Expert Reviews
Star ratings reflect scores of 1 to 5 assigned to Nutrisystem in seven 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.) When we combined the ratings, Nutrisystem weighed in at about 3 stars overall, putting it in the middle of the pack. Experts found Nutrisystem nutritious, safe, fairly easy to follow, and moderately effective for short-term weight loss, but gave it lower marks on long-term weight loss and when considering it as a heart or diabetes diet. Below, ratings in all categories and how the experts’ opinions broke down.
Short-Term Weight Loss
| 5 stars | (1) | |
| 4 stars | (5) | |
| 3 stars | (12) | |
| 2 stars | (3) | |
| 1 star | (0) | |
Experts felt dieters would likely drop some pounds in the short-term on Nutrisystem thanks to its portion control and built-in calorie restriction delivered in convenient packaged meals.
Long-Term Weight Loss
| 5 stars | (0) | |
| 4 stars | (0) | |
| 3 stars | (6) | |
| 2 stars | (14) | |
| 1 star | (0) | |
The absence of long-term studies specifically evaluating Nutrisystem handicapped the experts. They handed out mostly 2s, classifying the diet as “minimally effective” for long-term weight loss.
Easy to Follow
| 5 stars | (1) | |
| 4 stars | (7) | |
| 3 stars | (7) | |
| 2 stars | (6) | |
| 1 star | (0) | |
Logistics are simple on Nutrisystem: the food comes right to dieters’ doors, and supplementary guides make for a structured plan. On average, experts rated it "moderately easy” to follow.
Nutrition
| 5 stars | (3) | |
| 4 stars | (9) | |
| 3 stars | (8) | |
| 2 stars | (1) | |
| 1 star | (0) | |
Nutrisystem generally conforms to the federal government’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines, and it scored well on nutrition. Some nutrient information, like amount of potassium and vitamins B-12 and D you get on the diet, weren’t available for analysis.
Safety
| 5 stars | (4) | |
| 4 stars | (12) | |
| 3 stars | (5) | |
| 2 stars | (0) | |
| 1 star | (0) | |
Nutrisystem earned its highest score for safety, with experts rating it “very safe.” Experts seem confident it poses little risk for the majority of dieters.
For Diabetes
| 5 stars | (0) | |
| 4 stars | (4) | |
| 3 stars | (8) | |
| 2 stars | (7) | |
| 1 star | (1) | |
Nutrisystem received a modest diabetes score from experts. (Experts did not specifically review the Nutrisystem D program, but it is not significantly different from the mainstream adult plan.) The result of about 2½ stars put Nutrisystem in the middle of the pack for ability to prevent or control the disease.
For Heart Health
| 5 stars | (0) | |
| 4 stars | (1) | |
| 3 stars | (8) | |
| 2 stars | (10) | |
| 1 star | (1) | |
Most other diets beat Nutrisystem in preventing or managing cardiovascular disease. Experts gave Nutrisystem about 2½ stars.
