Metagenics, Inc. Launches StopChronicDisease.com Online Social Networking Community to Combat Lifestyle-Related Chronic Illness

First online health information and social networking community to connect
people with chronic illness with a diverse network of therapeutic lifestyle
change (TLC) specialists
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Metagenics, a global life sciences company focused on reversing chronic illness
and improving health and wellness, announced today that it has launched
StopChronicDisease.com, a social networking and online health information
community dedicated to helping patients with chronic illness connect with health
care professionals who specialize in lifestyle medicine. Metagenics is the only
company in the world to provide a certification program for health care
professionals who are committed to combating chronic illness using these
methods.

Lifestyle-related chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and
metabolic syndrome are among the country`s most prevalent and costly health
problems. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
chronic illnesses affect nearly half of all Americans, cause 7 out of 10
premature deaths, and consume 75 percent of health care expenditures. Leading
public health organizations have long advocated the use of TLC programs-which
help patients develop healthy behaviors such as better nutrition and fitness-as
the first line of defense in preventing, managing, or reversing many common
chronic illnesses. But despite the proven effectiveness of TLC, most doctors
lack the training or systems necessary to provide their patients with meaningful
lifestyle solutions.

"It`s one thing to tell patients to eat right, exercise regularly, and manage
their stress. It`s something else entirely to show them how to do it, let alone
on a long-term basis," said StopChronicDisease.com medical advisory board member
and Metagenics medical director, Robert H. Lerman, MD, PhD. "The idea behind
StopChronicDisease.com was to create a trusted, online health information
network that features the most highly trained TLC practitioners in the United
States and Canada. While there are a number of peer-to-peer and health-focused
social networking sites that do an excellent job of connecting patients with
other patients, no other online community exists where people suffering from
chronic illness can meet such a diverse and proven network of lifestyle medicine
specialists in a social networking environment."

According to Lerman, Metagenics has trained and certified thousands of health
care professionals in its TLC methods so far. While Metagenics-certified medical
doctors, osteopaths, nutritionists, and alternative medicine practitioners
currently make up the bulk of the network, all health professionals who have
demonstrated an acumen for and strong commitment to lifestyle medicine are
encouraged to join and participate in the StopChronicDisease.com social
networking site.

In addition to connecting patients suffering from chronic illnesses with
TLC-certified providers, StopChronicDisease.com members can gain an
understanding of how lifestyle medicine can help them overcome their health
challenges through the following tools offered on the StopChronicDisease.com
social networking site:

• Connecting with other members who share their interests

• Joining community groups, blogs, and forums; or

• Watching video posts from other patients enrolled in TLC programs.

"Nearly everybody knows someone who has been affected in some way by chronic
illness," said Lerman. "Metagenics is sponsoring this site so that the millions
of people who have been affected by these conditions can have a trusted resource
for TLC-related information and, most importantly, connect with a specialist in
their local community who can make a real difference."

About StopChronicDisease.com

The mission of StopChronicDisease.com is to reverse chronic illness using
therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC). StopChronicDisease.com is the only online
community where people with chronic illness can find a network of health care
providers with experience, training, and insight in helping patients regain
their health using TLC. Additionally, StopChronicDisease.com members can gain a
better understanding of the impact of TLC on their health, through community
groups, blogs, forums, and videos. Membership at StopChronicDisease.com is free.
To join the StopChronicDisease.com community today, visit
www.stopchronicdisease.com.

About Metagenics

Metagenics, headquartered in San Clemente, CA, is a global life sciences company
focused on reversing chronic illness and improving health. Founded in 1983, the
company serves tens of thousands of health care professionals and more than a
million patients throughout the world and holds more than 40 propriety formula
patents for use in nutraceucials, medical foods, and pharmaceuticals. Today,
Metagenics continues its leadership role by successfully merging the disciplines
of nutritional genomics, functional medicine, and therapeutic lifestyle change
programs to find solutions to society`s most pressing health concerns. For more
information, please visit http://www.metagenics.com.

Metagenics, Inc.
Joseline Davison, 949-369-3406
josiedavison@metagenics.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009