Nutritional Supplements Offer Safe Non-prescription Alternatives To Potentially Dangerous Weight-Loss Drugs; New Amino Acid Combination Reduces Food Cravings With No Side Effects.

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 1997--While the medical community debates the safety of the prescription weight-loss drug Phen-Fen, a combination of natural amino acids including DL-Phenylalanine is being hailed by nutritionists, counselors and users alike as an extremely effective tool against the major causes of weight gain - cravings and binging.

PhenCal 106, a dietary supplement containing the patented amino acid combination long used to combat drug and alcohol addictions, is clinically proven to be as effective as Phen-Fen without the negative side effects(a). Recently introduced by Weider Nutrition International, Inc., initial sales of the product have topped $2 million in the first weeks of distribution as consumers have embraced alternative weight-loss products.

"More and more, people are realizing that being overweight contributes to many serious health problems. Unfortunately, for many the solution may be worse than the problem," said Jim Hine, vice president of marketing for Weider Nutrition International, Inc.

A Mayo Clinic study set for publication in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that Phen-Fen usage may lead to increased risk of heart disease. Phen-Fen was developed primarily to battle gross obesity, but is frequently sought by people who are only slightly overweight.

"As a result of rising awareness of the benefits of nutritional supplements, consumers are looking for safe, natural alternatives to prescription methods of weight-control," said Hine.

"Some herbal Phen-Fen products on the market use the controversial ingredient ephedrine, which has been linked to serious health risks and is presently under investigation by the FDA," said Luke Bucci, vice president of research for Weider. "PhenCal does not contain ephedrine. The nutrients found in our product have been proven to be as effective as Phen-Fen, and have been safely used by more than 50,000 people to help them manage their cravings."

Research studies published by Dr. Kenneth Blum, adjunct research professor of biological sciences at the University of North Texas in Denton, show that many of the primary causes of obesity, such as cravings and binging, may result from the brain's inability to register satisfaction. PhenCal 106 provides essential amino acids to the body that can stimulate the brain's "reward centers", decreasing unhealthy eating impulses and encouraging weight loss.

Several controlled studies have analyzed the effects of DL-Phenylalanine and other amino acids on subjects trying to lose weight. "The results have been remarkable, especially when compared to the results of those on prescription diet drugs," said Blum. "In a 90-day open trial in Louisiana, study participants using our formulation lost an average of 27 pounds while the control group lost only ten." (1)

"Weight regain, cravings and binging episodes are all significantly reduced," explained Blum, elaborating on a separate study into the effects of DL-Phenylalanine on weight loss maintenance. "Participants using DL-Phenylalanine regained only 14.7 percent of their weight after two years, compared to 41.7 percent percent weight regain in the control group. Moreover, study participants reported an average of 11 weekly food binges at first. Those who were given our formula reported only 3.5 weekly binges after two years, while the control group experienced no change in binging." (2)

PhenCal 106 will be sold under the Great American Nutrition label in two-week and one-month supplies for a suggested retail price of $19.95 and $34.95 respectively. It is available through health food stores, mass volume retailers and chain drug stores nationwide. For more information about the product, customers can call toll free at 1-888-PHENCAL.

Weider Nutrition International, Inc. (NYSE: WNI), the largest supplier of health, fitness and wellness products in the world, is based in Salt Lake City and manufactures and markets products in the sports nutrition, bottled drink, energy and endurance, diet, natural vitamin and nutritionally-based snack bar categories. -0- (1) Blum, K. et al. Current Therapeutic Research, vol. 48, pp. 217 - 233, 1990. (2) Blum, K. et al. Current Therapeutic Research, in press, 1997.

(a) These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

"PhenCal 106" is a trademark of a division of Weider Nutrition International, Inc.

CONTACT: Vollmer Public Relations 

Barry Clifford or Denisha Raulston, 713/546-2230