Project: Pet Slim Down and Jenny Join Forces

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Describe the ideal weight-loss buddy, and you will likely hear words like "non-judgmental," "supportive" and "faithful." Thanks to a new relationship forged by Purina and Jenny Craig, that description may also include "four-legged."

Just in time to make New Year's resolutions a reality, weight-loss experts from Nestle Purina's Project: Pet Slim Down and Jenny Craig are joining forces to provide owners of overweight pets a first-of-its-kind program to help both the pets and their owners to lose weight.

"The obesity epidemic is not limited to people. While approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, more than half of U.S. pets are also battling the bulge," says Lisa Talamini, Vice President of Research and Program Innovation, Jenny Craig.

Recognizing the potential for pets and their owners to get fit together—and have fun doing it—weight loss experts from Purina and Jenny created a unique weight-management program in 2012 that helps both pets and their owners get started. Nestle Purina and Jenny are divisions of Nestle, the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company.

Relationship transforms resolutions to reality
The month of January is the month for New Year's resolutions, and is a popular time to kick off weight loss programs. Starting in January 2012, pet owners can go online to ProjectPetSlimDown.com/NewYears to register for the program and obtain exclusive offers to help them get started.

Special discounts will be available through Purina and Jenny Craig for those who enroll in Project: Pet Slim Down.

"One of the greatest challenges with weight management is making the right decisions about eating and exercise," says Purina veterinarian Grace Long, DVM.  "Owners of overweight pets need specific advice, not just a vague 'your pet needs to lose weight.' They need to know what to feed, how much and how often.

"They also need specific recommendations for exercise, based on the owner's lifestyle and the health status of the pet," says Long. Finally, she notes, owners need to be held accountable. That means regular weigh-ins and consultations with a veterinary professional are vital.

The program runs from January 1 through March 31, 2012.

Pet owners can get tips for exercising with their pet at ProjectPetSlimDown.com/NewYears.

About Jenny
Jenny Craig, based in Carlsbad, CA, is one of the world's largest weight management companies, with more than 700 company-owned and franchiised Centres in the United States, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.

About Project: Pet Slim Down
Project: Pet Slim Down is a free program from Purina that teams owners of overweight dogs and cats with veterinary professionals who work with them to create an individualized feeding and exercise program to help pets reach a healthy weight. Elements of the program include:

• Feeding software that enables veterinary professionals to calculate feeding recommendations for 1 to 2 percent weekly weight loss
• Client education
• Regular pet weigh-ins
• Product coupons to help get patients started.
• Rebates to help keep clients engaged.

About Nestle Purina
One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare produces Purina Veterinary Diets® nutritional aids formulated for the dietary management of dogs and cats with certain health problems. Each diet provides a proper balance of total nutrients while meeting special dietary needs. They are available exclusively through veterinarians.

SOURCE Nestle Purina