Metagenics' BariatrX Essentials Offers Hope Together with Carnie Wilson's Bariatric Patient Support Efforts.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- Metagenics Inc., a privately held company focused on developing and manufacturing science-based nutraceuticals and medical foods, announced today that its line of BariatrX Essentials medical foods is now a proud sponsor of the bariatric patient support efforts of the Lite and Hope organization -- which has gained national attention from its recent March 11 cybercast of the gastric bypass surgery of Anthony "A.D." Davis, former All-American USC Trojan running back, 1974 Heisman Trophy runner-up, and 2006 NCAA Hall of Fame inductee. Lite and Hope's spokesperson, singer Carnie Wilson, had her own bariatric procedure in 1999 and has helped to heighten awareness of this weight loss procedure for health, as well as the importance of finding a qualified surgeon and appropriate post-operative nutritional support.

Many of today's serious and chronic illnesses -- such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease -- have been linked to overweight and obesity. Bariatric surgery for morbidly obese patients can help reverse the progression of these associated disorders or reduce the risk of developing them. The popularity of bariatric surgery is gaining as more and more of the population moves into the morbidly obese classification, with an estimation of over 170,000 patients opting for the procedure in 2005 in the U.S. alone -- up from 30,000 in 1999.

While the procedure can help solve long-term health issues, there are other immediate health concerns following bariatric surgery. According to the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, a significant number of post-operative bariatric surgery patients develop protein deficiencies that can lead to surgical complications -- including hair thinning, nail loss, fatigue, and weakness -- in addition to loss of lean tissue and muscle mass.

"Protein malnutrition associated with bariatric surgery can seriously impact health," said Lee Trotter, D.O., a bariatric surgery consultant and medical director of Nevada's Carson-Tahoe Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, who helped develop BariatrX Essentials in consultation with scientists and clinicians at Metagenics Inc. "When combined with proper nutrition, bariatric surgery can succeed in providing patients with an effective and healthy way to resolve their medical problems."

Dr. Trotter, another supporter of Lite and Hope, has developed a nutritional program (including targeted dietary supplements and BariatrX Essentials medical foods) that sets new standards for bariatric surgery recovery. BariatrX Essentials medical foods supply a high-quality blend of soy and whey protein designed to target fat loss, promote lean muscle mass, reduce fatigue, and support immune function before and after surgery. These products are specifically formulated for easy absorption by post-operative bariatric patients.

The concept of tailored bariatric nutrition, however, is still a burgeoning concept. Which is why the efforts of Lite and Hope, aided by Trotter and Wilson, are so important to the growing number of people considering and undergoing gastric bypass procedures.

"The thing I want most to stress to people considering this procedure -- after finding a qualified surgeon -- is the quality of care they give themselves following the procedure," said Wilson, who generously gives her time as a motivational coach by sharing her experience with people undergoing bariatric surgery. "Good eating habits, regular exercise, nutritional supplements, and psychological support have helped me to cope with my illness."

About BariatrX Essentials

The BariatrX Essentials line of medical foods from Metagenics offers a meal option in powdered beverage form to nutritionally support the management of altered body composition (unhealthy fat-to-lean mass ratio), dyslipidemia (elevated LDL levels) and metabolic syndrome (abnormal blood sugar metabolism). It may also reduce the incidence of adverse consequences of bariatric procedures such as dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying). BariatrX Essentials, available in a variety of natural flavors, contains a targeted blend of macro- and micro-nutrients designed to address specific concerns of bariatric patients, including hair/nail growth, fatigue, weakness, immune function, and tissue health and repair.

Metagenics also offers nutraceutical products to support the general health of the bariatric patient, including a chewable multivitamin and mineral supplement; a protein repletion drink mix; a low-allergy-potential fiber drink mix; a liquid zinc supplement; and a specialized iron formula. Bariatric patients and healthcare practitioners are encouraged to visit www.bariatrxessentials.com for more information.

About Lite and Hope

The goal of Lite and Hope, created by Medical Marketing Services LLC, is to raise awareness in morbidly obese patients and their family members about the surgical options available for the treatment of morbid obesity. Surgeons referred through www.liteandhope.com and its toll-free number (800-831-6203) must meet the highest standards of professional excellence in the area of gastric bypass surgery and the treatment of morbid obesity.

About Metagenics Inc.

Metagenics Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of science-based nutraceuticals and medical foods sold to healthcare practitioners worldwide. The company has headquarters in San Clemente, with manufacturing and multiple research facilities located in Gig Harbor, Wash. -- including its MetaProteomics(R) Nutrigenomics Research Center and its Functional Medicine Research Center(SM) for human clinical research. Metagenics holds multiple proprietary formula patents and produces over 400 research-based products to optimize health. The company demonstrates its commitment to purity and quality through its certifications for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) from the NNFA, NSF International, and TGA. For more information about Metagenics, please visit the company's Web site at www.metagenics.com.