Nutrisystem, Inc., Fort Washington, Pa., has introduced Nutrisystem My Way, a program tailored to the individual's metabolism. In conjunction, Nutrisystem also debuted its Fast 5 kit, a one-week kick start to help customers lose five pounds in their first week of dieting.

Officials say large and growing body of scientific evidence suggests a key predictor of long-term weight loss success is quick, early results.

“Over the past year, we tasked our Research and Development team to re-imagine our existing program and to come up with a more personal and customized approach to meet consumer needs,” said Dawn Zier, Nutrisystem president and CEO. "The result is Nutrisystem My Way, our new metabolic program that showcases our highly customizable plan and food options; and its one-of-a-kind introductory, patent-pending Fast 5 kit, which provides customers early weight loss success to keep them inspired."

Nutrisystem introduced the Nutrisystem My Way and its Fast 5 week one program in December 2013, in time for this year’s diet season.

Keira Krausz, is Nutrisystem’s chief marketing officer.

“Early customer response has been positive, and we're eager to get the word out via multiplatform advertising, marketing and publicity campaigns featuring Nutrisystem success stories and celebrity ambassadors including Dan Marino, Marie Osmond, Melissa Joan Hart and Dr. Andy Baldwin.”

Here are key components in the Nutrisystem My Way program. Officials say Fast 5 is a carefully designed, one-week kit that promises a five-pound weight loss in the customer's first week, backed by a money-back guarantee. Fast 5 includes seven days of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, plus all-new shakes with formulations for men and women to meet their unique nutritional needs.

EnergiZING shakes -- Packed with energizing B vitamins, caffeine and green tea extract, the EnergiZING shake is formulated to boost metabolism and provides calcium and vitamin D.

Craving Crusher shakes -- To fight hunger, the Craving Crusher shake features a unique blend of filling fiber and protein, and a nourishing mix of vitamins and antioxidants for optimal well-being. It is designed to help curb common dieting pitfalls, like hitting the vending machine at work or the snack cabinet at home in the late afternoon.

"A third-party's clinical test, sponsored by Nutrisystem, supports the effectiveness of Fast 5," said Dr. Anthony Fabricatore, a clinical psychologist who heads up Nutrisystem's Research and Development team. "Getting a quick jump out of the gate can be very motivating as individuals move into their tailored Nutrisystem My Way program. Research from multiple lifestyle programs shows that achieving early weight loss is a reliable predictor of longer-term success."

Officials say Nutrisystem My Way program uses a science-backed algorithm to estimate each customer's metabolic rate in order to create a customized program tailored to the amount of calories needed for healthy weight loss. Customers are given a personalized meal plan and exercise suggestions to help them burn fat efficiently and boost fat metabolism. Consumers are encouraged to check in periodically with a Nutrisystem counselor as their metabolic needs change in response to weight loss.

The Nutrisystem My Way program delivers a combination of portion-controlled foods and an eating plan based on slow digesting carbohydrates and fiber, designed to help keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day minimizing hunger spikes and the feelings of deprivation that cause cravings.

Nutrisystem notes that it offers more than 150 unique menu items—nearly double that of its competitors—all formulated for the Nutrisystem My Way program. Officials say new menu items in the coming months will be Blueberry Lemon Bar, Cinnamon Raisin Bar, Biscotti Bites, Cheddar Broccoli Rice, Multigrain Pilaf, Lemon Herb Crisps, Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, Pepperoni Pizza Melt, Four Cheese Melt, Broccoli & Cheese Melt and Chocolate Cupcake.

All Nutrisystem foods have no trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame or saccharine. Nutrisystem foods are intended to be combined with fresh grocery additions such as low fat yogurt, salad, fruit and vegetables.