Today, Explained How wellness killed Jenny Craig
May 23, 2023
Emma Court, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the weight loss industry, explores the downfall of Jenny Craig after four decades of influence. She breaks down how the brand's reliance on celebrity endorsements and outdated meal plans couldn't keep pace with the rise of body positivity and innovative weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Court highlights the cultural shift from obsessing over thinness to embracing diverse body types, revealing how these changes have reshaped the dieting landscape and challenged traditional methods of weight management.
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Jenny Craig's Origin
- Jenny Craig, struggling with post-pregnancy weight, co-founded her namesake company in 1983 with her husband.
- Initially launched in Australia, it quickly expanded to the U.S., offering physical centers for food pickup and coaching.
Fen-Fen Partnership and Nestle Acquisition
- Jenny Craig partnered with the weight loss drug Fen-Fen in the 90s.
- After Fen-Fen was linked to heart issues, Jenny Craig's stock plummeted, leading to delisting and later acquisition by Nestle.
Rise of Diet Culture
- The early 2000s witnessed a surge in diet fads like Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, and the South Beach Diet.
- These programs often emphasized calorie restriction and marketed specific foods for consumption.