levels of Jenny Craig membership provide different
benefits. Jenny Craig advertises heavily and often has
special membership discounts. All programs require
that the dieter buy Jenny Craig food.
The Jenny TuneUp is targeted at people who have
fewer than 20 lb (10 kg) to lose. It is an entry-level
program with a low enrollment fee. In 2007, the Jenny
TuneUp was advertised in the United States as ‘‘Lose
20 lb for $20.’’ JennyOnTrack is a six-month program,
and Jenny Rewards is a long-term program. Jenny
Craig does not reveal the enrollment costs of the
OnTrack and Rewards programs on its Web site, but
they amount to several hundred dollars plus the cost of
food. Lifetime memberships are available, as are pro-
grams for 13–17 year olds andbreastfeedingwomen.
All Jenny Craig advertising is geared toward getting
the dieter to call a toll-free telephone number for addi-
tional information.Function
The stated goals of the Jenny Craig program are
to help the dieter:
develop a healthy relationship with food
live an active lifestyle
achieve a balanced approach to living
The dieter is supported in reaching these goals by
a 24-hour 7-day-a-week customer care telephone line,
personalized meals and activity plans, one-on-one
consultant support, online e-tools, and weight-loss
manuals. By achieving these goals, the dieter learns
to eat healthy foods in appropriate portions, incorpo-
rate exercise into the daily routine, and nurture her
(90% of Jenny Craig clients are female) mental and
physical well being.Benefits
Jenny Craig promises dieters that if they follow
her program, they will lose 1–2 pounds or 1% of their
body weight weekly. Once the weight-loss goal is met,
a maintenance program is designed to solidify lifestyle
changes and keep the weight off. Jenny Craig does not
make any claims about the percentage of people who
successfully keep weight off for an extended period.
The Jenny Craig program appeals to dieters who
want low-calorie meals without having to weigh and
measure or dieters who are embarrassed to attend
group weight-loss programs. They may be a good
solution for single people who do not want to cook.
However dieters with families may find that the pre-
packaged approach is less convenient if they still have
to cook for family members.Precautions
Jenny Craig is a diet and exercise program that
meets the basic nutritional needs of most people. As
with all diet and exercise programs, individuals should
check with their healthcare provider to make sure the
program is suitable for them.Risks
Meals on the Jenny Craig plan fall within the
federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, and
dietary supplementsprovided with the pre-packaged
meals assure that the dieter of getting an adequate
supply ofvitaminsandminerals. The greatest risk to
this diet program is that people do not learn how to
shop and prepare healthy meals on their own. They
lose weight eating the pre-packaged meals, but when
they transition to the next stage of the diet, they go
back to their old eating habits and gain the weight
back. This type ofweight cyclingor yo-yo dieting
can cause potential health problems.Research and general acceptance
The main client complaint about the Jenny Craig
program is cost. Prepackaged food can cost around
$500 per month in addition to steep enrollment fees
and optional extras such as exercise videos and equip-
ment. Some clients complain that the Jenny Craig
personal consultants do not have any formal training
in nutrition, and are more like sales people than coun-
selors. Clients also criticize the taste and selection of
meals. There is no way try Jenny Craig meals before
committing to the program.
Professional nutritionists say that the dietitian-
planned pre-packaged meals provide adequate nutri-
tion for a low calorie diet, but question whether clientsQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Are their other diet programs that would better
meet my goals?
Do I have any special dietary needs that this diet
might not meet?
At what level of intensity is it appropriate for me
to begin exercising?
Do you have any experience with the long-term
success of this diet?
If one of your family members wanted to go on a
diet, would you recommend this oneJenny Craig diet