Nutrisystem Program will Debut in Over 600 Sam’s Club Locations
HORSHAM, PA (DEC. 7, 2009) – Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), a leading provider of weight management programs and services, announced that it expects to expand its retail presence through a new alliance with Sam’s Club. Nutrisystem will offer Sam’s Club members cards for its 35-day Program that will include Nutrisystem’s New Omega Chews, which is an optimum source of Omega-3s and helps support a healthy cardiovascular system, healthy cognitive function, and an overall heart-healthy lifestyle*. The weight loss programs will be available in over 600 Sam’s Clubs across the country, beginning in late December.
“We’re excited about our alliance with Sam’s Club and their 47 million members,” said Will Auchincloss, Senior Vice President of Business Development and International at Nutrisystem. “By combining the proven science of our weight loss program and the benefits of our new Omega Chews, we are offering Sam’s Club members, who want to lose weight, a compelling solution for a healthier lifestyle.”
Sam’s Club members will find the cards for the Nutrisystem 35-day Weight Loss Program with Omega Chews, in the gift card area of their local Sam’s Club store. The program may be purchased through a convenient retail card system that starts with buying a card and then activating it online at nutrisystem.com/startlosing or by calling 1-800-784-5657. Once the card is activated and the order is placed, the customer will receive their Nutrisystem program and food through the Company’s home delivery system so they can start losing weight. The Nutrisystem 35-day Program with Omega Chews consists of 35 days of the Nutrisystem favorites menu, plus Omega Chews, and when purchased at Sam’s Club, will also include shipping, free access to 24/7 weight loss counseling, and free membership to Nutrisystem’s robust online community.
It is estimated that diabetes care costs some $174 billion in healthcare expenditures annually. What’s more, about 80% of people with diabetes (14.3 million) are overweight, and 45% of people with diabetes (8.05 million) diet to lose weight, according to a recent Gallup survey. Being obese or overweight with diabetes impairs glucose tolerance, increases insulin resistance and enlarges fat cells, which, in turn, makes diabetes more severe.
The new NutriSystem D program is based on more than three decades of scientific research and proven experience on effective weight loss with exercise. NutriSystem D is based on a low Glycemic Index diet that integrates good carbohydrates into its meal plan. It’s also low in fat and high in fiber. The Glycemic Index measures how quickly food is broken down and absorbed by the body, which impacts blood sugar, a vital factor for people managing their diabetes. The unique combination of NutriSystem D helps support stable blood sugars and keeps you feeling fuller longer between meals. A recent clinical study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that for patients with Type 2 diabetes, 6-month treatment with a low-Glycemic Index diet resulted in moderately lower HbA(1c) levels compared with a high-cereal fiber diet.
New Nutrisystem D is based on a structured 28-Day meal plan that is completely customizable. The program features more than 140 gourmet-style selections that emphasize healthful whole grains, as well as low fat and low sodium dishes. NutriSystem D menu items are designed to be heart healthy with zero trans fat and low sodium. Customers can supplement their NutriSystem entrées with grocery-items like fresh fruit, vegetables, salads and low-fat dairy to complete their meals.
NutriSystem D meals are shipped free of charge to customers that are enrolled in our auto delivery program. The structured meal program does not require members visit centers to weigh-in or count carbs, calories or points.
“People with diabetes have to perform mental gymnastics when they attempt to lose weight– balancing macronutrients like carbohydrates and protein, with overall calories, all while keeping their blood sugar in check. The complexity causes many people to give up due to frustration,” explains Dr. Gary Foster, Director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education of the Temple University School of Medicine, and the principal investigator of the clinical study. “A structured plan makes the tough work of weight loss easier, it provides a jump start to help motivate patients.”