2015 OPTIFAST® "INSPIRE" Award Celebrates Healthcare Professional

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Dec. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé Health Science today recognized Christelle Leiker, Certified Nurse Practitioner, for her unwavering commitment to promoting the health and well-being of her patients. Christelle practices at the Texas Center for Obesity and General Surgery, where she runs the nonsurgical weight management program.

The OPTIFAST^® "INSPIRE" award recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals for their dedication to helping patients achieve long-term weight loss and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. These individuals devote themselves to the long-term success of their patients, taking the time to understand their unique needs and provide one-on-one support. The recipients of this award inspire patients throughout their weight loss journey by providing personalized guidance on how to best integrate the OPTIFAST Program into their everyday lives, ultimately assisting with long-term success.

Originally from South Africa, Christelle began her career more than two decades ago as a Registered Nurse when she moved to the United States. During her 16-year tenure as a Registered Nurse, Christelle developed a passion for helping people make healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Nursing and became a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner, a specialty that allows her to manage the care of patients of all ages.

Today, Christelle sees between 15 and 30 patients a day, each of whom she offers a personalized one-on-one approach to weight management. When asked why she recommends the OPTIFAST Program to her patients, she says, "I'm a complete believer. When I see the opportunity for a patient to go on the OPTIFAST Program, I encourage it."

To learn more about the INSPIRE award and the OPTIFAST Program, please visit www.OPTIFAST.com.

About OPTIFAST^®
The OPTIFAST Program was developed in 1974 to fill the growing need to address obesity in a healthy, effective way. As diseases related to obesity became more prevalent, and more people began seeking a solution, the OPTIFAST Program was introduced as a sensible option for lifestyle transformation. The program combines support and counseling, lifestyle education, and medical monitoring with meal replacements to help people lose weight, which can in turn reduce weight-related health risks. Medical supervision is a key component of the program. The OPTIFAST Program is offered by Nestlé Health Science and is available in key markets worldwide. For more information, to see patient stories and to find a clinic, visit www.optifast.com.  

About Nestlé Health Science
Nestlé Health Science, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestlé, is a health-science company engaged in advancing the role of nutritional therapy to change the course of health for consumers, patients and its partners in healthcare. Nestlé Health Science's portfolio of nutrition solutions, supported variously by proprietary diagnostics and devices, targets a number of health areas, such as inborn errors of metabolism, pediatric and acute care, obesity care, healthy aging as well as gastrointestinal and brain health. Through investing in innovation and leveraging leading edge science, Nestlé Health Science brings forward innovative nutritional therapies with proven clinical, health economic value and quality of life benefits. Nestlé Health Science employs around 3,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Epalinges (near Lausanne), Switzerland. For more information, please visit www.nestlehealthscience.us.

*The typical OPTIFAST patient loses over 50 pounds in 18-24 weeks. For many dieters, weight loss is temporary.

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SOURCE Nestle Health Science