Nutrisystem Expands Science Advisory Board

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), a leading provider of weight management products and services, announced today the expansion of its Science Advisory Board to broaden and deepen scientific understanding relevant to Nutrisystem® programs and products. The board is now composed of a team of renowned professionals, each with distinct backgrounds and expertise, who will help Nutrisystem evaluate existing research as well as develop new programs of research related to the weight loss industry.

"The further development of our Science Advisory Board marks a pivotal moment for Nutrisystem as we build on our leadership position in the weight loss industry," said Dawn Zier, President and CEO of Nutrisystem. "These talented and distinguished individuals will provide expert guidance on research and development initiatives that in turn will help us improve our programs and products for our customers. We are both honored and delighted to be working with them."

The Nutrisystem Science Advisory Board is led by Chair, Thomas Wadden, Ph.D., Albert J. Stunkard Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders. Dr. Wadden is an internationally renowned expert in the treatment of obesity with lifestyle modification. He is a past president of The Obesity Society, and has been recognized by the Society with the TOPS Scientific Achievement Award, as well as the George A. Bray Founder's Award. Dr. Wadden's research on the induction and maintenance of weight loss by diet, exercise, behavior therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for the past 30 years and has been published in over 300 peer-reviewed articles.

Additional members of the board include:

Caroline Apovian, M.D., FACP, FACN, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, Director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center and Co-Director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Support Services at Boston Medical Center. Dr. Apovian is an internationally recognized authority on nutrition and has been in the field of obesity and nutrition since 1990. She was a recipient of the Physician Nutrition Specialist Award, given by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition and has published over 100 articles, chapters, and reviews on the topics of obesity, nutrition, and the relationship between adipose tissue and risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Dr. Apovian will serve as Medical Advisor to Nutrisystem.

Andy Baldwin, M.D., a board-certified Family Physician who earned a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude from Duke University and his M.D. from The University of California, San Francisco. He currently serves as Senior Medical Officer on the USS Makin Island in San Diego, California, while also pursuing a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Baldwin is a global humanitarian, diver, 8-time Ironman finisher and motivational speaker.  He has completed internationally in more than 50 marathons, triathlons, half-Ironmans and Ironman events, was named to the All-Navy Triathlon Team five times, and is a three-time U.S.A. Triathlon All-American. Dr. Baldwin served in Washington, D.C. as a spokesman and advocate for Navy medicine and assisted the U.S. Surgeon General with a program called Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future.  He also serves as an advocate for the "Let's Move" Campaign headed by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Gary Bennett, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Global Health, and Medicine at Duke University. Dr. Bennett leads the Duke Obesity Prevention Program and the Duke Digital Health Science Center, is affiliated with the Duke Cancer Institute and the Duke Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research. His research program seeks to prevent and reduce obesity in high-risk populations. In particular, his work leverages new media technologies to better manage obesity in the primary care setting.

Lou Cooperhouse, M.S., President and CEO at Food Spectrum, LLC, is recognized as an industry expert in food business innovation and incubation. During his 30-year career, he has successfully led cross-functional teams in innovative businesses in the health, wellness and medical nutrition category and in the perishable foods industry.  Mr. Cooperhouse has served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the National Business Incubation Association, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Refrigerated Foods Association, President of the New Jersey Business Incubation Network, Chairman and President of the New Jersey Food Processors Association, and as Director of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center. He holds degrees in Food Science and Microbiology, both from Rutgers University, and has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Rutgers Business School.

Linda Delahanty, M.S., R.D. is Chief Dietitian at the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Clinic and Director of Nutrition and Behavioral Research at the MGH Diabetes Research Center. Ms. Delahanty is a nationally recognized authority on nutrition and lifestyle interventions for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. She was a recipient of the National Award for Excellence in the Practice of Dietetics Research and the Medallion Award for lifetime achievement in the dietetics profession from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to serving as a co-investigator and Lead Interventionist for the Diabetes Prevention Program and Look AHEAD studies (both funded by the National Institutes of Health), Ms. Delahanty has published extensively from these studies, particularly on the factors associated with successful weight loss and maintenance.

Jay Satz, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientific Advisor to Nutrisystem since his retirement from the company in 2009 and sits on the Board of Temple University's School of Science & Technology. A key developer of the Nutrisystem food program since 1978, Dr. Satz has a proven track record of innovative thinking and breakthrough approaches in nutrition and dietary science. A graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Satz has a diverse background in the fields of medicine, nutrition and public health, beginning his professional career studying diseases at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Dr. Satz was one of the first individuals to create calorie-controlled, shelf-stable, portion-controlled meal plans, which has remained a core concept of the Nutrisystem program throughout the years.

"I am thrilled to be working with this respected team of experts. These scientists and clinicians bring complimentary areas of expertise that will help guide us as we seek to enhance our programs, products, and services to support real lifestyle change," said Dr. Anthony Fabricatore, Vice President of Research and Development at Nutrisystem.

To learn more about Nutrisystem, its plans and menu items or to order now, please visit www.nutrisystem.com.

About Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) is a leading provider of structured home-delivered weight loss meal plans, and has helped consumers lose weight for more than 40 years by providing quality foods and a nutritionally balanced meal program. For diet season 2014, Nutrisystem, based in Fort Washington, PA, has introduced the Nutrisystem® My Way® program, which factors in an individual's metabolic needs, along with the Fast 5™ kit for accelerated initial weight loss. Meal plans feature more than 150 menu options, along with complimentary, optional counseling from trained weight-loss coaches, registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators. Customers are provided further support from the online community, tools, trackers, mobile apps, cookbooks and more. Nutrisystem® plans are personalized to meet individual health goals and are consistent with national guidelines for dietary intake meeting targets for fat, sodium, sugar, cholesterol and fiber as well as national guidelines for physical activity. Additionally, plans can be customized to specific dietary needs and preferences including the Nutrisystem® D® program for people with diabetes or those at risk for type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals may learn more about the programs by visiting www.nutrisystem.com/hcp. Nutrisystem® weight loss plans are available directly to consumers through www.nutrisystem.com, by phone (1-800-435-4074) and at select retailers.

SOURCE Nutrisystem, Inc.