2011 OPTIFAST® 'New You' Weight Loss Competition Announced

Contest to Recognize Patients and Medical Professionals

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nestle Nutrition today announced the launch of the second annual OPTIFAST "New You" weight loss contest, designed to recognize the pursuit of and dedication to long-term weight loss by patients and medical professionals.

With 65 percent, or 200 million, Americans overweight and nearly one-in-three clinically obese (approximately 72 million)(1), the OPTIFAST "New You" weight loss contest recognizes OPTIFAST patients who achieve their weight loss goals and the medical professionals who helped them get there.

In 2010, the OPTIFAST "New You" contest named three Grand Prize winners who collectively lost a total of nearly 300lbs* and made long-term lifestyle changes to help maintain the loss.

This year, the OPTIFAST "New You" contest is also recognizing the unique role that physicians, nurses, registered dieticians and other members of the OPTIFAST support team play.

"While many weight loss contests celebrate modest weight loss from 10 to 20 pounds, the OPTIFAST 'New You' contest  focuses on those individuals, both patients and medical professionals, whose journeys may be longer and weight loss larger," said Bill Kesting, director and general manager for OPTIFAST. "Their stories inspire us, and we hope their stories will inspire others."

The 2011 contest will recognize three patients and their guests with a trip to New York City for a three-night get-away that includes a spa package makeover and $500 shopping spree. In addition, three medical professionals will be recognized for the integral role they play in weight loss with an OPTIFAST Inspire Award.

"The Nestle Nutrition OPTIFAST program has helped more than one million people affected by obesity over the last 35 years with its unique approach of providing medical support, counseling, education, and meal replacements," said Jamy Ard, M.D., associate professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama.

To participate, applicants must submit an application and a 500-word (or less) essay describing their journey with OPTIFAST.  Applications will be accepted until midnight on April 1, 2011. To enter, visit www.OPTIFAST.com to download an application and obtain contest rules and regulations.

About OPTIFAST

OPTIFAST was developed in 1974 to fill the growing need to manage obesity in a healthy, effective way. As diseases related to obesity became more prevalent, and more and more people began taking drastic measures to treat the problem, OPTIFAST was introduced as a sensible option for medically monitored weight loss. The OPTIFAST experience is one of the most comprehensive weight loss options available. The program combines support and counseling, lifestyle education, and medical monitoring with meal replacements to help people lose weight and reduce weight-related health risks. A team of dedicated medical professionals provide support. The OPTIFAST Program is available in over 400 clinics nationwide. For more information, to see patient stories and to find a clinic, visit www.optifast.com.

*The typical OPTIFAST patient loses 52 pounds in 22 weeks. For many dieters, weight loss is only temporary.

(1) Ogden CL, Carroll MD, McDowell MA, Flegal KM. Obesity among adults in the United States— no change since 2003–2004. NCHS data brief no 1. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2007 http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/index.html

SOURCE Nestle Nutrition Institute