OPTIFAST® 'New You' Weight-Loss Competition Winners Announced

Winners from Chicago, South Carolina and Indiana Rewarded With Makeover, Trip to New York City

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nestle HealthCare Nutrition today announced the winners of the OPTIFAST^® "New You" weight-loss contest. Losing a combined total of more than 240 pounds*, the grand prize winners embarked on a weekend-long trip to New York City for makeovers and shopping sprees to mark the final chapter of their mental and physical transformations.

The "New You" contest is designed to encourage and reward OPTIFAST^® patients for their perseverance and dedicated efforts to lasting healthy lifestyle changes. The OPTIFAST^® program is a clinically proven, comprehensive approach to weight loss.* It involves support and counseling from medical professionals, lifestyle education and medical monitoring with full meal replacement to help people lose weight and significantly reduce the risk of the effects of associated co-morbidities like Type II Diabetes and heart disease.

The 2010 "New You" contest winners are as follows. To view before and after pictures and learn more about the winners, please visit http://www.optifast.com/Pages/contest.aspx.  

• Sandra Dyarman, New Haven, Indiana: Sandra has struggled with her weight since childhood and always put her family before herself, but when her doctor pointed out that she would not be able to live a long and quality life at her current weight, she made the decision to make herself a priority. After losing more than 70lbs*, she can now keep up with her 22 year-old daughter and walk up to four miles at a time.
• Patricia Jaynes, Greer, South Carolina: Pat's successful weight loss of 70lbs* has given her a new lease on life.  She's no longer tethered to an oxygen tank and receiving daily insulin injections. Instead, she walks 3-6 miles a day, attends Curves and enjoys riding her bike, something she hasn't been able to do in seven years. She hopes her story will inspire other people to realize "anything is possible."
• Alfred Perez, Chicago, Illinois: Alfred was affectionately known as "the big guy" for most of his life and yo-yo dieted without success for nearly 10 years. He remained committed to the program during the entire holiday season and a number of business trips. To date, Alfred has lost 100lbs* and celebrates his new healthy lifestyle by running a half-marathon once a month.

"We are so proud and excited to reward these individuals for their unwavering dedication to their long-term health," said Bill Kesting, Director & General Manager for OPTIFAST^®. "Their stories have truly inspired us, and we hope they'll inspire others as well."

The winners were selected based on three core requirements: percentage of body weight loss (30 percent), creativity and originality of written essay applications explaining how weight loss and the OPTIFAST^® program has changed their lives (35 percent), and the compelling nature of their weight-loss journeys (35 percent).

During the weekend of May 15, 2010, the contest winners and a guest will be flown to New York City for a three-night vacation that includes a spa package makeover and $500 shopping spree.

*The typical OPTIFAST patient loses 52 pounds in 22 weeks. For many dieters, weight loss is only temporary. For more information, please visit www.optifast.com.

About OPTIFAST

OPTIFAST was developed in 1974 to fill the growing need to treat 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 lifestyle transformation. 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.

About Nestle HealthCare Nutrition

Through science-based nutrition products and services, Nestle HealthCare Nutrition, part of Nestle S.A., a leading global nutrition, health and wellness company, offers complete nutritional solutions for people with specific illnesses, disease states or the ongoing challenges of different life stages. To learn more about Nestle, visit www.Nestle.com

SOURCE Nestle HealthCare Nutrition