New Nutrisystem Works Offers Corporate America New Weapon in the Fight Against Obesity

"With the introduction of Nutrisystem Works, we're showing our commitment to helping fight obesity in America by giving corporate leaders an effective weight loss solution to help combat it in the workplace," said Joe Redling, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Nutrisystem.

12/06/09 Nutrisystem, Inc., a leading provider of weight management products and services, announced that it will now be offering its Nutrisystem Works program to companies and health plans across the country to help employers take control of rising health care costs. The obesity epidemic continues to rise and studies have shown that overweight employees annually cost employers more than $13 billion in medical fees and lost productivity over 39.2 million lost workdays and 124% higher hospital inpatient utilization than those with healthy weight. Employers can now provide their employees Nutrisystem Works, a proven weight loss solution based on over 35 years of science and nutritional research, all at a special discounted price.

"With the introduction of Nutrisystem Works, we're showing our commitment to helping fight obesity in America by giving corporate leaders an effective weight loss solution to help combat it in the workplace," said Joe Redling, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Nutrisystem. "As a CEO, I know how important it is for my employees to live a healthier lifestyle. We encourage companies everywhere to join us in the fight to improve the health of America through weight loss."

Nutrisystem is the first prepared foods program that totally integrates low Glycemic Index carbohydrates into a meal plan that is also low in fat, and high in fiber to help you feel full longer. It is a balanced nutritional program that also has zero trans fats, omega-3s and soluble fibers to help promote heart health. Nutrisystem offers a variety of programs tailored to women, men, seniors, and vegetarians.

Nutrisystem customers can choose from up to 170 restaurant-style menu items, including new gourmet, fresh frozen meals such as Shrimp Alfredo, Portobello Mushroom Beef Tips and even ice cream, all delivered right to the customer's door. Nutrisystem customers receive 24/7 support through free phone counseling with trained weight loss coaches, as well as free membership to Nutrisystem.com. The Nutrisystem website offers proprietary weight loss tips, information and tools, including menu planners, meal customization, as well as a supportive, knowledgeable online community of over 4 million.

Recently, Nutrisystem launched new Nutrisystem D, a program that is clinically tested to help people with type 2 diabetes lose 16 times more weight, reduce their blood sugar 5 times more compared to a hospital-directed program. New Nutrisystem D is designed specifically for the approximately 24 million overweight Americans with type 2 diabetes, as well as the 57 million overweight Americans who are at risk for diabetes. It is estimated that diabetes care costs about $174 billion in healthcare expenditures annually.

Nutrisystem Works is easy to implement and offers employers a wide range of valuable administrative tools too, including marketing support and quarterly utilization reports. A number of high profile companies and health plans already have access to the Nutrisystem Works program. People covered by CIGNA plans that include its Healthy Rewards program are eligible to receive discounts for certain Nutrisystem products and services. Rite Aid extends the offer to their national network of associates.

"Nutrisystem Works offers specific weight loss programs to fight against a growing problem - obesity," says Monica Woo, Executive Vice President Ecommerce and Chief Marketing Officer, Nutrisystem. "With the overall cost of obesity rising to $45 million annually, Nutrisystem offers employees a healthier future while helping their company to enjoy the benefits of increased productivity and decreased medical claims. This program will help companies build the bridge from healthy employees to a healthier company."

The value of a healthier and more productive workforce and the corresponding lower medical claims costs is measurable. Research has shown that for every $1 spent implementing a significant health-focused program, a company will save up to $6 in overall healthcare costs. Nutrisystem Works provides companies an effective weight loss program that can help reduce unnecessary healthcare related expenses.