Personalized weight loss app: Nutrisystem tailors diets according to nutritional needs and food favorites

02 Jan 2020 --- Following the indulgence of the holiday season, many consumers are interested in bouncing back into a healthy lifestyle including opting for healthier food choices and potentially losing weight. In this space, Nutrisystem, a Tivity Health brand, has launched its new personalized weight loss plans. Recognizing that each person is unique – with different body types, individual goals, and varied food tastes – the new plans provide custom macronutrients for optimal weight loss, food recommendations based on individual favorites and tailored, simple action plans delivered via the free NuMi app. This way customers can reach their target weight loss goals and learn how to keep the weight off, the company says.

“We recognize that we’re all different, and Nutrisystem embraces and celebrates that individuality with its ‘one size does not fit all’ approach to weight loss and maintenance. Our new, personalized methodology is an evolution for the brand as we continue to listen and respond to our customers' needs,” says Keira Krausz, President, Nutrition Business Unit at Tivity Health.

Using a proprietary algorithm that takes into account each consumer’s body type, food preferences, weight loss target and level of physical activity, Nutrisystem can precisely determine the most effective plan for each individual. That personalized plan is then delivered directly to the customer’s door and provides over half of the overall program’s necessary caloric contribution. The remaining caloric contribution comes from fresh grocery food additions, giving customers added menu flexibility and guiding them towards sustainable weight loss, the company notes.

The NuMi app provides support via personal meal plans, grocery guides, and content tailored for each customer. Consumers can track progress, join weekly challenges that reinforce healthy habits and compete for prizes. 

Using a proprietary algorithm Nutrisystem can precisely determine the most effective plan for each individual. For each personalized meal plan, the macronutrient (carbohydrate, fat, protein) breakdown is developed based on the scientific literature that supports associations between where one distributes body fat on and within their body and metabolic outcomes which play a direct role in the efficiency of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Nutrisystem’s own extensive studies also show that a personalized approach to weight loss has been associated with better and more sustained adherence. 

Up with the plant-based and clean label trends
To accompany the rollout of its personal plans, Nutrisystem also announced 41 all-new foods included in the plans, the most the brand has released in years. Foods debuting this year include a collection of plant-based grain and vegetable lunch bowls (flavors include Mango Verde, Sweet Ginger and Mediterranean Style) and an assortment of cream-filled dessert cupcakes (flavors include Chocolate, Strawberry Shortcake and Carrot Cake). 

“The introduction of additional menu items is instrumental to the personal program, which tailors each customer's plan to their health needs and personal tastes. Our commitment to providing the healthiest and highest-quality ingredients for our customers continues as we diversify our menu options,” says Sharon Tate, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Food Development for Nutrisystem. 

Recently, the company also announced its Food and Nutrition Mission to make its foods fresher, its labels cleaner, and its approach to ingredients being more transparent. 

Nutrisystem's foods already contain no artificial flavors or sweeteners, no colors from artificial sources, no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial trans fats. In 2019, Nutrisystem developed a list of 71 Restricted Ingredients and set a goal to eliminate seven more over the next year. The restriction of these ingredients more closely aligns Nutrisystem foods with popular, clean label food retailers and the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). 

Edited by Kristiana Lalou