Nutrisystem Launches Web Site for Healthcare Professionals

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutrisystem, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRI), the number one home delivery weight loss company, announces the re-launch of its Healthcare Professional Web Site, http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp, designed to inform physicians, dietitians, diabetes educators and other specialists seeking information about Nutrisystem programs and the science that supports them. The web site will enable healthcare professionals to evaluate the different programs and will answer questions as to how losing weight with Nutrisystem can affect their patients' health.

The announcement comes shortly after Diabetes Alert Day, observed on March 22. The Nutrisystem® D™ program, featured prominently on the site, was specifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes, but is also appropriate for people with type 1 diabetes or pre-diabetes.  The program is based on the Glycemic Index, which measures how the carbohydrates in food affect blood glucose levels. Using the site, professionals are able to request free Patient Education Kits to help their patients learn more about Nutrisystem D.

"With the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and other weight-related conditions in America, there is a clear need for effective weight management options that are based on sound science.  Too many consumers are turning to ineffective products, or are attempting the very difficult challenge of losing weight and keeping it off on their own.  The medical community needs to know about tools that can help them to help their patients achieve and maintain healthy body weights.  We, at Nutrisystem are proud to offer products, information and services to address this need," said Bruce Daggy, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development at Nutrisystem.

On the site, visitors will find information outlining the clinical research backing Nutrisystem D, as well as specific information about all Nutrisystem programs. Nutrisystem is committed to developing high quality weight management programs that are both evidence-based and relevant. The Company has a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of a panel of leading experts in the weight management field.  To ensure its offerings are consistent with the latest and most accurate nutrition and health information, these professionals advise the Company on the development and testing of its programs.  A description of the Board can also be found at the Company website.

To further offer information for professionals, a clinical trial, with some study participants using Nutrisystem D is available for review. The Nutrisystem D program was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial funded by Nutrisystem. Participants were obese patients with type 2 diabetes who were not using insulin and were randomized to receive either the Nutrisystem D program and weekly group sessions, or a standard care program of diabetes support and education for 3 months. Importantly, a significantly greater percentage of participants in the Nutrisystem D group achieved good diabetes control (HbA1c < 7.0%) at 3 months, compared with those in the standard care group.

For more than 39 years, Nutrisystem® weight loss programs have offered customers a wide variety of delicious meals, snacks and desserts that are part of a unique system which combines advanced nutrition, proper portion control, and frequent meal occasions with the ultimate in convenience and ease of use. By providing a low glycemic index diet, the Nutrisystem program delivers sustained energy and hunger control throughout the day. Nutrisystem's combination of sound nutritional science, great taste and variety provide consumers with an effective option that will deliver healthy weight loss.

Healthcare professionals can visit http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp to learn more about the science behind Nutrisystem.

About Nutrisystem, Inc.

Nutrisystem, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight loss company. Nutrisystem is 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 programs are based on more than 39 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offer a variety of great tasting, satisfying high-fiber, good carbohydrate meals that are heart healthy. Nutrisystem 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 weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™ and WomenHeart, The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, in its mission to bring about a greater awareness of the link between heart disease and obesity. For more information or to become a customer visit http://www.nutrisystem.com or call 1-800-891-3215. Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem.

SOURCE Nutrisystem, Inc.