Businessweek

NutriSystem, Inc. provides weight management products and services in the United States and Canada. The company's customers purchase monthly food packages of shelf-stable food containing 28 breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts, which they supplement with dairy, fruit, salad, vegetables, and low-glycemic carbohydrate items. Products and Services The company provides a weight management program, consisting primarily of a pre-packaged food program, online tools, and counseling. These services are complemented with relevant information on diet, nutrition and exercise, which is provided on its community Website and emailed to its customers bi-weekly. Additionally, online and smart phone weight management tools are available to its customers. These tools include the interactive Mindset Makeover guide. The company’s Nutrisystem program consists of approximately 130 portion-controlled items that serve as the foundation of a low Glycemic Index diet. The Glycemic Index is a measure of the quality of carbohydrates in foods and foods on the lower end are generally considered ‘good’ carbohydrates. The company’s program is portioned for weight loss and offers a balance of carbohydrate, protein and fat that meets national dietary guidelines. The company also has worked to reduce the sodium content of its meal program. In 2011, the company launched SUCCESS. It is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating. The SUCCESS program offers its ever assortment of signature fresh-frozen meals, including new artisanal Chef’s Table dinner entrees, developed by the company’s Celebrity Chef Culinary Council using steamer technology; new chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee protein shakes; the introduction of a personalized My Daily 3 physical activity program; and personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own. The Nutrisystem D Program is a weight loss program specifically designed to produce gradual weight loss in overweight patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Its customers purchase monthly food packages of shelf-stable and fresh-frozen food containing 28 days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts, which they supplement with dairy, fruit, salad, vegetables and low-glycemic carbohydrate items. Customers The company offers weight loss programs designed for women, men, seniors, as well as people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight. Its typical customer is female, approximately 50 years of age and weighs 187 pounds. History NutriSystem, Inc. was founded in 1972.