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Nutrisystem Mission Statement

Our weight loss program is unlike any other. We provide a wide selection of prepackaged foods designed to keep our clients on track toward their weight loss goal. In addition to providing delicious diet foods, our website gives our clients information and services designed to provide the weight loss diet answers they desire and the diet and nutrition support they require. nutrisystem.com - Lose weight - Now!

Nutrisystem History

We began nutrisystem.com in August 1999 with the goal of becoming the leading online provider of weight loss programs and diet products. We've combined the proven Nutrisystem weight loss program and delicious diet foods with the power and scope of the Internet. As part of our free client services, we provide individualized calorie plans and meal guides, exercise education plans and help with diet maintenance. Through this comprehensive program, you can track your diet, order portion-controlled foods and participate in exclusive online weight loss counseling sessions--all from the privacy of your home or office. Our site also features online seminars, chats and a regularly updated newsletter. nutrisystem.com - Helping people lose weight for over 25 years!

 

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HOW OFTEN AND IN WHAT WAYS DO AMERICANS TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT?

Who Is Trying To Lose Weight?

The frequency and nature of weight loss efforts in the U.S. population were estimated from participant self-reports in four recent Federal surveys of health practices. Data from these surveys indicate that 33 percent to 40 percent of adult women and 20 percent to 24 percent of men are currently trying to lose weight, with an additional 28 percent of each group trying to maintain weight. Among women and men trying to lose weight, the reported time on a weight loss regimen in the past year averaged 6.4 and 5.8 months, respectively, and the number of attempts to lose weight in the past 2 years averaged 2.5 and 2.0 attempts, respectively. Weight loss efforts were not restricted to persons with high BMI. The percent trying to lose weight varied with age (lower in the youngest and oldest persons), increased with increasing education and family income and was positively related to BMI. The percent of men trying to lose weight varied with race (highest in Hispanic men and lowest in African-American men). In women, the percent trying to lose weight did not differ by race even though a higher proportion of African-American and Hispanic women are overweight than of white women.

A self-administered questionnaire of a nationally representative sample of high school students showed that 44 percent of female and 15 percent of male students were trying to lose weight; 26 percent of female and 15 percent of male students were trying to keep from gaining weight.

Reasons For Weight Loss Efforts

Americans try to lose weight for several reasons. Many seek to improve their self-images. These people may or may not be overweight or have physical or emotional health problems caused by their weight; in fact, some are of normal or even low weight. Some persons are severely overweight by current medical standards and attempt to lose weight to reduce their risk for weight-related health problems. Some persons who are not severely overweight also attempt weight reduction to improve their perception of their health. Another reason involves our society's discrimination against overweight individuals. Some of these persons attempt weight reduction to gain greater acceptance.

Concerns about future and current health, fitness, and appearance were cited frequently by survey respondents as the most important reasons for trying to lose weight. Health concerns were cited more frequently by persons with higher BMI; appearance and fitness concerns were cited more frequently by persons with lower BMI. Appearance was more important than fitness to women, whereas the reverse was true for men. Other reasons cited included trying to lose weight gained after smoking cessation or pregnancy.

Methods Used for Weight Loss

The four national surveys asked about weight loss methods, each in slightly different ways. Among women trying to lose weight, 84 percent were eating fewer calories, and 60 percent to 63 percent were increasing physical activity. Among men trying to lose weight, 76 percent to 78 percent were eating fewer calories and 60 percent to 62 percent were increasing their physical activity. Use of these methods varied with race, education, income, and age.

In another survey of adults, diet and exercise were the most frequently cited methods for both men and women attempting weight loss, each at a frequency of more than 80 percent . Vitamins, meal replacements, over-the-counter products, participation in a weight loss program, and diet supplements were cited by both sexes in decreasing order from 28 percent to 3 percent . The methods used varied with BMI.

Students reported using the following weight loss methods in the week preceding the survey: exercise (51 percent of females and 30 percent of males), skipping meals (49 percent and - percent ), using diet pills (4 percent and 2 percent ), and self-induced vomiting (3 percent and 1 percent ). The percentage of students who reported ever using these methods was generally much higher: exercise (80 percent of females and 44 percent of males), diet pills (21 percent and 5 percent ), and vomiting (14 percent and 4 percent ). Order today: nutrisystem.com

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE VARIOUS METHODS FOR WEIGHT LOSS AND CONTROL? WHAT ARE THE ATTRIBUTES OF AND BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS METHODS/APPROACHES?

Understanding of the likelihood of success is a key element in making informed choices from among the dietary, exercise, and behavioral options for weight loss. In this section, these various weight loss methods are discussed with respect to their effectiveness in facilitating weight loss.

For most weight loss methods, there are few scientific studies evaluating their effectiveness and safety. The available studies indicate that persons lose weight while participating in such programs but, after completing the program, tend to regain the weight over time. Further, there are examples where weight loss strategies have caused medical harm. Thus, the panel cautions that before individuals adopt any weight loss program, the scientific data on effectiveness and safety be examined. If no data exist, the panel recommends that the program not be used. The lack of data on many commercial programs advertised for weight loss is especially disconcerting in view of the large number of Americans trying to lose weight and the over $30 billion spent yearly in America on weight loss efforts. Some research data and considerable anecdotal information support successful short-term loss for some users of these programs; however, data are limited on the proportion of persons who complete programs, how much weight they lose, and their success in maintaining the weight loss.

Considerable diversity in response exists within each of the broad categories of weight loss strategies. Success rates can be expected to vary according to initial weight, the length of the treatment period, the magnitude of weight loss desired, and the motivation for wanting to lose weight. The effectiveness of unsupervised efforts to lose weight is difficult to judge because of limited data on strategies, compliance, and follow-up. Surveys indicate that many overweight persons have tried to lose weight on multiple occasions; because many of these persons presumably are using these unsupervised strategies, their long-term success rates may be low.

 

Dietary Change

Dietary change is the most commonly used weight loss strategy. Methods range from caloric restriction to changes in dietary proportions of fat, protein, and carbohydrate or use of macronutrient substitutes. Short-term success for some of these methods has been documented, but information on long-term effectiveness and safety up to 5 years is limited. Appropriate dietary programs can have positive health effects on factors other than weight loss.

Weight loss at the end of relatively short-term programs can exceed 10 percent of initial body weight; however, there is a strong tendency to regain weight, with as much as two thirds of the weight lost regained within 1 year of completing the program and almost all by 5 years. Importantly, however, a small percentage of participants do maintain their weight loss over more extended periods. Key aspects of the evaluation of programs are their duration and dropout rates. The duration of most programs appears to be from several weeks to a few months. Dropout rates can be as high as 80 percent and seem to vary considerably.

Two levels of caloric restriction are commonly used. The low-calorie diet (LCD) of about 1,000 to 1,500 calories (approximately 12 to 15 Kcal/kg body weight) per day may involve a structured commercial program with formulated and calorically defined food products or guidelines in selecting conventional foods. The very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) at 800 (approximately 6-10 Kcal/kg body weight) or fewer calories per day is conducted under physician supervision and monitoring and is restricted to severely overweight persons. Both diets may produce adverse side effects, including excessive loss of lean body mass. Attempts to use VLCD's in unsupervised settings have been associated with severe complications. In the short term, VLCD's produce greater weight loss than do LCD's; however, with both types of programs, participants tend to return to preprogram weight within 5 years.

There is evidence that altering the proportion of the calories in the diet from fat, carbohydrate, and protein can have a limited effect on weight loss; however, the effects appear to be quite small in comparison with the direct effect of caloric restriction.

Exercise

Weight loss that can be achieved by exercise programs alone is more limited than that which can be obtained by caloric restriction. However, exercise has beneficial effects independent of weight loss, including increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and an increase in lean body mass. Further, exercise can be an important adjunct to other strategies and can, if continued, diminish the tendency for rapid post program weight gain. The amount of weight lost through exercise usually ranges from 4 to 7 pounds. This amount is usually in addition to that lost through caloric restriction.

Behavior Modification

Behavior modification involves (1) identifying eating or related life-style behaviors to be modified, (2) setting specific behavioral goals, (3) modifying determinants of the behavior to be changed, and (4) reinforcing the desired behavior. The goal of behavior treatment is to modify eating and physical activity habits, typically focusing on gradual changes. Behavior modification can be undertaken through group or individual sessions, under the guidance of professional or lay personnel, and alone or in conjunction with other approaches.

When used alone, the typical program takes about - weeks and can generate a 1- to 1.5-pound/week weight loss. Typically about one third of this weight will be regained at the end of 1 year and most regained by 5 years. As with other methods, however, a small percentage of participants are able to maintain weight loss over an extended period.

Drug Treatment

In carefully controlled research programs, treatment with investigational drugs has been effective in producing weight loss. Combined with some degree of caloric restriction, weight loss with these drugs can be equivalent to that from VLCD's over comparable periods. Some studies show that prolonging use can result in a slowing of weight loss and eventually a weight plateau. Long-term benefits and complications need to be evaluated.

Phenylpropanolamine, an over-the-counter appetite suppressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration, has some efficacy in producing weight loss. The long-term benefit of this drug is not well documented, and as with other over-the-counter preparations, there is potential for its misuse.

Combination Therapies

Dietary and exercise changes, and these changes reinforced by behavior modification, are the most frequently used combination therapies. Combining changes in diet and exercise can lead to greater short-term weight loss than changes with either alone. Further, behavior modification appears to help extend the interval before weight is regained, especially if contact between the program deliverers and participants is continued and maintenance strategies are used.

Attributes and Barriers

In general, successful programs are those based on realistic goals that involve a caloric deficit leading to a slow, steady weight loss. Success requires a diet that can be adhered to long enough to reach the goal. Developing new dietary practices that could lead to a lifetime of weight control is also important. Other attributes of successful programs involve preparing the person to deal with high-risk emotional and social situations, self-monitor progress, solve problems, reduce stress, and maintain continual professional contact. Barriers to success include lack of feelings of self-efficacy, failure to lose weight early, premature termination of diet modifications or exercise or both, and lack of social and professional support. Serious underlying social or psychological problems such as depression also can be barriers to success.

The effectiveness of the different weight loss programs may vary among different cultural groups; however, the data to evaluate this possibility are limited. As these programs are studied further, it is important to consider that some may also be effective in preventing overweight.  Order today: nutrisystem.com

WHAT ARE THE SHORT- AND LONG-TERM BENEFITS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT LOSS?

Although there seems to be little doubt that overweight individuals have increased risk for morbidity and mortality, it does not immediately follow that weight loss reduces that increased risk. Understanding the health consequences of weight loss requires data on what happens to those who have lost weight. Such data should derive from either observational studies of persons who by self-report or measurement have lost weight or clinical trials in which how the weight was lost is known. Much of the longer term data come from observational studies because follow-up in trials has generally been short; however, clinical trials would provide clearer evidence of the relationship between weight loss and health.

The incidence and severity of no insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and hypertension in overweight persons are reduced by weight loss. Recent studies have shown that a diet and exercise program leading to weight loss can prevent the onset of hypertension and that the same may be true for diabetes mellitus. Persons with diabetes who can lose weight will improve glycemic control and may eliminate their need for oral agents. Similarly, randomized trial data indicate that weight loss in hypertensive patients is also associated with significant reductions in blood pressure and the need for continued drug therapy. Weight loss also affects other risk factors for cardiovascular disease: The positive effects on lipid and lipoprotein levels are well documented. Given the high likelihood that weight will be regained, it remains to be determined whether these time-limited improvements confer more permanent health benefits.

Among very obese individuals, weight loss has been followed by greater functional status, reduced work absenteeism, less pain, and greater social interaction. The prevalence and severity of sleep apnea also can be substantially reduced by weight loss, but monitoring for weight regain is important.

Very-low-calorie diets and fasting are associated with a variety of short-term adverse effects. Patients frequently report fatigue, hair loss, dizziness, and other symptoms, but these appear to be transitory. More serious is the increased risk for gallstones and acute gallbladder disease during severe calorie restriction. Serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or death, seen in early studies, have largely been eliminated by enriching diets with high-quality protein, minerals, and electrolytes.

Data on short-term adverse health effects of weight loss come from programs that only include overweight persons. Some of these effects may be greater in persons who are not overweight but are severely restricting calories. Laboratory evidence suggests that weight loss in lean persons leads to a greater proportional loss of lean body mass than in severely overweight persons and may well increase adverse effects such as fatigue.

Participants in formal weight loss programs may reduce baseline depression and anxiety, but only if they successfully lose weight. Little is known about the emotional impact of lesser degrees of success or of failure. There also is increasing evidence that mildly to moderately overweight women who are dieting may be at risk for binge-eating without vomiting and purging. Whether involvement in a well-designed dietary modification program increases the risks for bulimia is unknown and in need of careful study.

The evidence that reductions in mortality follow weight loss is meager. Most epidemiologic studies suggest that weight loss is associated with increased mortality, although in most of these studies the reason for weight loss is not known. Intentional weight loss during healthy states cannot be distinguished from that associated with illness, psychosocial distress, or other reasons. Finally, the fact that many people who stop smoking gain weight complicates the interpretation of the data on weight gainers and weight losers. Thus, although the data on higher mortality are provocative, they are not sufficiently conclusive to dictate clinical practice. Specific research efforts to address this question are urgently needed.

Data on the health effects of repeated weight gains and losses, or weight cycling, are also inconclusive. Weight cycling appears to affect energy metabolism and may result in faster regaining of weight, but the evidence that cycling has longer term negative effects on psychological and physical health needs confirmation.

Although currently used weight-reducing drugs appear to be safe in controlled studies, the studies are short term and have involved populations where the potential for abuse may be low. The fact that many adolescents and young adults use over-the-counter preparations urges further study of their safety in real-world use. Order today: nutrisystem.com

WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES THAT SHOULD BE USED TO SELECT A PERSONAL WEIGHT LOSS AND CONTROL STRATEGY?

A fundamental principle of weight loss and control is that for almost all people, a lifelong commitment to a change in lifestyle, behavioral responses, and dietary practices is necessary. Whether one should make this commitment depends partially on the risks and benefits of losing weight compared with those of not losing weight. The more an individual's BMI exceeds the healthy range, the higher the risk for medical problems and the greater the need for weight reduction. Weight loss is indicated for persons with current health problems that can be lessened by weight loss (such as sleep apnea, hypertension, or no insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Finally, for persons near the upper limit of the healthy weight range, a weight control program may be appropriate to prevent further increases.

Contraindications to nonsupervised weight loss exist for severely overweight persons, pregnant or lactating women, children, persons over the age of 65, and those with medical conditions that make such an undertaking dangerous. A trained physician or other health professional should assess contradictions and screen for preexisting eating disorders or underlying psychological problems. For persons at high medical risk, a properly trained physician should be involved in a multidisciplinary approach to care throughout the weight loss process. Diets of 800 or fewer calories per day should not be undertaken without medical supervision and monitoring because of attendant health risks.

For those within the healthy weight range who desire to lose weight for other reasons, such as improved appearance or sense of well-being, the decision to lose weight should take into account the difficulty of the task as well as the potential adverse physical and psychological effects of weight loss regimens. These effects include the risk of poor nutrition, possible development of eating disorders, effects of weight cycling, and the sometimes serious psychological consequences of repeated failed attempts to lose weight.

No matter how much weight one would like to lose, modest goals and a slow course will maximize the probability of both losing the weight and keeping it off. In setting goals, it should also be recognized that even in highly structured, medically supervised plans, the dropout rate is often high, and even for those who complete the program, maximum weight loss rarely exceeds 10 percent of the initial body weight. The rate of weight loss in these plans is generally less than 1.5 pounds per week. In addition, if the pattern of eating and activity is not permanently altered after the conclusion of the structured portion of such programs, most participants will regain lost weight over the next 1 to 5 years. In less structured or self-monitored settings, the degree of weight loss and maintenance is unknown. These realities should help an individual avoid disappointment by providing guidelines for reasonable goals for how much weight one wants or needs to lose, how fast one wants to lose it, and how long weight loss can be maintained. These facts also should help one recognize that, for most people, achieving body weights and shapes presented in the media is not a reasonable, appropriate, or achievable goal, and thus the failure to do so does not represent a weakness of will power or character. Other characteristics to consider in setting weight loss goals include weight history, the weights of biological relatives, the outcomes of past weight loss efforts, and the individual's emotional profile.

Important considerations when choosing a weight loss method or program include personal food preferences; the desire for structure in the program; and the degree of support in the home, workplace, or a chosen group. Logistic details to consider include time; money (for the costs of programs and special diet foods or supplements); transportation; and the ability to integrate the eating pattern of the dieter with others in the home, particularly if the dieter is a primary food preparer.

In evaluating a weight loss method or program, one should not be distracted by anecdotal "success" stories or by advertising claims. Information about program success that should be obtained includes

Valid and reliable statistics of this kind are important but not routinely provided by commercial diet plans or programs. Such data, preferably in the form of peer-reviewed published studies, should be available for all supervised programs, including those based in hospitals or clinics.

Additional information on program characteristics that should be obtained includes

The most important feature of a successful weight loss program is maintenance of stable weight or of reduced weight. In formal programs, continued regular contact with a supervising professional may be necessary to maintain weight loss. In any case, new eating behaviors must be learned and adopted, which can be difficult. These behaviors include modifying quantity and kinds of food, and possibly developing a different attitude toward eating and toward oneself. Therefore, an individual weight loss diet method should be based not merely on weight loss goals but should become part of a general long-term approach, the goal of which is better health. This goal should reflect accepted guidelines for healthful eating. Even though a caloric deficit must be achieved, the diet must provide all essential nutrients. A regular exercise regimen, which could be as simple as walking, is essential both to better health as well as long-term weight loss maintenance.

Methods whose primary goal is short-term rapid or unsupervised weight loss, or that rely on diet aids such as drinks, prepackaged foods, or pharmacologic agents but do not include education in and eventual transition to a lasting pattern of healthful eating and activity, have never been shown to lead to long-term success. It has been fairly said that such programs fail people, not vice versa. Recognition of this by society and individuals and a focus on approaches that can produce health benefits independently of weight loss may be the best way to improve the physical and psychological health of Americans seeking to lose weight.

 

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See Part Two of this Nutrisystem Exclusive article

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