New Weight Loss Hope for People with Diabetes

In Clinical Test, NutriSystem D Leads to Weight Loss, Lower Blood Sugar and Improved A1C

HORSHAM, Pa., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NutriSystem , a leading weight loss program that delivers to your door, today announced the launch of new NutriSystem D, a weight loss program designed specifically for the approximately 24 million Americans with diabetes, as well as the 57 million Americans who are at risk for diabetes.

In a clinical study at Temple University School of Medicine, people with Type 2 diabetes on NutriSystem D lost as much as 16 times more weight while lowering their A1C test scores (a 90-day measure of blood sugar control) by 0.9 greater than those following a hospital-directed diet regimen. This weight loss was also associated with significant reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol and waist circumference.

"New NutriSystem D is a lifeline for millions of people struggling to lose weight with diabetes," said Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of NutriSystem. "We all know that weight loss, even moderate weight loss, can be extremely beneficial in helping people with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, maintain good health and avoid some of the disastrous consequences of the disease. For people with Type 2 diabetes who have struggled to lose weight in the past, NutriSystem D is finally the solution they've been searching for."

It is estimated that diabetes care costs some $174 billion in healthcare expenditures annually. What's more, about 80% of people with diabetes (14.3 million) are overweight, and 45% of people with diabetes (8.05 million) diet to lose weight, according to a recent Gallup survey. Being obese or overweight with diabetes impairs glucose tolerance, increases insulin resistance and enlarges fat cells, which, in turn, makes diabetes more severe.

The new NutriSystem D program is based on more than three decades of scientific research and proven experience on effective weight loss with exercise. NutriSystem D is based on a low Glycemic Index diet that integrates good carbohydrates into its meal plan. It's also low in fat and high in fiber. The Glycemic Index measures how quickly food is broken down and absorbed by the body, which impacts blood sugar, a vital factor for people managing their diabetes. The unique combination of NutriSystem D helps support stable blood sugars and keeps you feeling fuller longer between meals. A recent clinical study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that for patients with Type 2 diabetes, 6-month treatment with a low-Glycemic Index diet resulted in moderately lower HbA(1c) levels compared with a high-cereal fiber diet.

New NutriSystem D is based on a structured 28-Day meal plan that is completely customizable. The program features more than 140 gourmet-style selections that emphasize healthful whole grains, as well as low fat and low sodium dishes. NutriSystem D menu items are designed to be heart healthy with zero trans fat and low sodium. Customers can supplement their NutriSystem entrees with grocery-items like fresh fruit, vegetables, salads and low-fat dairy to complete their meals.

NutriSystem D meals are shipped free of charge to customers that are enrolled in our auto delivery program. The structured meal program does not require members visit centers to weigh-in or count carbs, calories or points.

"People with diabetes have to perform mental gymnastics when they attempt to lose weight- balancing macronutrients like carbohydrates and protein, with overall calories, all while keeping their blood sugar in check. The complexity causes many people to give up due to frustration," explains Dr. Gary Foster, Director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education of the Temple University School of Medicine, and the principal investigator of the clinical study. "A structured plan makes the tough work of weight loss easier, it provides a jump start to help motivate patients."

Free Phone and On-line Support from Registered Dieticians

New NutriSystem D is not just about gourmet-style food delivered to customers. The program also provides free support to people with diabetes and at risk for diabetes. Customers have free access to 24/7 nutrition support, education and counseling from the NutriSystem team of registered dieticians as well as weight loss counselors. Membership is free to our customers, and offers easy access to online tools including a food diary and progress tracker, tips, and community support on NutriSystem.com.

"For over weight people with diabetes, education and support are crucial to success, just like diet and exercise," continues Dr. Jay Satz, Vice President of Research and Development and Scientific Affairs for NutriSystem. "That's why we have developed a robust support and education program. We have proven approaches, like featuring low glycemic foods and eliminating the need to count calories, carbs or points. These factors make it easy to stay with the program and to lose weight safely and effectively, while establishing life-long approaches to healthy eating and diabetes management."

Clinical Study Results

In a recent study, researchers at the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University School of Medicine followed 68 obese people with Type 2 diabetes for a total of six months, putting half on the NutriSystem D program and the other half on a standard hospital-directed diet and education program. Significant improvements in weight, and blood sugar levels among those who followed the NutriSystem D program were seen after just 12 weeks as compared with the diet and education group.

According to the researchers, the study participants who followed the NutriSystem D program lost on average 18 pounds during the initial 12 week assessment period and lowered their A1C test, by 0.9. By comparison, those who received the hospital-directed diet and education program over the initial 12 week period lost on average one pound, while their average A1C score increased by 0.03.

During a subsequent 12 week period in which all of the study participants followed the NutriSystem D program, both groups lost weight and lowered their blood sugar levels. At the conclusion of the study, the participants who followed the NutriSystem program for the full six months lost a total of 9.7% of their starting body weight, an average of 21.3 pounds and decreased their hemoglobin A1C by 0.9.

Lowest-Priced Popular Diet Program

For the past two years, Forbes.com has found NutriSystem to be the lowest-priced of all popular diet programs reviewed. A typical day of NutriSystem D meals starts at less than $11. NutriSystem members spend $55 less, per month, than many Americans spend on food costs for a savings of $660 in annual grocery bills.

To learn more about NutriSystem D, or to sign up for the program visit www.nutrisystem.com/D or call 888-671-LEAN.

About NutriSystem, Inc.

NutriSystem is a leading provider of weight management products and services. The company offers a proven nutritionally balanced weight-loss program based on satisfying high-fiber, heart healthy, good carbohydrate meals that are low on the Glycemic Index and do not contain trans fats. NutriSystem is hundreds of dollars cheaper than other weight loss programs, based on an independent study by National Business Research Institute (October 2008). The program has no membership fees and provides free online and telephone counseling. NutriSystem now stands as a constant pillar of support, information and convenience with direct home delivery for those looking to lose weight in a busy world. As an Internet force, its wide-ranging web content, combined with its knowledgeable and highly trained counselors, equals a powerful resource for all dieting consumers. NutriSystem believes in its clients and is there to help them, every day and every step of the way. For more information, visit http://www.nutrisystem.com

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements regarding NutriSystem's outlook and guidance for the first quarter and full year 2009, its expectations regarding free cash flow generation, its expectations regarding the effect of economic and competitive pressures, statements about the benefits to be achieved from investments made in 2008, and from share repurchases, and other statements that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which are described in NutriSystem, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. NutriSystem, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Disclosure Statement

The Temple University Study: The Effects of a Pre-packaged, Portion Controlled Meal Plan on Weight and Glycemic Control Among Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, was funded through an unrestricted educational grant from NutriSystem, Inc., Horsham, PA.

NutriSystem, Inc.

CONTACT: Monica Higgins, +1-978-468-8941, monica.higgins@mullen.com , or
Kate Hourihan, +1-978-468-8926, kate.hourihan@mullen.com , both for
NutriSystem, Inc.; or Susan McGowan, +1-973-222-5019,
smcgowan@nutrisystem.com , of NutriSystem, Inc.

Web site: http://www.nutrisystem.com/