Jenny Craig Weight Management Program
Commercial weight loss program at www.jennycraig.com

Background:

In 1983, Jenny Craig started her first commercial weight loss program in Australia. Personal success with weight loss inspired both Jenny Craig and her husband, Sig Craig to establish the Jenny Craig Weight Management Program in Australia, United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Jenny Craig Medical Advisory Board Members include at least one physician, nutritionist and behaviorist. Jenny Craig corporate headquarters are located in California.

Diet Claims:

According to the Jenny Craig company's web site (www.jennycraig.com), this commercial program's philosophy for successful weight loss is:
1. A healthy relationship with food
2. An active lifestyle
3. A balanced approach to living

The web site also states that clients receive 28-day preset menus (designed by registered dietitians), vacuum-sealed prepared meals and nutrition supplements. After that, clients can opt to customize their menu choices. The targeted macronutrient composition of Jenny Craig weight loss 1200-1500 calorie menus is 60% carbohydrate, 20% fat and 20% protein.

The Jenny Craig enrollment/maintenance fees vary and the cost of three daily ready-made meals is approximately $420.00-530.00 per month. Clients are expected to enhance their Jenny Craig meals with additional fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods per suggested menu items at their own expense.

Clients are required to have a 15-minute personal in-person or phone consultation weekly with Jenny Craig “counselors” (who lack formal nutrition/behavior training) to help clients meet their weight loss goals. A variety of online support tools such as BMI calculator, interactive journal, menu planner, weight tracker, chat room and e-newsletters are available to strengthen clients’ motivation to achieve desired weight loss goals.

The program also advocated clients to engage in physical activity on a daily basis. Jenny Craig exercise videotapes and resistance tubing can be purchased to facilitate increased activity among the program's clients.

Weight Loss Promise
Expected rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Weight maintenance program is also available at an additional fee.

Foods Allowed:

Jenny Craig brand packaged meals, snacks and supplements. Fruits, vegetables and nonfat dairy foods are limited per Jenny Craig's 28-day menu planner. Vegetarian choices are available.

Foods Restricted:

"Homemade" meals, commercial items (except those carrying the Jenny Craig label), sweets and other foods that are not listed on the Jenny Craig's 28-day menu planner.

Comments:

• Jenny Craig Weight Management Program required packaged meals are not conducive for teaching clients how to shop, cook and eat their own healthy, calorie-controlled meals. Hence, clients who resume their usual eating habits upon completing the Jenny Craig Program are likely to regain weight.
• Cost of purchasing the required Jenny Craig ready-made meals can be expensive for some clients.
• Some clients may have difficulty eating Jenny Craig packaged meals long-term, especially during periods of travel, social dining or illness.
• Since Jenny Craig counselors have no formal training in weight loss management, clients received questionable information on diet and exercise during their weekly personal consultations.
• Since 90% of Jenny Craig's clientele is female, overweight men may feel uncomfortable participating in this program.
  

Reviewed 1/07