Celebrity Host Sharon Osbourne Begins Weight Loss Journey with Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., a leader in the weight-management category, announced today that Sharon Osbourne, co-host of CBS's daytime talk show "The Talk," will be the new celebrity ambassador for the brand. As she nears her 60^th birthday, the candid talk show host has committed to taking her health more seriously and has teamed up with Atkins in an effort to lose extra pounds that she has accumulated over several busy and stressful years. 

"I am blessed to have an amazing, growing family and a supportive fan base. As I near a milestone birthday, I don't want to take my health for granted any longer.  I've struggled with my weight for years, and I wanted a diet plan that would ensure I'd look and feel great," said Osbourne. "After looking at other weight-loss plans, I realized that Atkins is the best plan for me because my body – like many women my age - doesn't process sugar and refined carbs well.  In just two weeks, I am already 11 pounds lighter!  I never feel hungry because I'm able to eat satisfying, filling food including many of my favorites.  I hope to be an inspiration to others, especially those who have battled with weight-loss and are looking for a plan that is effective, healthy and doesn't make you give up delicious foods!"

Backed by more than 80 published, scientific studies, Atkins is a long-term, well-balanced diet plan that encourages the consumption of protein, good carbs and a balance of fats.  The plan recommends more vegetables than is recommended by the USDA.  As the new celebrity ambassador discovers her personal carb balance, her journey will be chronicled online at Atkins.com where she will be contributing tips and advice for followers.  Additionally, she will appear in a robust marketing campaign, which will include print, online and television advertising. 

"Sharon brings amazing energy and excitement to the Atkins brand. She is a well-known and admired individual, who has conquered many of life's challenges.  We expect she will serve as tremendous inspiration to others looking to lose or maintain their weight and live healthier lives," said Monty Sharma, chief executive officer of Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. "The Atkins Diet is proven to help prevent and sometimes even reverse major health issues, which are common conditions for women at Sharon's age and weight."

Atkins is often misperceived as a high-protein, no-carb diet that restricts food groups.  In reality, the Atkins weight loss plan provides a long-term, well balanced diet approach.  It teaches individuals to find their personal carb balance.  The plan reduces added sugar and excessive carbohydrate intake, particularly of foods that have been shown to provide little nutritional value.  Since starting Atkins, Osbourne has been eating a wide array of vegetables, healthy fats and proteins such as chicken and fish.  She will be gradually adding carbohydrates into her diet until she reaches her personal carbohydrate balance and goal weight. 

To follow Osbourne on her weight-loss journey, visit Atkins.com.

About Sharon Osbourne
Acclaimed TV personality, Sharon Osbourne is an immensely successful manager, author, producer and philanthropist. Osbourne is a co-host on CBS's daytime talk show "The Talk," which features a panel of well-known news and entertainment personalities who examine current events, pop culture, contemporary issues, family, celebrity and the trending topics of the day. From 2007 to 2012, Sharon Osbourne could also be seen in her judge's chair on "America's Got Talent," NBC's top-rated summer reality competition series, which brings the variety format back to the forefront of American culture.

Over her accomplished, 30-year career, Osbourne has managed numerous successful artists' careers, such as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Electric Light Orchestra, Smashing Pumpkins, Motorhead and Slade. She is also credited with creating and producing the first reality celebrity TV show, "The Osbournes" on MTV, which won a primetime Emmy for Best Reality Show in 2002.

Lastly, a colon cancer survivor, she started the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation in association with Cedars Sinai Medical Center to provide free screenings, support and healthcare. 

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.
Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leader in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and management. The Atkins Diet focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins' four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available online at atkins.com and in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.