NutriSystem began as a franchised, physical-location outlet for weight loss, back in 1971. It grew to become the largest weight-loss program of its kind by the early 90s. But something was amiss, and in early 1993, the company filed for bankruptcy. What saved the company was its new-found focus on direct-delivery foods. Eventually, they simplified both their registration and order process, and closed their physical sites.

Competition became keen at the turn of the century when the company was purchased by Hagan and Jankovic. Their approach was to make the products available on-line and re-established customer awareness through heavy television-marketing campaigns. Additionally, the company aligned itself with some easily-recognized exercise programs, Pilates among them. Today, they also offer exercise equipment and are opening women's fitness centers across the nation.

NutriSystem has always been about cutting calories. To ensure their customers follow the plan, they provide the limited 450 calorie food in ten-day bundles consisting of shakes and three low-calorie microwavable-meals. Their meals are based on the Food Guide Pyramid, and contain 60% carbohydrates, 20% protein and 20% fat. They believe there is only one bottom line when attempting to lose weight and that is, to consume less calories than you burn. Many proponents agree. Customers do lose weight on their plan.

The most common complaints regarding this plan have been two-fold: There has traditionally been no on-going education provided to consumers with regard to food preparation after achieving one's desired weight. Thus, many former clients regained the lost weight when cooking for themselves. NutriSystem is now addressing this situation. The company has purportedly updated their site to include a wealth of on-line support, counseling, and other information not previously available.

The second complaint revolves around the food products themselves. A recent class-action lawsuit against NutriSystem bespoke of low quality, high sodium food that tasted like cardboard, and/or of substitutions being included in the bundles, with no options to receive the original food ordered, nor a refund. Sadly, this very complaint is affecting physicians, desiring to address their patient's weight problems. These good doctors were drawn to the NutriSystem pre-prepared foods. The reason? Typically, an over-eating American needs immediate gratification when hunger pangs strike. By having a readily-available meal or shake that can be prepared in less than five minutes, NutriSystem effectively combated this problem. However, many doctors are exploring the option of other pre-prepared meal diet plans, because their patients are complaining so voraciously about both the price and the quality provided by NutriSystem.

Past history aside, it is important to note that NutriSystem is making a concerted effort to turn things around. With the addition of on-line support, counseling and a long list of informational resources concerning not only food, but exercise, they are gaining ground. In fact, the easily accessible exercise programs and their alliances with exercise equipment companies, indicate NutriSystem may yet re-emerge as a leader in the weight-loss field. Customer reviews are improving, which demonstrates that NutriSystem is headed in the right direction. It is fair to say this is company appears to be moving ahead with more determinedness than ever before.