This is a review from a good friend of mine. It summarizes what I hear from most people about Jenny Craig. (Also, take a look at my video post, Jenny Craig vs. Nutrisystem, where an independent reporter investigates and compares both diets.)
My sister and I have struggled with our weight for our whole lives. Like everyone else, we had tried diet program after diet program. I clearly remember the day when we finally decided to do something about it and go to Jenny Craig. I’m not sure exactly why we chose Jenny Craig.
Maybe it was the Jenny Craig ads on TV with famous spokeswomen like Kirstie and Valerie (heard they just added Queen Latifah). Maybe it was the skinny people contrasted with pictures and videos of their former fat selves (”Results Not Typical” hmm). Or maybe it was just desperation because we had tried and failed at so many other diets: Weight Watchers, Atkins, and endless diet pills.
When we went to the center they put us through the drill. We watched a video, talked to the manager/sales rep, got weighed and got measurements taken. Very simple stuff which was all filled with sales pitches about how great the program is and how much weight we can lose. The whole initialization process didn’t fill me with a lot of confidence in the program, but I looked at it like it was a ritual that I had to perform to get to the nugget of the Jenny Craig program. The nugget that we believed would solve my sister’s and my problem. We were so excited about what we thought Jenny would help us do.
Jenny Craig supplies four things in exchange for your hard-earned dollars:
1) Counseling
Basically, the counselors were a joke. None of them had any insight or understanding of our struggle. Most had been thin all their lives. Some were 10 or 20 lbs. overweight and were far from masters of fitness and didn’t really understand us. On top of this the staff was untrained. They knew way less about weight loss than we did. If you want to know what the counseling was like imagine this:
Imagine your average decent woman from the street who has never really struggled with her weight. Imagine her sitting down with you and giving you advice on how to lose weight. Whatever pops into her head. Whatever skills she has come to the table with her and that’s it. Then she gives you an expensive menu that you must buy from and she whisks you off.
I guess there are a few good counselors peppered throughout the Jenny Craig organization, but, according to my experience, the counselors are generally less than useless. They’re counterproductive. It made me feel worse having some mega thin Barbie (who had always been thin) or some semi-pudgy “counselor” rush me through the session and ask me if I drank my water or ate an extra bar.
2) Classes
If you’ve ever read a book on basic nutrition and a basic diet book then you can skip these. I don’t know if they’ve changed them in the past few years, but they were entirely lame when I went. Nutrition and behavior modification courses taught by people who knew very little about either.
3) Audio Tapes
The tapes are pretty well the same sort of info as the classes above.
4) Expensive Food.
Some food was delicious and some was unbearably disgusting. I loved the bars. The menu was repetitive. There was about a week or two’s worth of different food which is redistributed over the menus for as many weeks as you’re on the program. I was on the program for a long time (8 months).
Here’s the real meat of the deal for Jenny Craig. From my experience it quickly became obvious that Jenny Craig was just a diet food retailer. They’re not really about counseling or classes or tapes, because the quality is way too low. I think it’s just a front. So, to compensate for the added overhead costs of all those diet centers, counselors, and marketing, they overprice their food. Pretty slick huh.
The Bottom Line:
As with any diet, you can have success losing weight with Jenny Craig, but at what cost? Strip away all the fluff and at Jenny Craig’s core is a company selling overpriced diet food, twice as much as their competition. Save your money and stick with better choices like Nutrisystem or Medifast.
No way was that woman 220 pounds. I would be surprised if she wasn’t in the 280 range. She is a big-boned, tall woman and she was very, very heavy. Too bad they don’t have a diet to lose irritating obnoxious personalities. Listening to her shriek from the TV was more than a turnoff. Wonder how many customers Jenny Craig lost because of her.
I went to my JC center in rural Massachusetts with the intention of joining, I had my hopes up, very optimistic and positive, they put me with one person to explain the whole procedure who was very nice and informative so I decided to join. After signing the papers, they scheduled me to meet with a skinny 18 year old girl every week who was going to coach me on the diet, what experience do you have to help me I asked politely, ( isin’t it my right to know?) she was very offended and put out that I could ask such a question, and got the manager from the back who came over and tried to strong arm me into shutting up and just buying the products I’d been told I need) good thing I still had my credit card in my hand which by the way she thought I was putting back in my bag, not getting out before she gave me the major attitude. I was very sad, my balloon was deflated. I thought I was going to be another Kirstie Alley story, I guess I’m lucky I saw their true colors. They didn’t care about helping me achieve my goals at all, it was very apparent they cared only about my credit card.
Okay, I am finally posting about this because It is so irritating to me. I am a 37 year old 5′4″ mother of 4. 10 years ago after the birth of my last child I weighed 220 lbs. I lost 80lb through diet and tons of exercise and was 140 lb. I am now 145 lb and wear a size 8. I don’t exercise as much a before, so am not quite as toned as I would like, but there is no way that Ms Ally and I weigh the same with her being over 3 inches taller than I. And I have seen myself in video and photos and it doesn’t make you look that much bigger. Every woman probably lies about weight at some point, but Ms Ally is being paid to promote a diet and lying about where she started and how far she has come is a huge misrepresentation. It’s destructive to those who have worked very hard to lose weight and feel good about themselves to see her claiming to be a certain weight and then still looking quite overweight on t.v. I give her a ton of credit for getting up and doing something about it, but why not tell the truth, what does she have to lose? The pictures don’t lie, and I am not stupid enough to believe her claims. What happen when a young 5′7″, 145 lb girl (this is a perfectly healthy weight for this height) see’s these pictures and believes herself to look like that??? Very irresponsible Kirstey! You chose to go public with your weight loss, please at least be honest about the numbers!
I tried the Jenny Craig plan for over 6 months, I gained 5 pounds and lost a lot of money! I did read the South Beach book and lost 20 pounds (which was 2 more pounds than I was aiming for) It has now been 2 years and I eat better, feel better and have maintained my weight.
I think a lot of emphasis seems to be on the fact that Kirstie lied about her starting weight…don’t tell me that none of you overweight people have ever taken a few pounds, a stone or maybe even more off when you tell people your weight? No one wants to admit how big they are (as we all know fat people are despised by ignorant society). Who cares what she started at - what’s important surely is that she’s lost that 70lbs or whatever it is? It’s just as hard to lose weight whatever your starting weight whether you’re famous or supported or paid to do it or not! And yes, ok she may still be too large to be healthy or fashionable (I haven’t seen photos myself or the adverts)but she’s still lost that weight. She should be applauded - I know how she’s yo-yo dieted for many years and suffered with her weight problem. I keep reading everywhere that ‘Kirstie lied!’, that she’s a bad role model/influence on dieters and is misleading the public; all I have to say is get over yourselves; the public aren’t stupid and dieters though desperate to try ANYTHING are not going to flock like sheep to try this diet just because ‘Kirstie Alley’ says it worked for her. People will try any diet/pill/machine even if Hitler had suggested it, bacause they want to lose weight! The fact that Kirstie is saying it is immaterial!I mean, most people aren’t complete gormless idiots! Also, I think the fact that she’s still overweight is a much more realistic representation of weight loss than if a tiny skinny person was standing there afterwards - people would be suspicious. If someone had told me when I was at my very biggest (15.5 stone)that I would be paid 5 million to lose 14lbs it would not have made dieting with an eating disorder (which Kirstie obviously has) any easier! And keeping it off afterwards is even harder, it’s no reflection on the diet, just the dieter!
Also although I have never seen pictures of Kirstie at her largest, in the ones I have seen (before weight-loss pics)there’s no way she was EVER 500lbs (that’s about 35 stone!)or even 322lbs (er 23 stone?). So I think some people need to brush up on sizes vs weights! I’d say she was probably about 18 or 19 stone, so after 75lbs she’d now be about 12.5/13.5 stone…? Which is roughly a UK size 16/18. Ok, not magazine perfect but pretty acceptable. Let’s get things into perspective here! Yeah, she’s not that ‘Cheers’ girl anymore but she’s older, with an eating disorder! Of course, if anybody has a 35 stone Kirstie-at-her-biggest picture let me see it and I’ll retract my ramblings and get off my soapbox, but I doubt it somehow.
I just wanted to give you feedback about my experience with Jenny Craig. HORRIBLE! I don’t know how anyone with taste buds stays on this diet. And MOST annoying is, things you THINK you’ll like (i.e. I love tuna) that turn out to be NASTY cannot be returned if you buy MULTIPLES of this cat-food like substance. Your website caught my eye because of someone’s comment about Jenny and I wanted to add my two cents.
JC food is not lactose free and it contains too much sugar…e.g., the sweet sticky strawberry breakfast bar which repeated on me. I got a refund on on the sign-up fee, but not on the food. I was able to lose slowly by counting calories, eating healthy food, eliminating sugars and fats, and writing down everything I ate. (1200 calories per day) We need to watch out for that sugary food provided in the JC diet — there’s too much sugar in the American diet already. That’s why so many people have Type II diabetes. I found the counselor completely inadequate at the JC place I went to. She had no empathy and no expertise.
I joined Jenny Craig at the Seattle Northgate location, and spoke with Sophia, the Mgr. I told Sophia that I was concerned that the food would not be quite right for me because I needed to monitor severe hypoglycemia (a prediabetic conditiion).
I was uncomfortable joining a program that did not provide nutrition information (amount of salt, amount of fat, amount of sugar, or refined carbohydrates, which I have to monitor. She insisted that the program would work. I left with a weeks worth of food, but when I got home and read the lables, I realized, and my doctor agreed, that it would not be the right program for me, the food is high is sugar, high in salt, and refined carbohydrates. My doctor decided that I should work with a Registered Dietician instead.
I join on June 10, 2007, on June 12, 2007, I returned to Sophia and asked for my money back, minus the food, which was not returnable. I told her my doctor had decided that I should work with a Registered Dietician instead, and mentioned that the food is food of ingredients that I have to avoid. She said she would refund me my money, minus the food, which she could not take back. I said okay, just refund me for what I can be refunded.
Today is July 27, 2007, and I have yet to receive a credit to my credit card. NO REFUND YET. When I called the Center to talk with Sophia (on June 25,2007), she was not available, but I was told by the attendee that Corporate Headquarters is very slow about giving people their refunds. I asked that she have Sophia call me about what happened to my refund and I have yet to get a call back from Sophia (who is the Mgr at the location), regarding my refund.
Petra
I just want to know why Jenny Craig will take a significant sum of money from me, and then when I cancel in the proper time frame that the law of Iowa allows..it will take 30 to 45 days for me to get a refund? Also they will take 20 dollars from my refund. Iowa law states that I have 3 days for a FULL refund of my money. What is going on?
I really am displeased and am going to warn all that I know to stay clear of Jenny Craig.
Patty
I too joined the Jenny Craig program in June 07 and lost 30 lbs. However I cannot afford the food and when I went back to my counselor. Well, she informed me that I would stop being successful losing the weight because I was not buying exclusively their food. What a crock of crap I am still losing the weight w/o their food now w/o their counselors. Buyer beware!!!!
I joined Jenny Craig in 1995. I am a diabetic and my Dr. recommended the after I had my child that I should try to take some of my baby weight off. He thought Jenny Craig would be a good program for me to try… I purchased a “Life Time Membership” at Jenny Craig,so I could return to the Program whenever I put a few extra pounds on. After about 7 years of going on and off the program, I decided to seriously stick with it for 3 months. I went in to the same office that I’d been going to all along(approximately 7 months ago) and purchased around $150.00 worth of food. They called me two days later and told me that I could no longer be on the Program because of my Diabetes. Needless to say, I was astounded and hurt. When I told my Dr. about this, he actually told me to call the American Diabetes Foundation and put a complaint in. I spoke to many different people at Jenny’s Corporate Office and they all said that I couldn’t return to the program! After all those years, they changed the rules on me. The bad part about all this is they STILL send me coupons asking me to come back! Unbelievable, but true.
Kathy Andreycak
I joined jenny craig 3 weeks ago. I have lost 7 pounds. During the 3 weeks I have been going there I am really wondering if this program works since 4 out of the 5 councelors there are bigger than I am. Have they done this program? What is wrong with it? How can you have jenny craig wieght loss councelors so overweight? Im not talking a few pounds overweight, Im talking like 30,40 and 50 pounds overweight. I does not give me alot of confidence in this program.
I am pleased to read about the Jenny Craig program. I too was tempted to join but obsticles kept me from making that appt. I will go back to Nutrisystem. I thought the food would help more because it would seem like a personal cook and I would not have to deal with measuring and cooking. But I have changed my mind by reading your blogs. Thankyou very much.
Nobody has yet to mention how much the food costs and that is why I am surfing the web??????????????
I was about to join. Thank you for this advice I had a feeling it was like that because of the “Results Not Typical” red flag!!!
I called Jenny this week and was told the food cost is between $70.00 and 120.00 a week.
Thank you for the info. I called Jenny Craig, and before the lady knew my height and weight, she wanted me to sign up for 1 year! I was like….”I don’t think so” I asked how much is the food, she said, a lot less than what you’re spending at Mc’D’s. (she didnt answer my question. To make a long story short….This is what I did. I hung up. Im still fat…dont know what im going to do as I feel so bad about myself.
I went to JC about one year ago and only lasted for a 2 months. The food cost on average for a week was about 150.00 to 175.00 in addition to the initial start up. The councelors were over weight and claimed they had already lost several pounds, which I found very hard to believe. Every week I went at my appointed time, I had to wait at least 1/2 hour before I was seen. The food did not sit well with me and had to make many runs to the ladies room….
I have decided to just count my calories (1200) stay away from carbs and fat… Not must left to eat Ha Ha….
I wish all of you that are coping with this problem the best of luck and I know and believe you all are going to make your goals and be happy with yourselves regardeles….
Good Luck to all of you……
Thankyou so much…I had a great picture of Kirsty alli and was so sure that is what I wanted to try…I noticed the “not typical” in their adds….I’ll try something else……..Violet
glad that I read these first, I guess if even Kirstie Alley couldn’t stay on it, how could we be expected to? I think I will try the old fashion way of watching what I eat and try a little exercise. thanks for saving me $$$
I am so greatful i did not keep my appointment!
I stumbled on this web site, I am so greatful, thank you everyone.
Hummmm i just seen one of your commercials and i say ughhh….what a sales pitch get real this one what this is a sales pitch for what the fat farm….. both Kirstie and Valerie do not look any better……but if i chose between the two i would say ditch Kirstie she gets on everyones nerves or at least mine she is so stupid acting……and Valerie is starting to act just like her please Valerie do not go there……you are so above that crap of falling into this pot of crap…… Jenny Craig sux so bad lately they are all about the money crap and really could care less if you lose or not the counselors leave alot to be desired…..they push do a really kewl sales pitch about there foods hell you can buy that shit at walmart CHEAPER!!!!!!!!Jenny needs to get real stop being all bout just the buck actually care what the hell goes on with her clients instead of pushing the sick azz foods they have…..
I’ve been on Jenny Craig since Jan 3, 2007 and have lost 50 pounds which I thought was great until today. For the past few weeks I’ve been loosing over 2 lbs per week which I thought was too fast at this stage. In June, I joined a gym and have been exercising 5 days per week for 1 1/2 hrs each time. I’ve been on 1200 cals per day since day one. When I increased my activity to the level which I did, JC told me to add a yogurt each day which is 100 cals. I met with a personal trainer today and discovered that my body is consuming itself because with my activity level I should be consuming 2000 cals per day. My blood pressure is thru the roof and my BMI has increased because I am loosing lean muscle mass. As of today, I’m off Jenny Craig and working with the trainer to repair the damage to my body. Just a word of caution………Diana
Thank you. This pushed me over the top to choose Nutrisystems!
I’m thankful you took the time to post this review.
I started on the Jenny Craig diet on July 20, 2007. After 1 week I lost about 4lbs. I knew it was water weight but I did feel good. I was pressured into the platinum (399.00) then the cost of the food. The food the first week was good then I just started feeling like there was a knot in my stomach. My couselor was not there the second week (she had been on vacation and they were not allowed to let you know)and the 3rd week I did not make it in due to an injury to my foot (I live out of town). By the 10th of Aug I had been feeling better since I stopped the food and had been eating healthier on my own. (my problem was skipping too many meals due to a really hectic schedule) This did teach me how to eat properly again. I was excited about my next appointment until I got there and my counselor said I HAD to stay on their food since that was the paper my doctor had signed. She also admonished me for not filling out the menu (your choice that week) and that I was taking up too much of her time…yes the counselor’s do suck!!!! I bought the meals for that week then promptly gave it away. My doctor sent a fax stating I was no longer interested (it was a lie about the doctor saying I HAD to stay on the diet)I have lost a total of 16 lbs and I look and feel great. I do not credit the Jenny Craig System except that it helped me to eat my 3 squares with the snacks. Please do not get pushed into anything and you can just pay by the week and go. Yes, they ARE all about the buck!!!!!!!!
What most of you said it true… As a physician who has lost on a number of diets over the years I thought the concept of prepackaged fooods and counseling was a good one… it might be if these people knew what they were doing…they don’t!! Their counselers turned over so fast I never talked to one till I filed a complaint then not to the same one twice… They kept sending me the same 2 weeks of “variety” food and I felt I was stuck in a loop. I lost 5 lbs in 4 weeks probably in part because I did not eat the food I did not like. I only got out of the contract by having my credit card go after them. STAY AWAY FROM THEM… I heard they just got bought buy Nestle Foods and they are cutting costs in these programs to become a food direct retailer
Ralph
Thanks for all the comments. Just what I was looking for. I’ve made up my mind to stay as far away as possible from JC. I will look for other means of losing weight, i.e. Nutrisystem.
As so many have written, thank you all for posting your comments about Jenny Craig. I, too, have vacillated between going on my own common sense, NutriSystem, or JC. I think in the end, my common sense is the best bet (and definitely the best price!) Like many, I applaud whatever effort Kirstie Alley has made to lose weight, but I too am disappointed by Jenny Craig’s capitalizing on her progress by taking credit for her weight loss due to liposuction! On the other hand, much of corporate America is all about the buck and couldn’t care two figs about the general public…pretty sad. I’m sorry to anyone reading this who has suffered at the hands of JC and their so-called “counselors”. Best wishes to everyone!
Thank You for helping me to make a decision. I was also caught up in the commercials from Jenny Craig and was prepared to set up a counsultation. Just reading this info helped me to realize that Nutri System is the way to go.
Oh my God! I should have done my research before I signed up w/ JC 3 weeks ago. If I came across this thread before I signed-up w/ the Platinum Plan… I would never, ever dream of stepping inside a JC store. I met w/ a Counselor who is as wide as Montana and she has no personality whatsoever. I felt like she was one of the clients who need some cheering up. Not only that, they will show you the most expensive membership that they have and discourage you to choose other options. Yes, I’m losing inches but I found an affordable alternative, Lean Cuisine (Costco pack of 4 for about $8.69, 250-270 Cal.) and fruit bars ($3.29 6 bars for snacks, 100 Cal.), cereals ($3.29 a box ,100 Cal. 3/4 cup) and salads ($2.99) from Whole Foods. You have to count the calories you eat everyday. 3 meals + 3 snacks in between + exercise. You can start off by doing brisk walking for 30-40 minutes everyday and see how you melt your inches away. The counselors at Jenny Craig won’t do you a thing.
Thanks your truthful comments. I was thinking about joining and giving it a try, but thanks to the comments of people like me, I have too decided against joining. I do belong to nutri system and after 9 months, you do get tired of the food (only a little), but it works. I have gone from 174 to 138 with no hunger issues. Actually, the food is not bad and priced right. I was only thinking about trying something new, but not after these replys. Thanks!!!
I wish I had seen this website too, I am in the middle of a nightmare. I called them the day my 1st shipment arrived and told them that I did not like most of what they sent and that it was not the program for me. I said that I would gladly pay for the food recieved but I wanted a refund for the additional charges, membership and undelievered food. The total was $716.88 charged to my card and they said too bad no refund. I have filed a complaint with the Department of Consumer services. DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Thanks to all of you who posted reviews. I sooo appreciate all of you for saving me from a disaster. I went to the dr and have to lose 25lbs because of arthritis in my knees & spine & fibromyalgia. I was going to call jc to make an appt. You girls answered all my questions. There is no way I can afford $700.00 for the experiences all of you have described. Thankyou for saving me from a nightmare!!!
My husband and I joined JC two weeks ago. We both have, so far stuck totally to the program. He has lost appox. 6 pounds and I have lost 4. After reading all the comments, I am beginning to think we did the wrong thing. We were not given a choice to programs, and of course we joined the Plantinum Life program.
I was originally a member of JC when Jenny Craig was still alive. The program was very rigid, wkly mtgs a must and the employees were thin. (They wore white uniforms.) They knew the program backwards and forwards and made you feel like somebody. I lost 50 lbs.
I walked into the door a couple of weeks ago, after all these years and was amazed at the size of the employees and their dress. Also the program has been altered completely. No regimentation whatsoever. My husband and I will continue for awhile, as we bought the entire program, but not happy about it.
PS On our first visit back, the counselor we had, stated she was going to be using all her calories drinking vodka over the week end and go back on the program Monday. Doesn’t that put things into prospective!!
Hello all,
I am, once again, looking for a diet to go on and
was contemplating my old friend of 2o years, Jenny
Craig. I have lost between 25 and 60 lbs. on this diet during my many return visits over the years. The problems are, it is so very expensive, I ALWAYS gain the weight back, it takes forever to loose the weight plus,
in recent years, I have noticed a huge attitude
change in the counselors. The majority of them are
overweight with some positively obese. It makes
you wonder. Plus, I don’t think they really care. The food is over one hundred dollars a week now. I went on medifast last year and lost 45 pounds in 3 months. Unfortunately, the nano second I ate real food (i.e. Thanksgiving) I couldn’t follow it anymore and gained all that weight back plus 20. It is extremely discouraging.
After reading the comments on this website… I don’t think I am going back to Jenny. I don’t know
what to do. In reference to Kirsty Alley, she has been doing the Jenny Craig thing for something like
two years or more. She has obviously gained some weight back (the last commercial with Valerie B.) but I have to say. Her results ARE typical. I always
gain the weight back as have everyone of my friends that have done Jenny or, sadly, any other diet we have tried. Good luck to all of us. At least we are still trying.
I am grateful for these reviews on Jenny Craig. I was thinking of trying them, but now see the program as a waste of money. Thanks
When I started Jenny Craig, I was over 200 lbs. My height is 5′6, however, even at this height, I was extremely overweight and depressed. I had gained a lot of weight with both of my children and were using them as an excuse to be overweight. When I excepted a new job, I knew I had to do something. Out of desperation, I joined Jenny Craig.
I called several different centers, and decided on the one with the most mature counselor, Nancy. Nancy was absolutely great (retired school teacher) and had been on the program herself– so she really knew what she was talking about. I stuck to the program, religiously and lost about 47 lbs. I then moved and tranferred to a new center. The program is TOTALLY about the counselors. The food is the same no matter where you go.
When I transferred to the Polaris Center in Columbus, OH, I was assigned to Shirin. She knew really nothing about the program, would read to me out of the book, if I had a question. She missed my scheduled appts., repeatedly. When I walked in, no one said even “hello”- -no one asked me how my week was or how I was doing– I rec’d a weekly phone call, onlyh to “confirm” my next appt, again, no encouragement. My folder was transferred from Hilliard to Polaris and lost. Repeatedly, no one could find my folder when I arrived for my scheduled appt. I got to the point where I would go in, check off my food, weigh myself, pay and leave. Of course, the center was happy as long as they were getting my money.
I’ve learned that I can buy the same, if not better food in the stores with Healthy Choice and Weight Watchers, or Kashi. It’s not magic. 1200-1800 calories a day ( I was 1200) and some moderate excercise. I can eat whatever I want as long as I follow those guidelines, and still lose weight. I conviced both my sisters and friend to join and rec’d NOTHING– no discounts, etc. I wish not I hadn’t.
I feel duped and sad that I am just another number. I was told that I could be reassigned to another center, which is not convenient for me, or reassigned to another counselor- (no thanks, I’ve seen them all– very unprofessional and quite frankly, ignornant). I don’t feel like I was ever “taught” how to eat, even though I passed my 1/2 point several times (yes I gained some weight back
)– I am writing this in the hope that I can “give back” to the community and stop others from wasting their money!
I’ve been on this program since July and have only lost maybe 5 pounds. I was on Weight Watchers and they had me on 27 points which was about 1400 0r 1500 calories. On Jenny Craig I am on 1200 which is not enought calories to sustain my body weight even if I don’t exercise. I figure that it’s going to cost me 100 dollars a pound to lose the 50 pounds I have to lose. I’ve already spent 1000 dollars since July on the rewards membership plus food and I’ve only lost 5 pounds.
I was very disappointed with this diet. First of all the price is misleading on the phone I was told the cost would about $75.00 per week. I was very unhappy when I paid my bill at the center it cost me on the average per weel $125.00. I was always rushed in and out of the center I felt like I was cattle. To my surprise one day a girl next to me was paying her food bill and was charged 50% off because she knew the director. When I questioned this I was told she did not get 50% off. They must be kidding I was standing right there do they think I am an idiot. I stopped going this program is a rip off.
Oh my goodness!
I am glad i found this site. Though i am not surprised about it. It’s all about money. I was thinking of applying for a job with Jenny Craig. I felt that it would be a great opportunity to work with women and men who are in need of losing weight and help them ameliorate their self esteem. But i then realized Jenny Craig is a franchise like Mcdonald’s so most people that are hired have no formal education and therefore will not be able to provide proper education to their consumers..they are there to sell and if you sell you get a commision.. You will only find a certified nutritionist with the help of your doctor. I will not work in a company that has only one goal: To profit!
I have been going to Jenny Craig for sometime with up and down weight. I signed up for a lifetime membership and also paid for the rewards program. GET THIS - I thought the reward program was ongoing but, it isn’t I went in for my “meeting” and was told that my membership in that program had expired and that I would have to pay $99.00 to continue, which I did because I was enjoying 30% off.
Two days ago I went in again and was told that because my rewards program membership had lapsed I would have to start at the beginning at 10%. I was not a happy person, I explained that no one had notified me that my membership was about to expire, don’t you think that they should be on top of this? I just wonder if all this came about because I had returned the Vitamin Bars ( they were gritty) and the Penne Pasta (It was gluey). The quality control needs to be upgraded. I was also told that Hershey Chocolate either bought out Jenny Craig or else bought into it, perhaps that is why Corporate is so GREEDY. I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars over the years but, Jenny Craig will not be getting any more money from me.
I, too, am grateful to those individuals who took the time to warn the rest of us. I was just about to call this organization when I decided to read some of the reviews. After careful thought, I decided to go another route. Thanks again for the time you took to enlighten us.
THANK YOU for sharing your experiences!!! I too am looking for some direction and encouragement in a weight loss program. I was trying to decide between Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem. (Although I must say that neither Kerstie or Valerie are effective spokeswomen, I don’t find either one of them attractive or appealing, wouldn’t seek either out to be a friend.) I will try Nutrisystem and will keep my wallet far away from Jenny Craig!!!!!
All: I’ve been on JC for several months and have finally moved away from buying the food items and visiting the center for pep talks. What I learned after this experience, are the things I can do to lose weight on my own (minus JC or any other Diet Program). It’s really quite simple and boils down to discipline.
1) Eat when you’re hungry - but portion size only.
2) Steer away from high fats, bad fats, and unnecessary sugars.
3) Do something active each day, if only for 30 minutes - if you want to walk, walk, if you want to walk slow, that’s okay too, but do something that gets you off the couch. You’re not in a race with anyone! If you’re tired after 15 minutes, start again tomorrow.
4) Don’t deprive yourself of something if you really want it - just make sure it’s portion sized. If you have something really high in calories, just add alittle more activity to your day. After 1 treat (not cheat), that’s it! Walk another 5-10 minutes.
5) Have popcorn if you’re hungry. Those 100 calorie packs are great - though it’s hard to get all the kernals to pop. If you have to have chocolate or something sweet (have a sugar free choc pudding and load it up with fat free cool whip. (You can’t put too much on a small container of pudding anyhow!) Add a cherry to the top! ha (now it’s pretty!)
6) Drink cold water - or better yet, flavored water (raspberry, grape, etc.) that is low in calories.
7) Buy portion size food items or package it up in portion sized bags/containers - so you won’t be tempted to eat a whole gallon of ice-cream, just because it’s sitting in your freezer.
9) Don’t make dieting a hassel or boring - try something new that you’ve never had before - just for the experience of it. Dieting can be fun. I never write anything down (though JC tells you to). I have enought to worry about in my life, I don’t want to have another burden of a ‘food journel’! Besides, I don’t want anything that I regard as a treat, to be considered a cheat - I see it as just a way of life. We are going to have something sweet on occasion, so go ahead and do it! Don’t write a story about it (like the one I’m writing now) - this, I believe causes us to focus too much on food.
10) Weigh yourself in the morning only (JC does this whatever time of day your appointment is and this doesn’t work, because you are going to weight more in the evening, etc.)
Any weight gain can be a downer, but don’t give up. You’re on the right road to improving yourself (through diet and exercise). Even if it takes several years or is thought of as a way of life (which it should be), so what. Again, the only competion is you vs you. Right? Anyhow, no one really needs to spend money on diet products and boxed food that doesn’t taste good, if you pay attention to the things that JC and Nutrisystem teach you. The truth is….it’s really all about discipline and making smart balanced choices.
Make your life more than ‘being about food’. Food is wonderful and is needed to live. Before you take a bite of something, just ask yourself ‘Is this something I really want at this moment, or can I walk alittle further and then allow myself this item (without the guilt?)’. I never allow myself to feel guilty or as if I’ve cheated, as this is also a downer. If I want it, I have it (portion size). I just don’t have 20 of ‘it’, even if that is really what I’d like to do. I read the portion size on packages now and will actually count out the 4 cookies that are within the portion size. I find I’m just as satisified, but now feeling even better about myself for having discipline.
My son and I stopped by Duncan Donuts yesterday, but this time, we each picked out 1 special donut, versus buying an assorted dozen. We were just as satisifed and had spend far less money. Anyhow, happy dieting all!
Agree that it’s not all about JC and that there are disappointments in untrained counselors that have never seen an ounce of fat in their lifes, and/or can’t even tell you about the food. It is a business afterall and a business survives through profit. Maybe that is why they pay to have spokespersons (that we may have grown -though their celebrity status to trust) in the first place. In order to have a business, they have to get us in the door. In order to maintain a business, they have to show us that we can all lose weight. This part is true though. We can if we choose to. It’s tough - but every pound off should be a reason to praise yourself, whether on JC or Nutrisystem. Celebrate the treats and the loses. Celebrate the money you’ve saved by making smarter choices. Celebrate life and how it feels to look and feel good about yourself. Best to all!
Incompetent thieves and liars at JC, BEWARE!!!
I recently tried this plan out. Got on to the 2 weeks at a time food shipment plan. The first shipment came in fine on time, everything looked good and the food was great. I don’t think I lost any weight due to the food though; I lost 3 pounds because I was exercising 1 hr a day for 2 weeks. Big Whoop!!!!
The consultations were so quick I didn’t even know what we talked about. The consultant would just rant stuff about stuff and hang up on me. And I never got my assigned consultant because they never called on the decided time or date. Quite annoying when you have a job and a life!
Lastly, after my second consultation I told them they sent me some beef items in my shipment inspite of putting it on the “no list” the first time. Then I waited for 20 days and I’m still waiting for my second shipment of food. I have called them a zillion times with a new story each time. First somehow my order was cancelled and they didn’t notice! Then after my first call, I was told they will ship out my order in 2 days, didn’t come. After a series of calls, it was discovered that the new order fell through the cracks and was never placed. Wednesday night some manager calls me and assures me they will ship the order next morning and I should get it Friday latest. Nothing comes in again. Another call later, I am told that the order has been shipped on Friday morning and the courier service delivers till 8 pm so I should wait. I do and guess what, nothing even then.
The best part is these incompetent A—–holes can’t track the shipment or what happened to it but they keep telling me the food has been shipped when it’s not. Finally at my wit’s end I speak to a supervisor and ask them to just refund my remaining amount and that I would like to put in a formal complaint with someone up there. But apparently you cannot get beyond a freaking supervisor and now the ball is in their court and they will do whatever they need to without any updates to me. Meanwhile I gained 5 pounds without any diet food, thank god I was still exercising otherwise it would be more and I keep waiting on these f—kers for the food. RIDICULOUS!!!!! Good riddance. I’d rather live my life and eat my own food than get harassed like this.
Thanks JC for nothing! The refund takes 4 weeks to be processed I guess it is coming from Timbuktu. Do not trust what they tell you , they have no clue!
I have read most of the comments for the last two weeks and I am so glad I found this site. I have to lose 25lbs. Medical reasons and I was looking to Jenny Craig to help. Like a lot of people I don’t have the money to waste and if it is that costly, I would expect the counselors to be working with me through the entire plan. Doesn’t sound like they do. Thanks again, I’ll check out Nutrisystem.
Jenny Craig is not a good program.
1.The food has a lot of fiber so it expands in your stomach to make you full.–This could even enlarge your stomach so when you get off of the program you will need to eat more to fill your stomach. This is how people often gain weight after they stop the program.
2. The food looks nothing like the packaging. They show you a visual picture of how thing look and when you take them out of the package it looks nothing like the picture.
3. They add extra ingredients onto the food, ie onions. I the turkey burger, you would expect the burger to have only turkey. They put a whole bunch of stuff in there.
4. About them lying it is all true. I got completly different answers to the same questions when I asked two different workers.
5. Would not allow me to return the food even though it was just bought and still in the closed packages.
Like many women I have struggled with my weight since high school. So I go into a Jenny Craig in Manhattan, New York to find out what they were about since I’ve seen all the commercials and right a way the lady asked me how I would be paying for the program. I told her I was a full time student and that I would need some extra time to pay for it.
It’s like she didn’t even try. After that, we never talked about my weight problem or anything, she just kept saying that it would be much easier if I had someone to help me pay for it. She wasn’t even nice, just very business like, the complete opposite of the commercials.
I never even got a pamphlet or flyer or anything… I left there feeling worse than when I came in. Needless to say I never lost any weight and have been a little afraid to go into another weight loss center for fear of being treated the same way.
Don’t get me wrong, it is them I am afraid for, because if another human being treats me like that again for any reason I am likely to SNAP! Screw Jenny Craig!
Oh my God- I am so thankful to all of you. I am so glad I found this site. I googled in about JC to get info about joining them and before I clicked on their official site I clicked on this site. I am glad I did. I am not that over weight -147.5 at5.4″ but wanted to shed some extra fat on undesired areas. When ever I excersize to shed some fat, I loose on my face than on those areas. Face looks so skinney and unhealthy. I thought may be JC could help in suggesting the right food and right excersize which will give me a glow to my face.
I’ll give Nutrisystem a try instead, I’ve heard good things about them.
Thank you again for all of your comments and experiences.
Hi I had to fast forward to the last of the comments so I could share my story with Jenny Craig and how bad it messed me up. Ok I started at 190lbs and used the online program which cost me around $500 monthly but did include a maintenence program so I was told.
Any how I was determined to lose this weight and set a 120lb goal weight (I’m 5′4). The food at first tasted great and I had a real nice motivating consultant that I got phone calls from weekly on the Jenny Direct program. OK I’m happy so far but spending tons of money with every order but I didn’t care because this was it and I’m gonna do it this time.
Fast forward 8 months being 100% on program and exercising more than ever in my life, yep I was down 50lbs leaving me at a very thin 140lbs for my frame cause I’m bottom heavy so my top got real small with all the exercise I was doing, I now know that I should have made 140 my goal weight rather than go for 120.
Now remember everyone at Jenny Direct they don’t know how you look so that they could really advise someone on their body weight goals. Ok so I’m going strong fitting in size 6 yay!! My hair starts falling out in clumps yikes I was afraid when I washed it I actually thought I saw a small bald spot and went to a dermatologist to see what’s up with this. Anyhow we figured it could be the JC vitamins I was taking and what do you know, I stopped the vitamins and stopped losing hair. OK all my consultant could suggest was to start eating the bars rather than the vitamins because the bars had vitamins in them. OK I started buying the bars now.
Fast forward…my consultant just quit on me with no warning and that left me feeling bad. Turns out she was promoted yeah probably from all the sales she made through me. I now am left with trying to find another good consultant which never happened so slowly but surely I was staying at 140 getting discouraged because I still had 20 more to go. I should have been put on maintenence at this point but nope Jenny Craig only wanted more sales from me and never considered anything with my weightloss.
OK OK I’m almost done here folks I had to stop buying the food due to personal reasons and still had no consultant to support me. Within a few months I watched myself binge eat like mad and I gained it all back plus some. 234lbs is where I had to start all over with. I was never this big in my life and I never was a binge eater until Jenny Craig detox. Watch your money with this program!!!
I was on JC many years ago. It was very expensive then also, and it didn’t work! I tried Nutri System last year, and had GREAT results! Plus, the people were great, as was the support. I averaged about 3 pounds a week loss. The cost was under $300 a month, plus you have to buy your own fresh veggies and dairy products. They have a nice program of free food too. I know I sound like a comercial, but I had very good success with this program. I have been overweight most of my life, and have tried everything. Good luck to all! Barbara
Hi -
I’ve just read through these and thought I would leave my own comment.
I worked for Jenny Craig from 1996-1999.
When I started working at JC I weighed 120 and was a size 4. When I quit after 3 yrs of 40 hours a week listening to unhappy depressed people complain about their lives and their weight and then talk (in detail) about what they ate and how it tasted, I weighed 170 and was a size 16.
There is almost no training at JC and you get paid by commission off of food sales.
I can see why someone would boot a customer out of the program if they don’t buy the food.
I never liked listening to someone whine about their life without some compensation.
Some people will sit there and talk to you for an hour about their bad marriage and how their life is a disappointment or their cheating husband and then only buy $30 of food. That was about 3 dollars on my paycheck before taxes.
If you don’t like Jenny Craig… I agree, it sucks! I strongly recommend you eat better, think positive and exercise.
But the people who work for JC are not entirely to blame. Alot of it goes back to bad management and a poor pay system.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I am a big girl, and have always been a big girl. In desperation, like most of us, I’ve tried every type of diet (including injections of pregnant lady’s urine, eating only hot dogs and lettuce with Crazy Salt on it)….
My story now is one of a work injury, multiple back surgeries, thus resulting in long-term (since 2003) pain, depression and sleep medications that I still must take. I have gained 50 lbs. due to the side effects of these medications, and decided to try Jenny Craig. (Food looks good on TV, huh)! I almost clicked on their website FIRST, but decided it couldn’t hurt to read some reviews. I will be forever grateful to all of you who have spoken out about the program before I went ahead and spent money I really don’t have on a program with “less than zero” results. Thank you.
Hi, I have yet to see the same counselor more than once at Jenny Craig!! They always seem to be quitting and leaving, and almost all of them are overweight.
How can I be motivated when there is a heavy person telling me how too eat?? I have struggled with some family issues and all they seem to care about getting my money.
Well, thank you all. I was also considering Jenny Craig, but now I will look at other options. My cousin lost 30lbs on nutrisystem, so I think I will try that one. Thanks to all
I’m on Day 6 with Jenny Craig today, and I wish I’d known about this thread! I only weighed 120 at start and had 12 pounds to lose. I’m only 5′2″. I purchased the program on a Friday night. On Saturday, I decided I didn’t want the program so I called to cancel. I told the salesperson that I only had 10-12 pounds to lose and that I didn’t think it was worth the money for that small amount.
This salesperson actually told me that she *guaranteed* I would lose 6 to 8 pounds in the first two weeks of the program (I don’t think they’re supposed to do this). Well, Day 6 and I’m only down 2 pounds. Not too bad, you say? Well, the day I started the program was my TOM, so I usually drop 2 pounds when it’s over anyway.
So the gist of the story is: I’ve been following this stupid diet to a T, and I’ve basically lost nothing. I’ve been on the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes every day. I haven’t even been eating any of those “free” or “limited” foods.
The food is not terrible compared to some I’ve had, but I do not want to eat three different kinds of vegetables and a salad at every stinking meal, and I LOVE salad.
As for cost of food, which was supposed to be less than what I was currently spending according to the counselor, I spent $304 for two weeks worth plus shipping. Shipping was $65. Yes, you read that right.
I wonder if I can get my money back since my counselor *guaranteed* that I’d lose the weight (with not disclaimer)?
Oops! I forgot to tell you how discouraged I was when the lady on the DVD I got with my food was SOOOOO overweight. She looked like she could lose a good 40-50 pounds and still be a cow.
Wow! I was gonna join JC on Friday after Thanksgiving, but after reading all these reviews I have completely changed my mind. I will try Nutrisystem instead. Thanks.
I recently had the worst experience dealing with the “customer service” department at Jenny Craig. Having very recently joined, I have been appalled at the lack of customer service and support that I paid so dearly for. The poor level of professionalism and blatant disregard for my rights under the law is downright criminal. I am telling everyone I know and thank you for helping me get the word out.
I also wasted my money, time, and pride on Jenny Craig. One of the girls there was a size 0 and was very rude. All the others were very over weight and were still over weight 9 months later when I finally quit the Jenny Craig program. Most of them had gained weight.
When I would show up for my appointment, my counselor would just be getting back from her lunch break. She always smelt like greasy fast food and always had an extra large latte on her desk. During Oct, she had a plastic pumpkin head under her desk full of regular chocolate candy!
I had to complain on many occations about finding pieces of bone in my chicken salad meals. My counselor told me that one of her other clients broke a tooth on a small rock from one the Jenny Craig meals!
At least 3 times, one of the clients had brought in her small dog with her to her appointment. The dog wet on the carpet and none of the girls who worked there clean it up- they said the urine would dry- it was not a big deal to them.
No one should join Jenny Craig. The 20 lbs I lost came right back.
Wow, I was just about to join Jenny Craig until I read all of your statements. Thank you so much… I think I will go back to medifast.
My experience was the only ‘typical’ thing about Jenny Craig it seems.
I found the counselors young, skinny and inexperienced. I am a middle aged educated woman, I felt patronized and everything that was said to me was from a script. The first thing that I was asked was “are you excited about the prospect of never having to diet again!” Oh, I wish I could believe that would be the case. As for being excited…how can one be excited about going on a diet?
My husband and I went to Jenny Craig and talked to a Rep. The sales pitch was so good that my husband signed me up for the lifetime membership.
I was doing great and I lost 20lbs, but soon noticed that I was breaking out in these horrible rashes. So, I went to the doctor and was tested for foods that I was allergic to. Turns out, it was something inside most of their food. I went in and politely asked for a refund.
They refused to give my money back!! I was so disappointed. I realized they were just greedy for my money and really didn’t care for me like they promised in the initial sales pitch.
I had similar problems with Jenny Craig. After trying several other diets and losing, but never keeping it off I was promised that they would help me to do so. I bought a life time membership.
At first I had the same counselor. But then they started changing. Either they quit or transferred to another location. As for the classes (ho hum), I got better info from NutriSystem.
And the food is expensive. I spent more in a week than I did normally, plus still had to buy fruits, salads, etc.
I even went back at one point, when they called & promised that they had changed. Big Joke!
I just wanted to thank everyone for their honesty. I too was contemplating joining Jenny Craig, since I have about 15 pounds to lose.
However, after reading all these horror stories, I will look at Nutrisystem instead. My mother-in-law had wonderful results on Nutrisystem and looks terrific! (she is 66) No matter what diet you follow, it will cost a certain amount of money. Be it you follow Weight Watchers or Nutrisystem. Again, thanks for the information. And good luck to everyone!
Thank you all so much for this consumer site. I too was contemplating joining Jenny Craig. I also considered Nutri System, but the lure of having a counselor tempted me toward Jenny!
After reading all your reviews and the experience you had with a so called “counselor” has swayed me to Nutri System. Maybe, like someone else said, the Jenny Program may have been good 20 years ago but after undergoing corporate changes it is no longer the program it started out to be. Thanks Again you just saved me from wasting my money.
I am a jenny craig member and have been since the early 90s. I agree there is a difference in how thy were managed then vs now. I have lost weight then and now, but not the weight I was hoping for. The one counselor that I liked since my return in february 2007 left the company, on her last day she quietly told me watch what I eat, excercise and leave Jenny alone because they are all about the money.
WOW I thought it was just me. When I joined I knew I would get the “Pitch” but that was okay if the program was effective. As you all have mentioned the atmosphere and counseling were all inexperienced. I think maybe they don’t pay well enough for good help.
I did like my first counselor, she was pretty much up front with me. But the kicker was when one day I went there and they told me to come back in 15 minutes as they were having a meeting in the waiting room no less. When I returned, the regional manager was belittling my counselor in front of everyone and forbid her to walk away until she was finished with her.
I was appalled and told my counselor how angry I was to see her embarrassed that way. Needless to say she was gone next time I went there. I told the staff one by one every time I got the opportunity. Totally turned me off and I did not find the program effective or supportive for the money I spent with these so called professionals. Thanks for letting me vent and Good Luck to all in 2008
Same story for me, was doing research on which plan to go with, I even called Jenny Craig a week ago and never got a call back after the girl told me “she’d call me back in 20 minutes”. I gave them the benefit of the doubt thinking that maybe they were short staffed and busy (tried to be positive). Decided to go there instead - They were rude, short, looked at me like I was more or less “bothering them”. I walked out. I guess they did me a favor by showing their true colors BEFORE I handed over my cash. The sad thing is, my insurance will even cover some of the sign up fee as a wellness perk - And after reading what everyone has read and what I experienced - I will not be joining. I think it’s time for Nutrisystem for me. Thanks for your posts everyone!
I was a victim of this Jenny Craig racket. I had joined back in 2004 and lost about 35 pounds. However, I started gaining some of the weight back towards when I was about 18 months into the program. The consultants (more like CON-sultants) accused me of cheating. That was utter crap! Christmas 2005, I became violently ill. I had my final consultation a few days later. I never returned and yes, I signed up for the Platinum program - BIG MISTAKE! About two months later, I was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor that consumed my ovary. I had surgery to removed the diseased ovary, thankfully it was benign. I think it was a minor problem that was made even worse by all that Jenny junk that I ate.
A few months ago, I received a phone call from the local Jenny centre and a letter. They wanted me to renew my contract (the gall of them!). I was livid! They didn’t call me while I was recuperating from surgery to ask how I was doing or if the tumor was benign or malignant. They cared more about my money than my health!
Thank you Jenny Craig for the wasted money, the regaining of my lost weight and the loss of my ovary!
For those who are thinking of joining, don’t do it. If you go for the free consultation, run the other way! Don’t fall for what the commercials tell you! Never call Jenny!
I made an apt. at Jenny Craig and then even called to confirm it myself…I drove to my apt. through some bad bad weather only to find out that my contract of 20 weeks with them had expired two weeks previously…..My counselor called a supervisor and asked if I could still purchase food one more day since I had not been notified my contract was up and I had made an apt and kept it even after confirmation on my part and their part…………They actually told me they had a 30 grace period for situations like mine but when the counselor I was with called the “accountant/supervisor/manager???
She refused to sell me more food the day I got there..what a waste of my time and gas and I also had been working two jobs. It was quite hard to fit my Jenny Craig appointments in, but I had done so faithfully with always large purchases of their food..Letting me leave that day without being able to purchase food one more time ( left a bad taste in my mouth) no pun intended…..
They did try to talk me in to signing up for a six week plan but I refused..If they had sold me food that week I would have signed on longer…..I was angry I drove there only to be turned away…….I believe they should have told me before I came in that my contract of 20 weeks was over…I admit I had not kept track of it but never suspected they would not sell me food one more time …..NO MORE JENNY CRAIG FOR ME……………….to me that was bad customer relations……………I will tell everyone not to go there…………………………..
Basically all the comments are right on - the counselors are not the best and the price of the food is rather high. You will loose weight, but if you are not careful it will come back. With the economy being the way it is you hesitate to pay maybe $65 or more a week to make yourself feel good.
I became a member of Jenny Craig last year. I went in with one of their coupons lose 20 lbs for 20 dollars plus food and walked out of there with a platinum program and a few hundred dollars less in my bank account. The manager was a very good salesperson.
The first 4 or 5 weeks were great. I lost 5 lbs the first week and 2 to 3 lbs the next few weeks and then all of sudden nothing. I was spending over 70 dollars a week for food. Finally, I told my counselor I wanted to cut out the vitamins and some of the desserts, she wasn’t happy about that. I told her I’d supply my own.
She really wasn’t very helpful, just would remind me every week to read the book I was given when I joined Jenny Craig and ask me why I thought I wasn’t losing the weight. DUH! your diet isn’t working. I wondered why she was so very overweight and I ask if she had lost any weight thru Jenny Craig and she assured me she had reached her goal. If that was so, then I should not have been there as I was the same height as she was and weighed a lot less.
I’ve decided at this point, it’s New Year’s Day and I’ll be just as successful without Jenny Craig. If you have no money concerns and you can afford the JC program, I guess it might work for some people, no guarantees, but life has no guarantees in anything. Good luck everyone and Happy New Year.
Thanks for this info. I was logging on to join jenny craig direct and opened this site instead. I think I’ll look into nutri system instead.
I also signed up for a Jenny Craig membership and for the deliveries every two weeks. I never received a call from any counselor - even though I kept calling back and asking, begging for a counselor.
The 1st shipment went great. However, they sent the second shipment to the wrong place and never would refund or replenish the perishable items. The food is about 575.00 to 600.00 per month. I have a whole lot of weight to loose and have tried all kinds of diets for years with no luck. I am not sure what I will do - but I know it won’t be with Jenny Craig.
I used to be on Jenny Craig many years ago. I had successful results and kept most of the weight off. I had nice consultants and a good experience for the most part. Unfortunately, it is obvious that they are about the money.
The food is expensive. I was told I had to buy their vitamins even though I was taking much better quality vitamins from GNC. I overheard another client say she takes her own vitamins instead of theirs. When I found that out, I was livid about them making it out to sound like I had to take their vitamins.
I also saw someone come in off the street and ask them how much the program was. They told her they would have to go in and talk, instead of answering her on the spot. Typical sales pitch. I interviewed for a job there because I had such great results, I wanted to help others. It turns out that the consultants are paid commission based on the products they sell. There is no hourly pay. When I found that out, I bolted.
I am so happy that I came across this website. My husband and I were going to join Jenny Craig for the New Year. I followed Valerie Bertinelli progress on TV and was actually inspired. I need to lose 70 pounds and my husband about 30. I thought JC would be for us, but now I think I’ll join NutriSystem instead. I didn’t realize just how expensive JC was - wow!
Thanks for all the comments - it may have saved us a bundle!
HI! It’s so good to read that I’m not the only one who got shafted by Jenny Craig’s program. It was okay at first: my counselor was adorable, slender & really inspired me with her story.
THEN it happened. She left & was replaced by her TOTAL opposite! There’s NO WAY this girl actually did any of the exercise she lectured me to do, or ate healthily! She was much younger than me but breathed heavily, like she was about to die!
She was about THREE of me in size! It was depressing. I had to force myself to continue. I felt so ripped off! I complained to management, but they had no solution. I was going to have to see her week after week & feel that resentment!! So I quit. I figured, why pay Jenny Craig all that extra money for an incompetent counselor?
Well, I, too have been a “victim” of Jenny Craig Weight Loss centers. I had a pretty decent counselor but she actually admitted that she kept her weight loss down by smoking! Anyway, I won’t be returning to JC. I’ll try something else.
I was on Jenny Craig a couple years ago - same thing, counselors who did not give a hoot and most of them larger than me. I couldn’t respect that.
I worked for Jenny Craig until last month. I was there for two years and one of the top producers in the Chicago area.
They don’t care about anything but getting your money for the food. The dirty little secret at Jenny Craig is they have a success rate of 6 percent. That’s right…6 percent of the clients ever reach goal. Less than half of those keep the weight off after one year.
Save your money. The consultants work so hard, are paid very little..about $7.50 per hour and make commission on the food and program sales. That’s why they really encourage you to buy a weeks worth the food every visit and sign up for the Rewards Program. Nestle owns Jenny Craig now and all they care about is making money. The employee turnover is very high and the morale is very low. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
I just joined Jenny Craig and feel I made a big mistake… The sales pitch I received rivaled that of a used-car salesman. Fortunately, I only signed up for 1 week @ $59.00.
What worried me is the sales consultant trying to hard sell me into the $600 program. At that point, I told her I had to think about it because I don’t like to put a lot on money into a program unless they can prove it works. She finally talked me into a 1 week trail.
This is what I was afraid of, getting caught up in an expensive contract. I didn’t sign anything. I’ll probably try it for a week and that’s all. I don’t want to get caught up in a money hungry company.
Just wanted to share my thoughts and to say thanks for the comments.
I have been on Jenny Craig a couple times and most of the food is very good, but the prices are OUTRAGEOUS. I wish all these complaints could be sent to the Jenny Craig Corporate Office. More people would join if the prices were lower.
I have been wondering which was best, Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem? Well I think I have made my decision after reading these replies and by researching the websites of both weight loss programs…
Nutrisystem is up front about their prices and food plans, and quickly tell you the total cost of the program… Jenny Craig on the other hand couldn’t tell me anything concrete… They kept telling me I had to go to one of the centers to be evaluated. I’ve been warned by friends that this is so they can hard sell people on expensive membership plans…
I’m a little unsettled by the Jenny Craig greed, so Nutrisystem will get my vote..
I too have been on Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem. I gained every pound back from Jenny Craig. With Nutrisystem, their counselors may not be the best, but they are upfront on the cost, and their program retrains you how to eat, and emphasizes portion control. I would highly recommend Nutrisystem for that reason alone.
I have also been on Jenny Craig many times and have always gained it all back. Like many of the others, I got extremely sick of the same food week in and week out. When I started the first the food was really good. Sweet and sour shrimp, Chicken Plumrose, a steak dinner, a breakfast souffle with some hash brown potatoes, yummy. Now, all you get is a little chunk of meat here and there and the meals are mucho mucho dinero.
I was so aggravated after opening a roast beef dinner and had 5 pieces of petite diced beef and one was all fat, that I swore I was done and I’ll never go back. That Jenny Craig meal cost me 7.00!!! What a rip off. Never again.
I lost 25 pounds on Jenny Craig back in 2000, just in time for a wedding. It cost a lot of money and took nearly a year, but it worked. I found the food to be rather tasty, and the plan was easy to follow. The biggest inconvenience was simply having to go to the Jenny Craig office every week in order to obtain my food. In principle, I was going in primarily for the weight loss counseling, however I found that most of the “counselors” were largely focused on selling me food and trying to convince me to buy more Jenny Craig items and services. That was a turn-off. But the program did work… at least for taking the weight offf. Unfortunately, over the next seven years, I managed to steadily regain all of that weight — and then some! There was simply no maintenance plan with Jenny Craig, other than to keep coming in and paying them money!
Today, nearly 50 pounds heavier than I was when I finished the Jenny Craig program, I’m on the Nutrisystem program. I am losing weight with it, at a rate of ~2 pounds per week. The plan is actually simpler and easier than the Jenny Craig prgram, since I don’t have to make weekly meetings with a “counselor” in order to obtain my food. It is also convenient that none of the Nutrisystem meals require refrigeration, which means that I can take them with me anywhere. It isn’t the best tasting food in the world, but it’s tolerable. Who knows whether the weight loss will stick this time, but at least I’m not paying an arm and a leg to stay in a program that clearly didn’t help me to maintain my weight loss the first time! Bottom line: I would definitely recommend Nutrisystem over Jenny Craig.
Jenny Craig is all about the money. They could care less about you losing weight. Run into a problem and customer service is out the window. Its all about the $$
Thanks to all. I have been trying to decide between Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem. After researching both diet programs, the choice for me is clear. I will go with Nutrisystem.
I have visited both websites and Nutrisystem is cheaper ($293 for 28 day food supply with FREE shipping). Plus you get 3 weeks FREE food (one week per each of the first 3 shipments). The only reason I was leaning more towards Jenny Craig going into this was because I have 100+ pounds to lose and I thought the weekly consultations and weigh-in would help me be more disciplined.
After reading all the comments about problems with the Jenny Craig counselors, it doesn’t justify spending twice as much on their program!! I will go with Nutrisystem. Thanks!
My daughter and I are trying to choose between Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem. Here we go……..
I was on Nutrisystem 12 years ago when they had their business at specific locations. I lost the 78 pounds I was supposed to lose. I kept most of it off for a long time, but slowly got complacent and eventually gained back 20-25 pounds. I stopped following their program, so it was no fault of Nutrisystem, just mine alone.
I am ready to get back on a weight loss program, but am having trouble deciding which one to go with. I have used Weight Watchers and I really like them, but it does not work for me. I’m the kind of person who needs portion control sizes and a set structure to go by.
I like Jenny Craig because they had two famous women lose weight and they did great (Kirstie and Valerie). Hard to ignore the positive impression when you see them and how well they have done. Now Queen Latifa has bit the bullet and has joined the Jenny wagon.
Weighing the pros and cons of both and after a lot of thought (and probably because I had past success with them), I am leaning towards Nutrisystem.
Any eating program can work. And any can fail. You have to determine what you, and you alone, require to allow you to stick with a nutritionally sound program. For some that is ready meals, for others the individualized cheering section (some form of counseling), for others a combination. The only way any of them will work is for you - again, you alone - to determine that you desire a lifestyle change.
My daughter has tried both programs (Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem). She personally has had more success with Nutrisystem (current program). But I am convinced that it has more to do with an individual’s mindset than it does with the program itself. She wants this now and made the decision that she Will attain her goal of a healthier life.
Whatever you decide — I applaud your determination.
Signed, someone’s mother.
I called Jenny Craig today and asked if I could buy a sample meal or two to see if I liked the food since I’d heard some bad things about them.
The lady on the phone gave me a hard sell and quickly changed the subject trying to get me in to “measure my goals”. Yeah, right. I again, asked the question and was told “no they only sell meal packages, not individual meals”.
I thought, what a crock this is, and am glad that I saved my money and didn’t get roped into this diet.
I joined Jenny Craig in 2004. They told me I would get half my money back if I went a year & lost weight.
On my one year anniversary & 20 lbs lighter, I was excited! To my surprise, my counselor then told me no, that I had to maintain my weight for another year before I got my money??
I stopped going in 2006, then gained the weight back so i thought I’d give Jenny Craig another shot. Since I was a previous client, I figured I could just make an appointment with a counselor & get started again. WRONG!
I had to talk with the financial consultant first and $2oo dollars later I was a member again. I was so upset I never went back.
I walked in Jenny Craig recently for my initial consultation, and I was waiting as the previous client was paying for her food. After she walked out the door I couldn’t believe the “counselors” started talking about the client using a sarcastic tone.
I was thinking, “Is this how they treat their clients… with such disrespect?” Unfortunately I was so desperate at the time I joined anyway, I did lose 20 lbs and proceeded to lose the rest by myself, without their help. I later had to quit the program because it was too expensive and obviously I didn’t feel the counselors were sincere.
Good luck on whatever program you choose.
I’ve been on NutriSystem for 3 months and have lost 19 lbs. I have been very satisfied with the food, the price, the service, and their website. My food comes on time and the orders have always been correct.
I received a free Leslie Sansone walking workout DVD, and a cute Teddy bear when I lost 10 lbs. Exchanging food was also very easy. Delaying your order is simple too - done right on the website. I did receive the 2 weeks of free food as advertised. I even got $50 off a month’s supply of food because they had to substitute a selection due to low stock.
The price is reasonable - with no shipping cost to the consumer. My husband didn’t care for the food, so he canceled without any problem. And the best thing is there is NO CONTRACT!
I called two different Jenny Craig stores just to find out some information about their program. At both places they tried to get me to come in, or make an appointment to come in, and asked me all kinds of questions.
They came off as real pushy. It was a total turn off. One lady was so pushy that I just hung up the phone on her. It seemed like they just wanted my money and could care less if I lose weight or not. I will never do business with them.
I joined Jenny Craig a few months ago. It is very expensive - almost $500.00 to be a member. The food tastes pretty good.
The problem is all they care about is the money. I had some difficulties staying on the program and they kept hounding me for the money. Well, I paid the membership fee off and I am not going back.
I went to Jenny Craig just seeking information about the program and cost. Three hours of high pressure sales and $475.00 later I was a member.
My contract stated and I had three days to cancel. After assessing that I really couldn’t afford the program I sent in my cancellation on the second day. My refund was supposed to be processed within ten days. After waiting 20 days I called to see what was going on. Conveniently, they’re claiming they haven’t received my cancellation and have no record of me trying to cancel???? A supervisor is supposed to call me back, but I’ve been waiting for days.
I tried Jenny Craig on two different occasions. The first time was many years ago when I had put on a few pounds right after I got married. I have always stayed in shape and been very fit my entire life - with a great deal of work. Then, in my early forties I went through some serious health issues that required some steroid medication. I also went through two other serious traumas at the same time. Suddenly, it wasn’t a few pounds but 45 pounds I needed to lose. I decided to go back to Jenny Craig and see if they could help.
I was very excited at first. They wanted a lot of money down, but I quickly remembered that it is actually the food that is the most expensive. It also has very little variety - and even less variety for a vegetarian. If you try to cut the cost back, you are basically eating the same thing all the time. I also had to quit the program for a time to go out of state to help a sick relative, and the $300 I forked out was not refunded, even though they said it would be. This did not stop the weekly phone calls to my house asking me to re-join.
Additionally, with a medical background, and for someone who has worked out their whole life, I have more knowledge about diet and exercise than the counselors do. They should invest more money in training these people and less in pushing it on people. I also noticed the director of the center was super friendly to me before I signed up, after that she would barely say hello.
I love their ads on TV: If I was Kirstie or Valerie or Queen Latifa, it might be easier. If I was not only rich but had the program paid for by the company, we’d all be more successful. They not only misrepresent themselves, but their total lack of reality, professionalism, and compassion is sickening.
I saw on an entertainment program that Kirstie Alley regained about 90 lbs! And she is no longer a spokeswomen for Jenny Craig. Of course, I learned this the day I joined Jenny Craig and finding this site today. Glad I only signed up for the 6 week program currently being advertised.
You all are right - the sales pressure is strong. They start with the most expensive program and then when you decline they tell you about the “special deals”. When the manager realized her pitch was ineffective on me, she backed down and quickly passed me to my weight loss counselor.
After leaving the center, I went home and calculated the cost of the food. For 6 weeks I will have to pay a total of $702 ($117×6) for Jenny Craig food plus the food I have to purchase from the grocery store. I’m single and my normal grocery bill is less than $60/ week. Needless to say, they won’t be seeing me again. I could kick myself for falling for Jenny Craig’s marketing.
I went to Jenny Craig and while I was doing the interview my son called and asked me to pick him up from school.
So I told them I had to leave and that I would be back. The sales person told me to sign some documents and that they would take care of the rest when I returned. She never told me that I had 3 days to decide and that after that my money was not refundable.
When I found out I was charged almost $500 I went back and told her to please change my plan to cheaper $36 one. She stated that it had been past 3 days and that I can’t get a refund, that her hands were tied!!
I trusted them and actually believed they were interested in helping me lose weight, but it turned out to be a bunch of crap. It’s all about the money. I think they are bunch of thieves.
Thanks
I started the Jenny Craig program in November of 2007. I had blood work done in September of 07 & my cholesterol was on the high side. I have lost 38 pounds since then & had my cholesterol checked again & it hasn’t changed. My doctor told me that it would probably be lower because I lost weight from being on the program but it wasn’t & he wants to put me on medicine to lower my cholesterol.
Apparently Jenny Craig food must be high in cholesterol. Make sure to have blood work done while being on this program. I will no longer be on the Jenny Craig program.
I had been thinking about checking out the Jenny Craig program so I stopped by one of their offices and I met with one of the counselors, or so I thought.
She started taking down my information, weighing me, and then proceeded to tell me how much it would cost. She was not one bit motivating, did not encourage me in anyway, and frankly, I think she just wanted to sell me and get me out the door.
I told her that I felt that she was not a good motivator, was not perky enough and that I did not feel excited about joining. She got defensive and then told me I hurt her feelings. My question is this: Why doesn’t Jennie Craig get with the program (no pun intended) and hire people that actually went through the heartaches and work of losing weight and send them to a training seminar on how to talk to people?
The one that talked to me told me she had lost 250 lbs. and she looked like a size 6. I then asked her, “show me your before and after picture”. She said, Oh I don’t have it with me… yeah right! I am a woman, but I am not STUPID. Goodbye Jenny Craig, Hasta La Vista, Baby…..
I called a couple of days ago to make an appointment with a local Jenny Craig office. They seemed to be a bit pushy and wouldn’t talk about the price until I hounded them. After hearing the cost, I agree they are too expensive.
ummm.. Maybe you idiots should listen to what the jenny craig counselors are telling you. Three days is three days!!! If you’re unsure of the program on day 1 maybe you should think about it and go back when you are sure instead of whining about a refund…
I was skeptical prior to deciding whether or not I was going to be on the Jenny Craig program.
My first counselor was really cool and pretty, but not too thin. The rest were a little stuck up and you could tell that they are the least bit interested in you. All they want is for you to purchase the food. The last session I noticed that she gave me the wrong menu and the calories have increased. Helllloooo aren’t you supposed to pay attention to what you are giving me….
Overall Jenny Craig was a huge mistake.
I wish I had seen this web site before today. I’m 41 and over the last few years have continued to gain a little weight. My goal was to lose 20lbs.
I called Jenny Craig today and made an appointment. I was a little surprised at how unprofessional the office seemed. But sometimes my expectations are a little high. After an hour during which I couldn’t seem to get a true feeling of what the program was she finally started talking about cost. She couldn’t seem to understand why I didn’t want to spend $500 on a plan that I hadn’t tried.
My gut was telling me to walk out but there never seemed an appropriate time. The consultant rang me up three times. The first time was $160 and I thought OK a little high but doable. But she forgot something, and after two more charges the total was $180.
I haven’t tried the food. It’s sitting in my fridge. $180 for one week of food. I went to Jenny Craig looking for help and instead they played on my weakness. Right now my self-esteem has taken a hit and I won’t go back. The Jenny Craig advertisements make it appear like they are on your side, but it’s all about the dollars to them. .
Hi all,
You want to hear a good one? My jenny craig office took away the price list and you had to fill out a menu day by day and had no idea what it was going to cost you until you got the total….I even wrote Jenny Craig on line and asked if this was their procedure and got absolutely no answer… The total bill was a whopper!
I needed to lose 15 pounds and Jenny Craig happened to be next door in my building, so I stopped by to sign up. The first thing I noticed were the filthy carpets in the entry. It was not a very inviting atmosphere and should have been a warning sign.
The counselors showed a lot of interest initially, but once I officially joined Jenny and paid for a membership, it was like I didn’t exist anymore. After signing up, every time I stopped by for my “sessions”, I got a different counselor and had to wait from 30 to 45 minutes.
The weekly sessions were a joke and a total waste of time. All the counselors cared about was filling out my menu and running charges to my credit card. I quickly realized the real intention of these “sessions” was just an excuse to get you in the door and sell you more food. When I stopped going and stopped spending money, they suddenly showed interest and begged me to return.
I didn’t want to write here, but someone needs to know that this program is horrible when it comes to customer service. Over two months ago I tried to cancel a food order.
I cannot get a refund. I have called so many times and each time they say it will be 8-10 business days - that has been many, many sets of 10 days ago.
I think they are thieves - or they are purposely not sending out refunds so they can make more money
Anyone considering this program should think twice - my next letter is to the Better Business Bureau
Look…it’s plain and simple folks! Mrs. Craig is a SNOB who loves money, she is simply taking advantage of the one thing us women take personally…OUR WEIGHT ISSUES! The woman even owns a race horse for god sakes! Tell me this, why is it that we are going to the poor house on her programs and the darn woman gets a race horse?????…Come on here Jenny…make some sense to us!!! Lower the cost of your food…stop making us pay for the items you really DON’T need! Restructure your glorified grocery stores…make sure your counselors are qualified to make a correct decision regarding our weight loss management. Oh and…stop making us pay for your expensive commercials…we don’t care who’s fat in Hollywood! Make it work for US Jenny!!!!
I too was ripped off at Jenny Craig after trying the program on and off for ten years. I spent way too much money. But when you are desperate to be slim you do crazy stuff. Also, the staff at the center I went kept changing and i bet NONE of them ever had a weight problem. What sealed the deal was tha last time I went in and they said You need to exercise MORE. Well I followed then 1200 calorie menu 100% and gained 7 lbs. I just had knee surgery and won’t be able to walk without crutches for 3 months. If had been Kirstie Alley would they have said that?
I tried Jenny Craig years ago. The food was awful, they made you take a “before” picture & post it on the wall near the scale.
My “counselor” was bigger than I was, knew les