Nutrisystem Gears Up to Help the More Than Half of Americans Planning to Make Weight Loss One of Their New Year's Resolutions

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Dec. 26 , 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As a new survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Nutrisystem among over 3,000 U.S. adults in December, indicates more than half of Americans (54 percent) are planning to make New Year's resolutions to lose weight.  Nutrisystem (NASDAQ: NTRI), the leading provider of home-delivered weight loss meal plans, is gearing up to help them succeed in keeping those resolutions. 

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The Company has announced an expanded menu, free delivery, a satisfaction guarantee, transition programs and a revamped website designed to help people keep the weight off once they have reached their goal.  These efforts will be marked by an all-new, extensive national advertising campaign with three separate creative streams and more than ten distinct commercials reflecting proven weight loss results and different dieting personalities.

Nutrisystem also announced poll findings, which reveal a majority – 64 percent – of U.S. adults are willing to pay any amount per pound to reach and stay at an ideal weight.  For Americans citing weight loss as a New Year's resolution, that number goes up to 80 percent.

"Our plans and the polling reflect the fact that resolving to lose weight is the easy part, which is why it's consistently one of the most popular New Year's resolutions.  But following through is where it gets tough," said Dawn Zier, Nutrisystem Chief Executive Officer.  "That's why we've taken steps to make it easier than ever to lose weight and help keep it off with the Nutrisystem ® SUCCESS approach.  We're all about results and the more you know about weight loss, the more sense we make as an informed choice."

Results-Driven Science Meets Affordability

Nutrisystem has intensively studied the best foods and ingredients to help dieters avoid the dieting pitfalls such as hunger, cravings and eliminating entire food categories. The integration of low Glycemic Index (GI), low-fat and high-fiber means Nutrisystem plans offer "good" carbs -- in a unique combination.  The SUCCESS program's simplified meal planner helps improve people's ability to stick with their diet.  Clinically meaningful weight loss can take place in as little as a month, with reductions in the waistline and improvements in other markers of health.

"Clinical research shows that low GI eating is a safe and effective way to manage your weight," noted Dr. Bruce Daggy, Nutrisystem's Chief Science Officer. "Nutrisystem® foods are clinically tested to determine their Glycemic Index values.  This makes Nutrisystem an easy way to get started on a diet that can make resolutions a reality." 

Nutrisystem makes all this available at an approachable price point.  "The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune to model the convenience celebrities enjoy with home-delivered meals," described Mike Amburgey, Nutrisystem Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).  "People are genuinely delighted and relieved when they realize they've finally found a structured program that's guaranteed to work, fits their lifestyle, allows them to choose their favorite menu items and starts at less than $8 a day."

Nutrisystem New Year's Resolution Survey

The new study commissioned by Nutrisystem, reveals Americans, once again, have weight loss on their minds for the 2013 New Year and place premium value on sustaining an ideal weight.

Among the survey's findings:

• 64 percent of U.S. adults are willing to pay any amount per pound to reach and stay at an ideal weight. 
• Adults age 18-34 (73 percent) and those age 35-44 (68 percent) are both significantly more likely than those age 55+ (55 percent) to say they'd spend any amount per pound. 
• Single/never married adults (71 percent) are also more likely to say they'd spend any amount per pound than those who are married (61 percent).
• Over half – 54 percent – of U.S adults indicate they are planning to make weight loss one of their New Year's resolutions.
• Those age 18-44 are more likely than those age 45+ to indicate weight loss as a resolution (59 percent vs. 49 percent, respectively).
• Women (56 percent) are significantly more likely than men (51 percent) to say weight loss will be part of their New Year's resolutions.
• Those with children under 18 in their households (59 percent) are more likely than those with no children present (51 percent) to have weight loss resolution plans.

Additional Nutrisystem "Fast Facts"

• Last year, Nutrisystem received an average of 3,000 inquiries an hour by phone and web throughout the month of January. 
• Over the past 10 years, Nutrisystem has helped customers lose over 70 million pounds.
• Approximately 50 percent of incoming calls for Nutrisystem Men's Plan come from wives and girlfriends.
• The most popular Nutrisystem® menu items are:  Fudge Graham Lunch Bar (women) and Pasta with Beef (men).

Free Shipping & Money-Back Guarantee

Nutrisystem offers free shipping with Auto-Delivery orders in the Continental U.S. and a 14-day money-back guarantee on all first time 28-day orders. 

Expanded Menu

To help dieters succeed in the New Year, Nutrisystem is adding nearly 30 new and improved foods -- among them are Chicken Pot Pie, Spicy King Pao Noodle, Cinnamon Streusel Muffin and a Cheesecake Bar.  Today, there are literally hundreds of Nutrisystem menu combinations, including gourmet-style frozen dishes, as well as the convenience of pantry-ready choices, which are easily storable and transportable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert in the office or on the road.  Nutrisystem offers tailored plans for women, men, seniors, teens, and vegetarians.  The Company also offers a special program – called Nutrisystem D – specifically designed for the increasing number of people with diabetes, as well as those who are at risk for diabetes.

Improved Website

Just in time for the New Year's resolution rush, Nutrisystem has redesigned its extensive website – Nutrisystem.com – to make it even easier to sign up and get information and advice to help dieters succeed.  Last year, Nutrisystem received an average of 3,000 inquiries an hour by phone and web throughout the month of January. 

The website also offers free online tools and trackers, tips and community support with complimentary access to registered dietitians, weight loss counselors and certified diabetes educators.  Once a member reaches their goal, there are now a variety of maintenance programs to help them transition back to eating on their own.

Real-Life Success Stories

Nutrisystem programs appeal to a wide-range of people interested in losing weight for a variety of reasons – people like Dr. Michael Haney, a physician who understood the need to lose weight to become a better role model for his family and patients; Nick Gaudio, a 30-year old whose weight gain left him feeling depressed; Tara Primis, a mother of two whose weight had grown to 276 pounds and was looking for a vegetarian program to guide her through weight loss; Mara Hall and Coralee Grebe who both chose Nutrisystem D to help lose weight to better manage their diabetes and prediabetes conditions, respectively.

Sneak Peek at New Ads

Nutrisystem has revealed it will launch a campaign featuring multiple creative streams during the peak diet season to reach different dieting segments with more targeted, relevant messaging.  "We know there are different kinds of dieters and we know we have high brand recognition," explained Amburgey.  "The challenge becomes how can we explain the Nutrisystem trifecta – efficacy, easy-of-use and value."  The distinct advertising creative concepts will roll out beginning December 26 and will be complemented by direct marketing and social efforts on the Company's Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram pages where real customers have already started posting pictures declaring their readiness. Here are brief descriptions of the three creative platforms, along with sample video:

"Now I Can" – A fresh take on the personal testimonial with "humanized" celebrities and real people in the same format.  In this execution, the Nutrisystem® program is the hero, the individual's personal dieting struggle is solved and their success is celebrated. 

"Tipping the Scales" – The goal of these truly unique ads is to reach out to those who may have considered Nutrisystem, but have not tried it yet.  The life's "tipping points" theme – those triggers to gaining weight most of us experience in life – is something almost anyone can relate to. 

 "Open the Box" – This explanatory spot helps showcase the wide range of components that come at no additional charge as part of the most popular Nutrisystem programs –  everything from science to expert counseling and group support.  This creative is designed to complement the other spots and provide additional context

To find out more information about Nutrisystem for the New Year and to order today, click here or call 1-888-841-2572. You can also find more information about Nutrisystem on Facebook at facebook.com/Nutrisystem and on Twitter at twitter.com/Nutrisystem

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Nutrisystem from Dec 7 – 11, 2012 among 3,036 adults age 18 and older.  For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please visit harrisinteractive.com

Additional information on Nutrisystem; extensive real-life testimonials; interviews with executives and renowned experts + video and images available upon request.

About Nutrisystem

Having helped Americans lose millions of pounds over the last 40 years, Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) develops evidence-based programs for healthy weight management, and is the leading provider of home-delivered weight loss meal plans. Nutrisystem offers balanced nutrition in the form of low glycemic index meal plans designed for men and women, including seniors, vegetarians and the Nutrisystem® D® program for people with diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Nutrisystem® plans include a wide variety of pantry and frozen entrees and snacks to aid in program satisfaction and adherence, as well as transition plans to support long-term success. The Fort Washington, PA-based company also provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and registered dietitians, as well as through an engaged online community, online tools and trackers, mobile apps, cookbooks and more. Healthcare professionals may learn more about the programs by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp. The Company has also introduced a new in-store retail line, Nutrisystem® Everyday ® products, comprised of nutritionally balanced bars, smoothies, bakery and breakfast items aimed at consumers who aspire to eat healthier.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll® and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers proprietary solutions in the areas of market and customer insight, corporate brand and reputation strategy, and marketing, advertising, public relations and communications research. Harris possesses expertise in a wide range of industries including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Additionally, Harris has a portfolio of multi-client offerings that complement our custom solutions while maximizing our client's research investment. Serving clients in more than 196 countries and territories through our North American and European offices, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us - and our clients—stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

SOURCE Nutrisystem, Inc.