great tasting meals and didn’t leave me feeling hungry all the time. It works and that’s good enough for me in this game called real-life where the stakes are high and the prize is feeling lighter, and looking and feeling better.” 

“Terry Bradshaw is known as a tough competitor – someone who doesn’t let obstacles stand in his way,” says Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem. “With Nutrisystem he had a playbook to lose weight and get healthy without counting, tracking, weighing in or going to meetings. The results speak for themselves. Terry joins another football legend, Dan Marino, in talking directly and honestly with men about how to take weight off. We’re delighted to welcome Terry to the Nutrisystem family and know that he’ll be a leader in helping to motivate men around the country to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. “ 

SUCCESS™: The Most Comprehensive Nutrisystem® Program Ever

 On December 15^th, Nutrisystem announced the launch of SUCCESS, the Company’s most comprehensive weight loss program to date and its most substantial reformulation in years. Longtime Nutrisystem spokespeople Dan Marino and Marie Osmond join superstar Janet Jackson and football great Terry Bradshaw as the Company’s all-star Brand Ambassador line-up for the launch of Nutrisystem SUCCESS.

 The Nutrisystem SUCCESS approach is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating.  The SUCCESS program offers the Company’s largest ever assortment of signature artisanal fresh-frozen meals including new Chef’s Table^TM dinner entrees, developed by Nutrisystem’s Celebrity Chef Culinary Council using revolutionary advanced steamer technology; new chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee advanced protein shakes to help improve satiety and nutrition; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3^TM” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own. 

The SUCCESS program is built on the following four fundamental pillars:

 ·         Great Taste = Great Results – Fresh-frozen offerings will nearly double as the Company has worked with its esteemed Celebrity Chef Culinary Council to develop an exclusive line of Chef’s Table dinner entrees using a patented new microwaveable steamer bag technology. These signature dishes carry the name of the Chef who created the recipe. Presently, the Celebrity Chef Culinary Council includes: Kent Rathbun, Michael Solomonov, Mark Estee, Carmen Gonzalez and Tony Mantuano. 
  ·         It Works – The Nutrisystem reformulation involves advanced nutritional science to deliver a high level of satiety. Macro-nutrient reformulations optimize weight loss and help avoid pitfalls of typical low calorie diets such as hunger, cravings and eliminating entire food categories. The SUCCESS program’s simplified meal planner helps improve adherence and efficacy; those who adhere to the program can expect to lose between 1 –2 pounds per week.  Initial weight loss may be more. Importantly, clinically meaningful weight loss can take place in as little as a month, with reductions in the waistline and other markers of health. 
  ·         Flexibility and Maintenance – For the first time ever and as a direct result of customer feedback, Nutrisystem will offer a portfolio of flexible transition and maintenance plans including a la carte menu pricing for customers who want to personalize their programs from over 130 menu items.  Nutrisystem’s transition and weight loss maintenance plans were created to guide consumers through different phases of weight loss and maintenance.  These phases are now supported by an “At Home Tool Kit” that includes a Nutrisystem Meal Measure, a Healthy Steps™ Portion Control Serving Set, as well as a low Glycemic Index cookbook, “The Low GI Cookbook—Nutrisystem Edition.” With SUCCESS transition and maintenance plans, customers are now able to create a truly customizable program, combining their own meals with perfectly proportioned Nutrisystem meals delivered right to their door, ready in minutes with no counting points, weighing portions or attending meetings.   
 ·         Exercise Counts – Nutrisystem is also introducing “My Daily 3,” comprised of three 10-minute intervals of physical activity or 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Customers can take a short assessment quiz on www.nutrisystem.com and receive a personalized two-week sample “My Daily 3” program to get started.  The Nutrisystem website offers other valuable information to personalize fitness goals.  

To join Terry Bradshaw on the Nutrisystem SUCCESS program today, visit www.nutrisystem.com/success4u or call 1-888-841-2572.

 For photos of Terry as well as other Nutrisystem materials please go to: http://newsinfusion.com/events/nutrisystem

 To view the 2012 Men’s SUCCESS 7-day Sample Menu, please visit: http://www.nutrisystem.com/pdf/Sample_7DayMenu_MensPDF.pdf

 About Nutrisystem, Inc.

 Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight-loss company. Nutrisystem^® products are sold direct to the consumer through nutrisystem.com, by phone, and at select retailers, with convenient home delivery. The Company offers proven nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem^® D^® program, specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem^® program is based on 40 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offers a variety of great tasting, satisfying, good carbohydrate meals that are designed to be heart healthy. The program was named the “Least Expensive Home Delivery Program” by CBS Money Watch in January 2011. The program has no membership fees and provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and online and mobile weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™, as well as to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. For more information or to become a customer, visit http://www.nutrisystem.com or call 1-800-435-4074. For the healthcare professional, please visit http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp . Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem.

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ICONIC SUPERSTAR JANET JACKSON UNVEILED AS THE NEW FACE OF NUTRISYSTEM

COMPANY LAUNCHES SUCCESS:  MOST COMPREHENSIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM IN NUTRISYSTEM’S 40-YEAR HISTORY  

NUTRISYSTEM TEAMS WITH JACKSON FOR NATIONAL “GET ON IT” AD CAMPAIGN AND NUTRIBANK™ PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE  

FORT WASHINGTON, PA (December 15, 2011) – Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), the leading home delivery weight loss program, announces today its association with superstar Janet Jackson for the launch of SUCCESS, the Company’s most comprehensive weight loss program to date and its most substantial reformulation in years.  The program will include a national advertising campaign showcasing Ms. Jackson’s Nutrisystem weight loss success to date and her journey to sustainable, healthy eating.  

Reformulated Menu with Increased Protein, New Chef’s Table™ Steamer Entrees and Programs to Support Sustained Success 

The Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ approach is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating.  The SUCCESS program offers the Company’s largest ever assortment of signature artisanal fresh-frozen meals including new Chef’s Table™ dinner entrees, developed by Nutrisystem’s Celebrity Chef Culinary Council using revolutionary advanced steamer technology; new chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee advanced protein shakes; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3™” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own. 

Janet Jackson Succeeds With Nutrisystem 

Having written one of 2011′s biggest bestsellers which dealt in large part with her own on-going efforts to maintain a healthy body, Ms. Jackson enjoys a special position as an inspirational role model for women everywhere who are struggling with weight loss and body image issues. In her first effort as an author, the international superstar described her life-long efforts to address weight loss and fitness in True You, which went to number one on The New York Times bestseller list. True You and Ms. Jackson have inspired millions of people to face their concerns about weight, fitness and feeling healthy. True You is launching in soft cover to coincide with the announcement of the partnership with Nutrisystem. 

In this new role, Ms. Jackson will be the iconic new face for the Nutrisystem brand, the focal point of the SUCCESS campaign and the co-founder of a new initiative to help combat hunger. A fresh and inspiring role model for Nutrisystem, Ms. Jackson has never before endorsed a weight loss product and has done little in the endorsement arena.  She is very open about her personal weight struggles and will be appearing in a substantial national advertising campaign to help inform and motivate consumers.  The ads, which were shot on location in Australia during Ms. Jackson’s recent worldwide tour, will debut before the end of the year.  Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jake Nava, the campaign features Ms. Jackson in a documentary style format answering a series of questions in her own words. With the tagline “Get On It,” the commercials emphasize the importance of taking that first step toward success and Ms. Jackson’s own admission that the key to effective weight loss was accepting she “couldn’t do it alone.”  

“Dieting never worked for me, counting calories never worked for me, and denying myself the foods I love never worked for me. I needed a better plan, and I found it with Nutrisystem,” shares Ms. Jackson. “With Nutrisystem I am seeing results already, and I am so impressed by both the thought and the nutritional science behind the program. There are millions of women like me who want to be successful but don’t have the tools to do it on their own.  I hope I can help inspire them.”  

“Success is our most complete program ever, and we’re really proud of it.  There’s no better spokesperson to join us than Janet Jackson,” says Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem. “Janet’s story is one of a lifelong struggle with weight management and the journey to gain control and acceptance.  She has an authentic voice we believe will resonate with consumers, and we’ve never been more excited heading into a new campaign than we are right now.” 

According to Mr. Redling, Nutrisystem will also announce a new marquee spokesperson in the men’s market, where the Company leads the category, as a part of its 2012 diet season campaign.

NutriBank™: Solving Hunger. One Meal at a Time 

Nutrisystem and Ms. Jackson are also announcing the creation of NutriBank (www.nutribank.org), an innovative new philanthropic effort dedicated to nutrition and solving hunger around the world. NutriBank will work closely with national and international organizations to donate nutritious food and raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Ms. Jackson will serve as co-founder along with Mr. Redling.

“Hunger is an issue that is so meaningful to me,” says Ms. Jackson. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world during my career, and I’ve seen first hand the desperation on children’s faces who do not have enough to eat. I believe as a society we have to do better and NutriBank is going to allow me to work not only to provide food for the neediest, but also to use my voice to raise awareness of an issue that simply must be solved.” 

For every pound lost on Nutrisystem in 2012, the Company will match it with one dollar’s worth of nutritious Nutrisystem® food to be delivered through NutriBank to those in need. The Company has committed to donating up to $10 million in food contributions to NutriBank in 2012. “NutriBank wouldn’t be possible without our customers,” adds Redling. “They are taking weight off for all the right reasons, and we’re matching that loss with balanced nutrition delivered to the neediest. It’s a win-win situation and we’re honored to be working with Janet Jackson to have what we hope will be a real impact on one of the most serious issues of our day.” 

SUCCESS: The Most Comprehensive Nutrisystem Program Ever 

The SUCCESS program is built on the following four fundamental pillars: 

·         Great Taste = Great Results – Fresh-frozen offerings will nearly double as the Company has worked with its esteemed Celebrity Chef Culinary Council to develop an exclusive line of Chef’s Table dinner entrees using a patented new microwaveable steamer bag technology. These signature dishes carry the name of the Chef who created the recipe.  Presently, the Celebrity Chef Culinary Council includes: Kent Rathbun, Michael Solomonov, Mark Estee, Carmen Gonzalez and Tony Mantuano.
·         It Works – Nutrisystem’s reformulation involves advanced nutritional science to deliver a high level of satiety. Macro-nutrient reformulations optimize weight loss and help avoid pitfalls of typical low calorie diets such as hunger, cravings and eliminating entire food categories. The SUCCESS program’s simplified meal planner helps improve adherence and efficacy; those who adhere to the program can expect to lose between 1 –2 pounds per week.  Initial weight loss may be more. Importantly, clinically meaningful weight loss can take place in as little as a month, with reductions in the waistline and other markers of health. 
·          Flexibility and Maintenance – For the first time ever and as a direct result of customer feedback, Nutrisystem will offer a portfolio of flexible transition and maintenance plans including a la carte menu pricing for customers who want to personalize their programs from over 130 menu items.  Nutrisystem’s transition and weight loss maintenance plans were created to guide consumers through different phases of weight loss and maintenance.  These phases are now supported by an “At Home Tool Kit” that includes a Nutrisystem Meal Measure, a Healthy Steps™ Portion Control Serving Set, as well as a low Glycemic Index cookbook, “The Low GI Cookbook—Nutrisystem Edition.” With SUCCESS transition and maintenance plans, customers are now able to create a truly customizable program, combining their own meals with perfectly proportioned Nutrisystem meals delivered right to their door, ready in minutes with no counting points, weighing portions or attending meetings.   
·         Exercise Counts – Nutrisystem is also introducing “My Daily 3,” comprised of three 10-minute intervals of physical activity or 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Customers can take a short assessment quiz on www.nutrisystem.com and receive a personalized two-week sample “My Daily 3” program to get started.  The Nutrisystem website offers other valuable information to personalize fitness goals.  

“In developing the Nutrisystem® Success™ program, we wanted to provide customers with personal empowerment while also addressing common dieting pitfalls,” explains Dr. Bruce Daggy, Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Science Officer at Nutrisystem. “People learn by doing, and behavioral and attitudinal changes occur if we repeatedly gravitate toward decisions that are good for us and produce the result we’re looking for. That’s why Nutrisystem’s approach and the science behind its satisfying nutrition is so successful — both short- and long-term.” 

In the future, Nutrisystem looks forward to partnering with Ms. Jackson’s culinary consultant, Chef Andre Carthen of ACafe, to develop diet compliant, low glycemic meals that are specifically tailored to Ms. Jackson’s tastes and will become part of the menu items offered through the program. In addition, the Company will be working with Tony Martinez, a noted fitness expert who’s worked with Ms. Jackson for many years, to enhance the “My Daily 3” activity portfolio to include more tips, exercise routines and instructional videos. 

With each new Nutrisystem SUCCESS auto-delivery program order, customers will receive an exciting limited time introductory offer, including a money back guarantee. To order the new Nutrisystem SUCCESS program and other Nutrisystem® products, visit www.nutrisystem.com/success4u or call 1-888-841-2572. 

About Nutrisystem, Inc.

Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight-loss company. Nutrisystem^® products are sold direct to the consumer through nutrisystem.com, by phone, and at select retailers, with convenient home delivery. The Company offers proven nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem^® D^® program, specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem program is based on 40 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offers a variety of great tasting, satisfying, good carbohydrate meals that are designed to be heart healthy. The program was named the “Least Expensive Home Delivery Program” by CBS Money Watch in January 2011. The program has no membership fees and provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and online and mobile weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™, as well as to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. For more information or to become a customer, visit http://www.nutrisystem.com or call 1-800-435-4074. For the healthcare professional, please visit http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp. Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem.

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More Woes in the World of Weight Loss Supplements

This month the FDA & FTC announced that they had issued warning letters to seven companies marketing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) supplements (drops, pellets, or sprays) for weight loss.¹  This action was justified and is good news for consumers, who all too often waste money and, in some cases, risk harm from unproven weight loss supplements.  This action unfortunately does not mean that the HCG products will disappear from store shelves or online stores immediately; the manufacturers are allowed time to respond to the letters and may choose to contest the ruling.

HCG is a glycoprotein (a protein with attached sugars) hormone that supports pregnancy.  Simeons Therapy, which dates from the 1950s, suggested that injected HCG combined with a very low calorie diet of 500 calories per day produced weight loss with good hunger control and energy levels.  Of course people will lose weight if they consume only 500 calories per day, although that would not be a safe approach to weight loss.  Objective scientific review of the evidence concluded that the benefit of the inclusion HCG in such a program was unproven.²  Products in which HCG is orally ingested instead of injected, or is present at homeopathic (i.e., trace or absent) levels, have no possibility of being effective.

There is a role for dietary supplements in human health.  Omega-3 supplements are a good example.  The smallest omega-3 fatty acid, linolenic acid, cannot be made by the human body; we must obtain it from our diets, where it may be found in certain nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.  Our bodies only convert linolenic acid to the longer “fish oil” omega-3s, EPA and DHA, to a very limited extent, so we need these in our diets as well.  (By the way, fish also obtain these omega-3s from their diet – either from algae, or from smaller fish.)  Clinical studies have shown multiple health benefits from omega-3 fatty acids, resulting in FDA-approved health claims and even a prescription drug containing omega-3.  Since we may not get enough from our diets, supplements are inexpensive insurance to make sure we have what we need.  This is one of the few dietary supplements that Nutrisystem sells.

When it comes to weight loss supplements, Nutrisystem does not sell any.  FTC has made heroic and sustained efforts to stop fraudulent claims in this area³, but the problem persists. 

Forget the quick fixes, weight loss supplements included.  For realistic weight loss, start with and stay with diet and lifestyle change.  Even if your doctor also recommends drugs or surgery, diet and lifestyle should be at the core of your approach.

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¹ http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm282334.htm

² http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1365103/pdf/brjclinpharm00004-0042.pdf

³ http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/redflag/beyond.html

Holiday Survival Smarts: 10 Diet-friendly Strategies for Thanksgiving and Beyond

The holiday season is a dreaded time for many people on a weight loss program, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 10 easy ways you can enjoy the celebration days without feeling punished or sacrificing your Nutrisystem progress. 

1. Have a plan.  Think things through before you get to the actual holiday meals and parties. Maybe your strategy is to take tiny portions of different dishes; that’s okay. If you’re cooking, you might want to have your bottle of water with you in the kitchen, so you’re less tempted to snack. Do what you can to stay away from the appetizer table. Plan to avoid anything that’s not homemade. The point is that if you go in with a plan, you’ll be less likely to get caught off-guard. 

• - Utilize “The Low GI Cookbook – Nutrisystem Edition,” for cooking up some delicious holiday meals such as the Roasted Pumpkin and Mushroom Lasagna or Pork With Honey Glazed Apples, while staying on track and not depriving yourself of the holiday festivities. The cookbook is available for purchase over the phone or on nutrisystem.com. 

2. Stay on track. Holidays are not the time to skip meals in an attempt to “bank” calories. That’s a strategy that can backfire miserably. Instead, eat everything on your meal plan leading up to the holiday event, and make sure you’re drinking all your water. You’ll be less likely to overindulge at the big event. 

3. Set a goal. There’s something about holidays that makes people forget what they do the rest of the year. Do you already have weight loss goals set up for November, December and January? If not you can start today. Once you’ve set a short-term goal, decide on a way to reward yourself once the goal has been reached. 

4. Drink smart. Face it, overindulging during holiday events—whether it’s an office party, a family gathering or a neighborhood open house—can add a lot of extra calories to your day. In addition, when you’ve had too much to drink, it tends to weaken your previous resolve and derail any strategies and plans you might have had. Besides, you don’t want to end up as that karaoke-singing family member or neighbor everyone will be talking about for the next month. 

5. Trim the calories.  This tip is especially useful if you happen to be the primary cook for an event. In baked items, replace the fat with an equal amount of applesauce and the sugar with a sugar substitute; substitute a quarter cup of egg substitute for every egg called for in the recipe; replace butter with low fat margarine; replace whole milk with 1% milk and sour cream with yogurt; reduce the amount of nuts called for by half. And don’t forget both veggies and salad. 

6. Enlist support. Trying to maintain your Nutrisystem program can be hard at the holidays, but there’s no reason you have to go it alone. Ask for your family’s understanding or even their help, so nobody’s trying to foist “seconds” on you. Nutrisystem counselors can help you strategize, based on your individual circumstances. Or you can go to the Nutrisystem Discussion Boards, where you’ll find people who definitely understand what you’re trying to do. Discuss your concerns; share tips of your own, or join one of the many weight loss challenges. Some of them are specifically geared to the holidays. Introduce yourself well before the event, so you have that support already in place. 

7. Keep moving. Instead of just sitting around after dinner, suggest a family walk, or organize a touch-football game. Most people will be grateful for the chance to move around, and it can keep you on-track with your exercise plan. 

8. Quality not Quantity. If you do plan to indulge in some of the traditional Thanksgiving favorites, use these portions as a guideline:

• Turkey—3 oz. white meat, no skin (about the size of a deck of cards)
• Mashed potatoes—1/3 cup (about the size of half of a baseball)
• Gravy—1 Tbsp. (just drizzle it)
• Relish made with sugar—1 Tbsp.
• Stuffing—2 Tbsp.
• Dinner Roll—if not homemade, skip it
• Pie—1/12 of a 9” pie

 9. Eat Before You Go. Whether you are hosting or just attending a holiday function, be sure to eat your Nutrisystem entrée before the festivities begin — that way you won’t be tempted to overeat during the meal and will be able to stay on track. 

10. Embrace the holiday spirit.  This last tip may just be the most important: You can get so caught up in all the planning and hoopla that you lose the whole meaning of the holiday season—coming together with friends and loved ones. It’s the time that’s really valuable, not the food and drink.

Tracking the Non-Scale Victories

The rewards that come with weight loss are numerous, with just one of them being a lower number on the scale.  Many Nutrisystem members cheerfully report to our Counselors and on our Discussion Boards what we call Non-Scale Victories (NSV).  This term describes successes that cannot be measured on the scale.  Some NSV can be even more meaningful and rewarding than lost pounds.

For example, one member reported on the Discussion Board recently: “A big Non-Scale Victory for me today. My Fasting Blood Sugar this morning was 91! It hasn’t been that low in a long, long time. I credit the Nutrisystem D plan I’m on. WooHoo.”  (This is why Nutrisystem advises that you contact your doctor prior to going on the program as a change in your diet and/or your weight can affect your blood sugars as well as your medication dosage as early as the first day!) Another member, Cheryl, reported that her blood sugars have not been this good for a long time. *

One member wrote that since I lost weight “I no longer have the horrible swelling pain in my feet.”

Some of us have experienced the frustration of the scale not changing after days of watching portions and consistent exercise.  Fluid retention, hormonal changes, and medications can all affect weight.  When the scale is not moving in the right direction, even though you are working hard to make that happen, these NSV let you know that you are still making progress.  We encourage our members to take their measurements, since the tape measure can show improvements when the scale does not.  The scale only gives us one number which does not indicate how much of the weight is fat or muscle or how much is water.  For instance, a loss of fat coupled with a gain of muscle may result in no change on the scale, but smaller measurements and the better fit of your clothes constitute non-scale victories.

How many non-scale victories have you observed since starting your weight loss journey with Nutrisystem?

Increased energy?

More endurance to exercise longer?

Improved sleep?

More self confidence?

Greater sense of accomplishment?

Pat yourself on the back!  And keep tracking the NSV’s.

 *In a clinical study, those on Nutrisystem D, lowered fasting blood sugar levels from 149.5 to 115.2, compared to the control group, who lowered fasting blood sugar levels from 151.4 to 144.  Go to www.nutriystem.com for further study results.

Breaking the Fast Food Habit

 I happened to review the meal plan recently with a new member and was intrigued when he stated that he was still going to fast food restaurants three times a day to supplement the Nutrisystem entrees.  He made separate trips to get a scrambled egg to add to breakfast, a sliced apple for an afternoon snack, and a green salad to have with dinner.  Likely it was a social thing for him, as he lived alone and was in his 70’s. But his fast food lifestyle probably was a contributing factor in his weight gain, when he was not making such healthy selections as he is now. 

Most of us are looking for economical ways to put together fast meals for ourselves and our family.  After a long day at work we are tired and stressed, and don’t feel like spending much time in food preparation.  The drive-thru is an easy answer, but what are the long-term effects of this short-term solution?  Yes, there are a few healthy choices but overall the calorie, fat and sodium content of these menus is higher than recommended for good nutrition.  

With a little planning and a few basic cooking skills, I feel that we can avoid the fast food trap and instead have a healthy, low calorie meal on the table in only a few additional minutes.   (The Nutrisystem entrees, of course, make this easy.)  Certain quick-cooking methods retain nutrients, flavor and texture while limiting the amount of added fat and calories.  Learn to master these essential techniques:

1. Steaming:  Suspend vegetables over simmering water in a steamer basket to retain water-soluble vitamins, rather than boiling them submerged.  Limit cooking time to retain more color.  Or steam in the microwave which reduces cooking time.  (Most fast food restaurants have few vegetables on the menu, unless you consider French fries.)

2. Broiling or pan-grilling:  The goal is to eliminate fried foods to reduce calories and trans fat. Thinner cuts of meat, poultry and fish cook quickly.  Season with spices and herb blends instead of salt. 

3. Stir-frying: Use a non-stick pan or just enough oil to lightly coat the pan and stir constantly to keep food from sticking.   Combine a colorful blend of evenly-sized vegetables; shrimp, chicken strips or tofu can be added for a protein source.

On weekends when you have more time, try cooking dried beans or a few servings of brown or wild rice and freeze small portions.  

Save money and calories with a few basic cooking techniques, and the drive-thru need not be on your route home.

Back To You!

The approaching fall season means a return to a more “normal’ schedule for many households, with vacations ending and children and teens returning back to school.  This transition can result in plenty of shopping, chauffeuring, school functions and homework assistance but, hopefully, there will be some “me” time left (after the school bus leaves) to devote to your needs.

Many people look upon this time of the year as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, similar to New Years.  For kids, it’s a new grade, new friends, perhaps a new sport or even a new school.  Parents often have similar attitudes- as their children’s interests change, so do theirs.  For adults as well as children, it’s a perfect time of year to set different goals or concentrate on those that need refocusing.

I look forward to this time of year, as the cultural season gets back into full swing.  Even though my daughter is out of school and out of the house, it’s still a time of renewed energy for me.  One thing that I anticipate is the arrival of the adult school catalog which means an opportunity to develop a new hobby or skill.

Back to school can also mean “back to you” and to your weight loss goal that may have been suspended over the summer.  Now that vacations, cookouts, and weekends at the beach are over, it can be easier to follow your daily meal planner without so many challenges.  And with cooler weather coming, your daily walk will be more comfortable.  New fitness classes will be starting at the gym and Y soon; now is the time to sign-up.

In one of our weekly e-classes, I asked our members what the new school season meant to them.  Here are a few of their comments:

“With school starting it will be easier for me to focus on myself during the day.”

“After the school bus pulls away, I have time for myself.”

“Being a single parent, when my son is at school…I am at work.  This is my actual “me” time.”

If weekends tend to get chaotic with all of the kids’ activities, ask your Counselor for a copy of the “Day Off” Plan which shows you how to incorporate a low calorie restaurant meal into your weight loss plan. 

As one young mother pointed out in our e-class: “If you take care of yourself, you are a better mother to your kids – you have more energy and are a happier person.” So, no need to feel guilty about “back to you” time.