This is a press release courtesy of NWM, the local franchise owner of LA Weight Loss Centers in Oregon

NWM, the local franchise owner of LA Weight Loss Centers in Oregon, is strongly disputing allegations made by the Oregon State Attorney General's office related to old issues that the company says it addressed long ago.

NWM states that the attorney general's allegations relate to program pricing and nutritional supplements the company discontinued and stopped selling more than a year ago. Since that time, NWM has spearheaded continual improvements that have been in effect for months prior to the attorney general's announcement and exceed the standards of the national franchisor.

"We are disappointed that the attorney general has chosen to pursue old issues that were addressed long ago and unfairly penalize a company that has taken steps above and beyond requirements to implement improvements in good faith," said Diane Gilmore, director of training and customer service for LA Weight Loss Centers, locally owned by NWM. "We feel that this suit is unjustified and we intend to vigorously fight these allegations."

The attorney general's suit did not question whether the LA Weight Loss program is either safe or effective. NWM has served more than 34,000 people in Oregon since 2003 and the attorney general's office has received just two to three letters per year from clients concerned about their service during that time. The company has achieved 100 percent resolution by working with each of these individuals to fully address their concerns. NWM also has received hundreds of favorable comments and letters from customers who have been helped by participating in the program. In addition, NWM has already implemented a number of operational changes at its local centers that address the attorney general's concerns, and to help better serve its clients. Specifically, these include:

• In regard to pricing, NWM has created its own enrollment documents to ensure there is no confusion on program pricing. Customers are required to sign each document stating that they clearly understand the program prior to purchase. (Copies of program enrollment forms used by NWM owned centers are available to the media upon request.)
  
• All program packages that include LA Weight Loss nutritional products are clearly defined and are included in final costs that the customer must approve, prior to purchase.
  
• NWM has implemented additional employee training programs and conducts regular "undercover" spot checks at its centers to ensure that policies and procedures are being followed and customer communications are clear.
  
• Each center offers customers a toll-free 800 number and an email address to contact NWM directly with issues or concerns. All concerns are handled locally, personally and promptly.
  
• NWM does not offer any supplements from the national LA Weight Loss franchisor if a third-party expert cannot substantiate the claims. For more than a year, NWM has worked with a local law firm that specializes in federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to ensure that there is proper substantiation to support supplement benefit claims. If that substantiation is not adequate, the company will not sell the supplement in question.
  
• The safety of supplements offered by LA Weight Loss has never been in question and any supplements offered by the company are optional and not sold as part of its program.

"Weight loss is a very personal commitment, and it takes hard work and dedication to achieve. However, the fact is that we've helped tens of thousands of people improve their lives and reach their goals," said Gilmore. "It's a rare business these days that receives literally stacks of letters and comments from customers to thank them for the positive difference they've made. We believe in the improvements we've made, and we're proud of the results our clients been able to achieve."

About LA Weight Loss and NWM

LA Weight Loss participants learn long-term strategies for maintaining healthy, well-balanced diets along with receiving the personal, one-on-one support they need to succeed. The company focuses on each stage of losing weight to help ensure a successful outcome.

LA Weight Loss does not advocate "quick fix" solutions and reinforces that losing weight requires hard work, commitment and dedication, which is why a common-sense combination of healthful eating habits and personal support are essential program components. The company requires that participants go through a thorough health screening, and if there are any concerns based on pre-existing health conditions, a doctor's approval must be obtained prior to participation. More than 400 doctors have determined that participating in the program is acceptable for their patients.