Login or Register

Is Jenny Craig Safe?

Apr 30, 2011 | By Sarah Dray

A 2007 study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" followed thousands of men and women who enrolled in a Jenny Craig program. The study looked at the amount of weight lost by people who stayed in the program versus people who dropped out after a month, three months or more. At the end of 52 weeks, people who stayed in the program showed the most weight loss, with an average of 12 lbs.

Nutritional Values

People following Jenny Craig don't have to worry about missing out on nutrients. According to the official website, Jenny Craig follows the USDA Food Pyramid, providing a diet that's 50 percent to 60 percent carbs, 20 percent to 30 percent protein and 20 percent to 30 percent fat. The meals also provide a good nutrient range of fiber, with up to 40 g per day, and calcium, with up to 2,000 mg per day. The program is so safe when it comes to nutritional balances that it can even be used by teens over 13.

Sodium

Jenny Craig is relatively high in sodium. According to its website, daily values of sodium can range between 2 and 4 g, or 2,000 to 4,000 mg. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating no more than 2,300 mg per day, which can make the Jenny Craig numbers too high and unsafe for certain participants. People who suffer from high blood pressure should talk to their doctors before starting this or any other diet.

Additional Support

The Jenny Craig program is not only about diet. It also includes physical activity, motivation-based counseling, goal setting and addressing issues of emotional eating. For people who are just dealing with day-to-day food issues, the program can help identify those issues and how deal with them. However, the program might not be safe for those with eating disorders. People with a serious addiction or emotional issue should talk to their therapist or doctor before trying Jenny Craig.

Staff Training

One of the concerns regarding safety has to do with the staff working at Jenny Craig. People who work at Jenny Craig receive 40 hours of in-house training, where they learn about nutrition and other weight management issues. They also must attend and pass a certification course from the Cooper Institute. The course helps consultants learn facilitation skills, so they know how to address and guide the clients. Although the training can help provide a basic background, the staff doesn't hold medical training and is not equipped to deal with people who have health problems. Unless supervised or given specific instructions by a doctor, the program might not be safe for people with diabetes, heart disease or other health issues.

References

Article reviewed by Shawn Candela Last updated on: Apr 30, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments