We all know Kirstie Alley, the actress from the TV
show Cheers and other roles. We also know that her weight has
fluctuated quite a bit over the years. Several years ago she was a
spokesperson for Jenny Craig, but they parted ways after Kirstie
regained a lot of the weight she lost.
Since then, Kirstie vowed that she would launch her
own diet program, and she has. This is a direct-to-consumer plan
administered mainly via the Internet that is based on the use of
organic foods and organic weight loss supplements, supported by
online tools at the company website.
On March 21, 2010, A&E cable TV launched a new
program featuring Kirstie Alley, called Kirstie Alley's Big Life,
where they will track her weight loss efforts.
The Program
This is a new online program that includes a Rescue
Me(TM) Kit. It includes a formula containing
essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that
help reduce cravings, while boosting energy. This is
claimed to be the first USDA certified organic
weight loss product. The Rescue Me package also
comes with Release Me(TM) - a calcium and magnesium
supplement. A dietary supplement to aid in sleep is
also used, a liquid formula of L-Tryptophan.
Online tools help you plan organic meals, recipes,
and find organic stores and farmer's markets and
restaurants near you. You can interact with other
members via blogging. Kirstie Alley also designed a
Body Game, which helps you choose a partner to lose
weight with (your Chubby Buddy). As a member, you
have access to the Success Graph (chart your weight
loss online), as well as a calorie calculator, and a
menu planner. Vegetarian and low-carb options are
offered. The website also has articles about weight
loss and organic foods and lifestyle.
No diet drugs are used
Costs
There is a $10 membership fee, with an $89 yearly
fee, plus $139 for the "Rescue Me" Kit. The website says that the
cost of the plan is about $5/day (or $150 per month).
Commentary
Celebrity-watchers may find this plan interesting
but we'll have to wait and see how successful Kirstie Alley is by
following her show. No mention is made of any
exercise plan (a drawback), and recession-pinched consumers may find
the cost of organic foods to be expensive. Also, when you are away
from home, does this mean you must always eat out only in
restaurants that serve organic food? (pricey).
This may be a good plan if you are already into the
organic lifestyle and want to eat healthy. But then, why do you need
Kirstie Alley?
We tried several times to speak with management, to
confirm where the company is headquartered and to get a few more
details about this plan, but so far, they have declined to reply.