Nutrisystem is a low-calorie weight loss program that U.S. News Health gives an overall three out of five stars. It's highest individual score was for safety: A panel of judges ranked Nutrisystem very safe and reports that "experts seem confident it poses little risk for the majority of dieters." Always consult your physician before beginning any weight loss program.
About Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem is a low-calorie diet that uses the glycemic index to choose carbohydrates that have little impact on glucose levels. It's a prepackaged food delivery service that provides three meals and two snacks daily, to be supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Meals are high in fiber and combine lean protein and healthy unsaturated fats with complex carbohydrates to keep glucose levels stable and prevent food cravings. Nutrisystem also offers telephone support and an online community forum, as well as weekly newsletters and tools to help track your weight loss progress.
Safety
The Nutrisystem program closely follows the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and offers different diets for men, women, seniors and diabetics, tailoring the program to an individual's specific needs. It is not a fad diet and does not exclude any food groups. Most programs have a minimum of 1,200 calories, the number of calories recommended by the National Institutes of Health to keep your metabolism functioning. If you don't consume enough calories for your basal metabolic rate, your metabolism will slow down, conserving energy and stalling weight loss.
Pros
Nutrisystem was designed in 1972 and has an almost 40-year proven success rate of helping people lose weight. It is convenient: Most of the food you'll need is delivered to your home; you'll only need to purchase fresh food items. Most food items are shelf stable for up to 18 months. Portion control is taken care of; all you need to do is heat and eat your meals. And the program provides professional nutritional support and offers an online forum for people to ask questions and connect with others on the diet. Exercise is encouraged.
Cons
Transitioning from Nutrisystem meals to preparing your own food can be challenging. The program does not teach you how to cook your own healthy meals. The cost of Nutrisystem might be prohibitive for some. According to Diets in Review, some people regain weight after stopping the program and U.S. News Health notes that it might be only minimally effective for long-term weight loss; however, it is can be effective in the short-term.
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