I have no personal experience with this plan. My sister followed it, lost weight, and liked it.

I know others who were not very happy with it.

So, strictly speaking from what I've heard and read, this is my take:

I might consider recommending Jenny Craig (as a last resort) to someone who spends a lot of time traveling, can't get to the grocery store regularly and spends little time at home (provided you have access to a microwave).

I would not recommend this for the typical dieter who is "too busy". Often, "too busy" is another way of saying, "I don't want to give up watching American Idol so that I can prepare and pack tomorrow's lunch."

This might be a good plan to do part time - though I don't know if you can set it up that way. Maybe do the Jenny Craig food plan on days when you're honestly strapped for time and can't or don't want to do the planning & preparation required to eat real food.

Then again, you could do the same with less expensive frozen meals like Lean Cuisine, etc.

If you have zero understanding of what to eat, how to shop, etc, and want to start today, then Jenny Craig might be something to do until you can gain some knowledge.

Of course you could always follow my advice. For free.

Jenny Craig would likely be contraindicated for anyone with hypertension. They do have what they call a "type 2 plan", which I assume means type 2 diabetes? Check with your physician, better yet a Registered Dietitian (who should be more familiar with the program) before investing your hard earned cash.

Pros
Individual support. You get a once a week phone consult with a Jenny Craig counselor, who I'm told are super-duper friendly.

Many people also like the Jenny Craig online e-tools - online journal, progress tracker, community message boards, etc.

Convenience. This might be good for someone who gets little down time at work. Pop a meal in the microwave and you're good to go.

Meals are planned for you so that you don't have to think too much.

Cons
You don't have to think too much.

What happens when you are done losing weight and the food deliveries, menu plans and phone support stops?

How are you going to keep the weight off if you have no idea how to eat and what to eat because all the thinking and planning has been done for you thus far? What do you think will happen?

I'll tell you what will happen. You will gain the weight back. And have to give Jenny your money again next year. Rinse and repeat.

Jenny Craig foods are generally of poor nutritional quality, highly processed, and high sugar.

Small portion sizes.

Jenny Craig Counselors are primarily salespeople who are not required to have any background education, knowledge or experience in anything other than the Jenny Craig program.

Why is this bad? Well, it isn't necessarily. I don't know what sort of advice they are giving. It might be quite good. It might not. I don't know. Hence, for me, that's a con.

My advice: If you are on Jenny Craig, or considering it, get some professional nutritional guidance (outside of the Jenny Craig support).

Also, make it a point to get yourself some credible nutritional education and lifestyle coaching. You're going to need it if you want to keep the weight off!

I've heard both good and bad in terms of how the food tastes and whether or not people are hungry following this plan. Some people feel satisfied, others are hungry.

I'd love to hear your experience with the plan! Did you like it? How was the food? What about cost? How customizable is it? Were you hungry? Was it worth the cost?