Lose Weight and Boost Your Health

For many seniors, weight loss is about far more than physical appearance – in some cases it can dramatically impact health and well-being. Research shows that overweight individuals who lose 5-10% of their body weight can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.¹ If you already have one of these conditions losing weight may still help to improve your health status, ultimately reducing or eliminating the need for certain medications.

Physical Activity for Seniors

Physical activity can benefit your health as you get older as well. Your body gradually loses both bone and muscle mass as it ages. The loss in bone mass can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Physical activity (especially weight-bearing activities like walking), along with a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium (like the Jenny Craig menu), can help reduce this risk.² A decline in muscle mass of up to 8% for each passing decade contributes to a slower metabolism with increased age.³ Building muscle with resistance training (like weight lifting and yoga) can help fight this loss, boosting metabolism and improving your weight management success.

Balanced Nutrition for Seniors

Jenny Craig's menus reflect the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes issued by the Institute of Medicine. Our meal plans are rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and low fat dairy products. Those with heart health concerns can be assured that our menu is low in fat and dietary cholesterol and moderate in sodium. We also recommend dietary supplements to ensure an intake of 100% of the Daily Value for vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Composition of Menus:

• 50-60% Carbohydrate
• 20-30% Protein
• 20-30% Fat

Daily Nutrient Ranges:

• Two to four grams Sodium
• Two to five grams Potassium
• 100-200 mg Cholesterol
• 20-40 grams Fiber
• 1000-2000 mg Calcium

1 _{Obesity Research. 1998; 6 (Suppl 2): 1105.}
2 _{National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis Disease Statistics 2002.}
3 _{Obesity Research. 2005; 13 (11): 1849 - 1863.}