Nutrisystem Inc. has expanded its lineup of weight-loss management mobile applications with the launch of its new body mass index app for the iPhone.

The free application targets both Nutrisystem members and non-members, letting them assess their body mass index, as well as track and monitor changes in BMI over time. Nutrisystem sees applications as customer engagement tools, as well as platforms to attract prospective members.

?We?re committed to help people lead a healthy lifestyle, and monitoring the body mass index is key to helping them achieve their goals,? said Vijay Murali, vice president of ecommerce technology at Nutrisystem, Fort Washington, PA.

?It is a way for anyone, both customers and non-customers, to engage with us and monitor their BMI, which is a key to their health,? he said.

?This app acts as the latest entry in our mobile suite of products, which is meant to further solidify our place as a leader in mobile weight loss solutions, offering a weight-loss plan to help people get back into a healthy BMI range.?

Nutrisystem home-delivery weight-loss programs are designed for women, men, seniors and diabetics. They are sold directly to consumers through Nutrisystem.com, by phone and at select retailers.

In addition to the BMI application, Nutrisystem has a Food Diary application for iPhone and Google?s Android devices, and it is coming soon to Research In Motion?s BlackBerry.

Nutrisystem also has a mobile-optimized Web site.

BMI TMI?
Body mass index is an effective way to estimate healthy body weight and one of the most widely used diagnostic tools to help identify health and weight problems, according to Nutrisystem.

The Nutrisystem BMI application for the iPhone lets users calculate their body mass index and tell them if they are underweight, healthy or overweight.

Users can generate a basic diet plan to help improve and maintain an ideal body mass index, as well as save and track BMI data.

The application provides push reminders for regular body mass index checks.

To spread the word about the application, Nutrisystem is using social media channels and online advertising.

?We give people an opportunity after they have seen their BMI and gotten all of the tool sets to monitor their body mass index, and we ask them to subscribe to our email newsletter to get healthy eating tips and monitor their overall weight-loss goals and BMI,? Mr. Murali said.

?If you?re interested in getting email tips on a biweekly basis, feel free to give us your email address,? he said. ?The app is geared toward our digital audience as part of our overall goal to increase the suite of tools that people have at their disposal to achieve their weight loss goals.

?It is a fun and easy-to-use tool.?

Final Take
Nutrisystem