Jenny Craig

Jenny Craig is a weight loss expert and the founder of ‘Jenny Craig, Inc.’. She has changed the lives of millions of people by helping them lose the extra weight that was not letting them enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Craig was born on 7th August 1932 in Berwick, Louisiana. Craig met her future husband Sidney Harvey Craig in a fitness club. They tied the knot in 1979. Four years later they founded the fitness, nutrition and weight loss enterprise called ‘Jenny Craig Inc.’ in Melbourne, Victoria. It is now headquartered in Carlsbad, California. They started introducing the program in the United States in 1985. Her company has been one of the most notable weight loss establishments in the world. Jenny Craig Inc. has over 700 weight management centers in Australia, America, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Puerto Rico and New Zealand.

Craig uses counseling along with a healthy but delicious menu which has a controlled caloric count. She prepares the menus that meet the USDA dietary guidelines and includes fruits, vegetables, milk products, whole grains, healthy fats, lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and beans. She does everything according to the client; first she analyses every aspect and then prepares the menu. For the elderly and Type 2 diabetics, for example, she creates meatless menus. The meals are delivered directly to the clients from their centers. In 2006 Jenny Craig Inc. became a part of Nestle Nutrition.

Jenny Craig has been involved in several philanthropic efforts such as the San Diego Hospice, United Way/CHAD, Easter Seals, Peace At Home violence prevention program and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Craig donated 10 million dollars to the Fresno State University, School of Business and Administrative Services in 1992. She donated another 10 million dollars to the University of San Diego. 7 million out of this money was put in making the Jenny Craig Pavilion which is a recreation sports pavilion. The couple is also into horse racing so they bought a breeding operation and horse ranch in 1995. Their horses have raced in many races at high levels.

Craig has had may celebrities endorse her brand including the controversial Monica Lewinsky, actress Kirstie Alley and Valerie Bertinelli. Some of her famous clients are Queen Latifah, Sarah Rue, Jason Alexander, Mariah Carey, Nicole Sullivan and Carrie Fisher. In 2002 the company was acquired by MidOcean Partners which is a private equity investment fund based in London.

Craig was diagnosed with a chronic case of dislocated jaw in 1996 because of which she faced speaking and talking difficulties. As a result she stopped appearing on commercials and resigned as spokesperson of the brand. She went through surgery and speech therapy to gain back her speaking abilities.

Since the beginning of this company Craig has helped millions gain back their lost confidence. She is still spirited and determined to continue providing her clients weight loss solutions. She is a pioneer in this field and her success story serves as an inspiration for many men and women.