Metagenics, Inc. Highlights Promise of 'Nutrigenomics' to Treat Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity-Related Health Problems; Dr. Jeffrey Bland to Present at 2nd Annual World Obesity & Weight Loss Congress in Washington, D.C.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- Metagenics, Inc., a privately held company focused on developing and manufacturing natural, science-based nutriceuticals, announced today that Jeffrey S. Bland, Ph.D., FACN, CNS, the company's president and chief scientific officer, will deliver a presentation entitled, "Nutrigenomics of the Metabolic Syndrome" at the 2nd Annual World Obesity & Weight Loss Congress in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 8:30 AM ET. Metabolic syndrome is an increasingly recognized condition that includes symptoms indicative of increased risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. E[acute accent]"We are excited to present data from a recent study that demonstrates the potential for a nutrigenomic therapeutic approach to safely and effectively treat metabolic syndrome and obesity-related health problems," said Dr. Bland. "There are millions of patients who are never treated until it is too late. With nutrigenomics, healthcare professionals can apply an early, less invasive intervention to prevent the development of such serious diseases as heart disease and diabetes before therapies that carry many more risks and side effects are required." E[acute accent]Dr. Bland's presentation will focus on the expanding understanding of the role that the emerging field of nutrigenomics plays in metabolic syndrome and obesity-related health problems. The presentation will demonstrate a clinical relationship among specific nutrigenomic discoveries with insulin signalling, inflammatory signal transduction, adipocyte physiology and obesity. The conclusions provided in the presentation are based on a recent randomized, controlled trial in modestly obese, postmenopausal women performed at Metagenics' Functional Medicine Research Center in Gig Harbor, WA.

E[acute accent]About Metabolic Syndrome

E[acute accent]Individuals with metabolic syndrome have several clinical imbalances in the body at the same time -- such as obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and high blood lipids. This syndrome affects approximately one out of every five overweight people. Metabolic syndrome, also referred to as "syndrome X," is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Many scientists believe that insulin resistance is one of the major factors that either allows or causes the components of metabolic syndrome to develop. The body manufactures insulin to transport sugar (glucose) into cells so they can use it for energy. Insulin resistance, which is related to central obesity, makes it increasingly difficult for cells to respond to insulin, and ultimately, blood sugar levels rise, leading to diabetes.

E[acute accent]About Metagenics

E[acute accent]Metagenics, a privately held company, was founded in 1983 with the mission to help patients achieve their genetic potential through targeted nutrition. As the leading developer and manufacturer of natural, science-based nutriceuticals, Metagenics sells its products to healthcare practitioners worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Clemente, CA, with its world-class Functional Medicine Research Center(SM) and manufacturing facility located in Gig Harbor, WA. MetaProteomics(TM), Metagenics' nutrigenomics research center, is dedicated to researching and evaluating the effects of natural ingredients on genetic expression and protein activity. With a talent base of more than 600 employees worldwide, including a team of over 30 highly-trained scientists and clinicians, Metagenics is helping to shape the future of medicine through its nutrigenomic, science-based therapies. The company is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified by the NNFA, holds multiple proprietary formula patents, and produces over 400 all-natural, research-based products to optimize health. For more information about Metagenics, please visit the company's Web site at www.metagenics.com.