Compare Weight Loss Programs
WeightWatchers |
Jenny Craig |
NutriSystem |
|
| Founded |
Early 1960’s |
1983 |
1972 |
| Approach |
Four Way Approach
|
Three Key Areas
|
Combination of:
|
| Best For |
Long-term weight control and overall healthy lifestyle |
Short-term weight loss |
Short-term weight loss |
| Method |
Momentum ProgramWith the Weight Watchers diet, you do your own shopping and prepare your own meals. Food intake is monitored using a POINT system. Food is assigned “points” based on its calorie, fat, and fiber content. |
Jenny’s CuisineMembers buy prepackaged and preportioned food items from company, as well as vitamin supplements. Program delivered in two ways – either in your Local Centre, or at home with Jenny Direct. |
NutriSystem AdvancedWeight loss program is based on a completely structured 28-Day meal plan. Three Easy Steps 1) Choose your plan and food 2) Meals are delivered to your door 3) Eat healthy and track weight loss |
| Food supplied |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| What you eat |
Diet focuses on foods that are nutrient-rich and filling, but members make the actual choices based on personal preferences and allotment of points. You don’t have to eat less, just smarter. No foods are prohibited. |
The central feature of the Jenny Craig diet is its prepackaged meals. Dieters eat three Jenny’s Cuisine meals and one Jenny’s Cuisine snack every day. The meals are primarily frozen breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts. Jenny’s meals are supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and reduced-fat dairy products. Meals are based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. |
The Nutrisystem program provides the entrees for your meal, and you add-in a few grocery items, such as fruit, vegetables, and dairy items. Meals feature foods with a low Glycemic Index, that is “good” carbohydrates and protein which help you feel full longer. Meal and dessert options are available in shelf-stable pouches that can be heated in a microwave oven. Dieters eat five meals a day, which should help control hunger. |
| Program Options |
Weight Watchers MeetingsMeet weekly with leader and other members Weight Watchers OnlineSupport via internet |
Jenny Local CentresWeekly in-person consultation with a Jenny Consultant, pick-up meals for the following week Jenny DirectWeekly phone “meetings” with a Jenny Consultant, order food for home delivery in two-week or four-week increments |
Internet-based diet programNutriSystem Flex – lowest priced program NutriSystem Select – gourmet fresh-frozen food |
| Personalized Meal Plan Options |
Options:
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Options for:
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Options for:
|
| Support |
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| Online Tools |
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| Price |
Weekly meetings cost approximately $13-$15, or you can purchase a monthly pass for $39.95 and attend unlimited meetings. Online fees are about $5 per week. Food is not a part of Weight Watchers membership fees. |
The cost of Jenny Craig food depends on several things, such as which plan you choose and which menu items you select. Meal items from the program will cost approximately $100-$140 a week. Additional food items will need to be purchased separately, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. |
The cost of Nutrisystem food is approximately $280-$310 per month (plus additional costs for supplemental grocery items). Price will vary depending on which plan you choose. |
| Website |
www.weightwatchers.com |
www.jennycraig.com |
www.nutrisystem.com |
| Overview |
Many people find that Weight Watchers is a diet program that works for both the short term and the long term. |
Jenny Craig can help you lose some weight fairly quickly in a short period of time. Maintenance component available to help members transition from Jenny’s Cuisine to planning own menus. |
Helps dieters get accustomed to proper portion sizes. Most dieters stay on the program 10-11 weeks. Plan does not include a maintenance or long-term phase. |
