Expert Reviews
Star ratings reflect scores of 1 to 5 assigned to Jenny Craig in eight
categories by nutritionists, specialists in diabetes and heart disease,
and other diet experts on a ratings panel assembled by U.S. News. (See
our
Best Diets methodology.)
These experts were impressed with the diet on several measures,
including its ability to deliver weight loss, how easy it is to follow,
and its safety. Some noted cost as a potential drawback—the plan isn’t
cheap—while others were concerned about weight regain, once dieters wean
themselves off prepackaged meals. Jenny ranked 8th overall, trailing
behind its rival, Weight Watchers. Below, ratings in all categories and
how the experts’ opinions broke down.
Short-Term Weight Loss
|
Score
(19 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(1) |
| 4 stars |
|
(13) |
| 3 stars |
|
(5) |
| 2 stars |
|
(0) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
Most experts judged Jenny Craig to be “very effective,” and their
averaged scores put it ahead of many other diets in this category. Some
applauded it for teaching proper portion sizes and helping dieters learn
to eat when they’re hungry—not when they’re bored or emotional.
Long-Term Weight Loss
|
Score
(19 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(0) |
| 4 stars |
|
(6) |
| 3 stars |
|
(12) |
| 2 stars |
|
(1) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
Only a handful of diets were rated better than moderately effective,
and Jenny Craig was among them. In the near-total absence of rigorous
long-term studies, experts are reluctant to conclude that any diet will
work over the long haul. Still, when compared with other diets, Jenny
Craig was among the strongest contenders, earning over 3 stars.
Easy to Follow
|
Score
(19 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(0) |
| 4 stars |
|
(13) |
| 3 stars |
|
(4) |
| 2 stars |
|
(2) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
Jenny Craig takes the guesswork out of dieting, with home-delivered,
prepackaged meals that are tasty to boot. It edged out nearly every
other diet in this category, coming in at No. 2. Our panel liked its
convenience factor, and the built-in support from Jenny counselors who
help dieters stick with the program.
Nutrition
|
Score
(19 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(4) |
| 4 stars |
|
(12) |
| 3 stars |
|
(3) |
| 2 stars |
|
(0) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
Jenny netted one of its highest scores in the nutrition category. It
provides the government’s recommended amounts of fat, protein, and
carbohydrates, and supplies ample fiber and calcium. Many panelists
described it as a nutritionally-sound diet.
Safety
|
Score
(19 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(9) |
| 4 stars |
|
(9) |
| 3 stars |
|
(1) |
| 2 stars |
|
(0) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
When our experts considered the health risks posed by Jenny Craig, most
handed out 4s and 5s on a 5-point scale. One panelist described it as a
“scientifically sound and safe” program that’s appropriate for most
dieters.
For Diabetes
|
Score
(18 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(0) |
| 4 stars |
|
(4) |
| 3 stars |
|
(11) |
| 2 stars |
|
(3) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
As a diet for preventing or controlling diabetes, Jenny Craig landed in
the middle of the pack. Although some evidence suggests it may help on
both fronts, largely via weight loss, most experts doled out moderate
scores.
For Heart Health
|
Score
(18 ratings)
|
|---|
| 5 stars |
|
(0) |
| 4 stars |
|
(6) |
| 3 stars |
|
(9) |
| 2 stars |
|
(3) |
| 1 star |
|
(0) |
Jenny Craig cleared roughly 3 stars in this category. It’s not designed
to improve cardiovascular health, but some research suggests that since
the plan yields weight loss, it may also cut the risk of heart disease
and stroke.
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