Curves International, Inc. Announces Formation of Science Advisory Board

WACO, Texas, July 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Curves International, Inc., a leader in the fitness and weight management category and the largest weight loss and fitness club chain in the world for women, announced today the formation of its first Science Advisory Board consisting of nationally known experts in the fields of nutrition, exercise, metabolism, and wellness coaching.  The Science Advisory Board will work to educate consumers about the growing body of emerging research highlighting the health benefits associated with the principles behind the Curves fitness and nutrition program. The board will also oversee cutting edge science research on women's fitness and nutrition that is being conducted by Texas A&M exercise physiologists.

"We are very pleased to bring together these key thought leaders to establish the Curves Scientific Advisory Board," said Monty Sharma, chief executive officer and president of Curves International, Inc.  "Their deep insight into the health, exercise and wellness category will be instrumental in advancing our offerings and programs for consumers looking to improve their health. The establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board is essential given that science is the basis of all our innovations as we continually strive to bring consumers best-in-class offerings."

The board, as part of their role, will review the growing research that showcases the positive weight loss results and other health benefits associated with Curves Fitness and Curves Complete.  These benefits include improvement of a woman's body composition and metabolism by overall weight loss and fat loss, increased toned muscle and improvement in risk factors for diseases. Additionally, the group will continually advise Curves on the latest scientific research and medical studies that underscore the benefits, efficacy and value of Curves Fitness and Curves Complete as solutions for those women striving to achieve their health, wellness and weight loss goals. The board will also provide ongoing expert counsel across nutrition and fitness, as well as input for new product and program development.

The Curves International, Inc. Science Advisory Board includes:

Pamela M. Peeke, M.D., MPH, FACP
Dr. Peeke is chairman of the Curves International Science Advisory Board, Pew Foundation Scholar in Nutrition and Metabolism, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and a fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Elizabeth A. Applegate, Ph.D.
Dr. Applegate is the Director of Sports Nutrition, InterCollegiate Athletics at the University of California, Davis, Senior Lecturer for the Department of Nutrition, and nationally renowned sports nutrition expert.

Elizabeth Frates, M.D.
Dr. Frates is an Assistant Director of Medical Education at the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Harvard-Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, a certified Wellness Coach, and co-author of the wellness coaching chapter in the Lifestyle Medicine textbook.

James O. Hill, Ph.D.
Dr. Hill is Executive Director for the Colorado Center for Health & Wellness at the University of Colorado, Professor of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Colorado at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and past president of the American Society of Clinical Nutrition.

Margaret A. Moore, MBA
Ms. Moore is the Co-Director, Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard University Medical School, CEO and Founder of Wellcoaches Corporation, and co-author of the wellness coaching chapter in the Lifestyle Medicine text.

Russell Pate, Ph.D.
Dr. Pate is Professor, Department of Exercise Science at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Chair, Coordinating Committee for the National Physical Activity Plan, a nationally renowned expert in exercise physiology, and past president of the American College of Sports Medicine.

James M. Rippe, M.D.

Dr. Rippe is Associate Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, Founder and Director of Rippe Lifestyle Institute, Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, and senior editor of the Lifestyle Medicine text.

Judith C. Rodriguez, Ph.D., R.D., FADA
Dr. Rodriguez is Chairperson and Professor in the department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Florida, and past president of the American Dietetic Association.

Both Curves Fitness, featuring the 30-minute Circuit with a Coach, and Curves Complete, offering a 1-2-3 approach with the Curves Fitness program, customized Meal Plans and one-on-one Coaching, are backed by extensive research.  In fact, in a study conducted at the Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University, Curves Complete participants lost more than twice the fat compared to other leading diet programs.  Over a 16-week period, Curves Complete participants lost 14.1 pounds of fat, while women following the leading diet program lost only 6.4 pounds.

About Curves International, Inc.

Curves International, Inc. is the largest weight loss and fitness club chain in the world for women and is famous for its fitness program, a 30-minute circuit with a Coach that works every major muscle group with strength training, cardio and stretching. With Curves Complete, women have a fully integrated, personalized weight loss and weight management solution that includes the Curves fitness program, a customizable meal plan and one-on-one coaching and support. Backed by extensive research, Curves Complete has been shown to reduce fat, increase lean muscle, boost metabolism and help dieters lose weight and maintain weight loss. Each Curves Complete Coach has completed a certification program developed in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic, one of the most respected hospitals in the country. Curves is committed to providing women with the tools necessary to empower them to live more fulfilling lives.  For more information please visit curves.com.

SOURCE Curves International, Inc.