Actress Sara Rue Urges Women to Resolve Now Rather Than Wait until the New Year to Start a Weight Loss Program

New Campaign Developed to Inspire Obese and Overweight Women to Take Action and Talk with Their Doctor

PR Newswire, Deerfield, Ill., October 12, 2015
In the United States, approximately 66 percent of women aged 20 and older are estimated as overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).¹ Obesity, which is a chronic disease, raises the risk of serious conditions, such as morbidity from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.² To help raise awareness of obesity, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., (TSE: 4502) today launched the Resolve Now: Stay Ahead of the Curve campaign to inspire obese or overweight women to take action now, rather than wait until the New Year, and talk with their doctor about a weight loss plan, including diet, exercise and other options, which may include a prescription medication, if appropriate, for obese, or overweight people with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² and a weight-related condition.

According to a U.S. marketing survey, led by Braun Research, Inc. and commissioned by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., of women who self-reported as overweight or obese, when asked if they have ever made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, 72% of women said, “Yes.”³ In addition, 60% of these overweight or obese women actively worked to achieve their New Year’s resolution to lose weight for only 1-4 months. When asked who they turn to for support during their journey to lose weight, only 4% of women surveyed said they turn to their doctor.

Like many others, Sara Rue has struggled with her weight throughout her life, and it wasn’t until she was in her 30s that she decided to make a long-term change. “We all have that moment when we sit back and think about where we want to be in 5 to 10 years. I saw a certain image of myself – one that was healthy and comfortable in my own body, but that wasn’t my reality at the time. I knew I had to take action,” said Rue. “I’m partnering with Takeda on Resolve Now: Stay Ahead of the Curve to be an advocate for these women who are struggling with their weight. We want to encourage them to get a jump start on the temptations associated with the holiday season, and resolve now to stay ahead of the curve by talking with their doctor and beginning or continuing their journey to lose weight, rather than waiting for the New Year.”

“Obesity is a very personal struggle, and it’s not always a matter of not trying,” said Dr. Holly Wyatt, an endocrinologist and Medical Director of the Wellness Clinic at the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. “In my practice, I’ve found that what works for one woman might not work for another. While diet and exercise are core elements of every weight loss plan, sometimes they aren’t enough and it might be time to consider talking with your doctor.”

Sara Rue encourages women to visit iResolveNow.com to enter a contest to share their personal story about their journey to lose weight. The most inspiring stories will be featured on the website, and the most compelling could win a grand prize* of 12 fresh meals for two from a national mail order provider and a wireless fitness tracker that features a pedometer, clock, sleep tracker and heart rate monitor. Two runners-up will also receive a wireless fitness tracker and a gift card to a sports and fitness store. Stories will be accepted until December 12, 2015 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

For more information and to share your story, please visit iResolveNow.com.

About the Weight Loss Resolutions Survey
A marketing survey was led by Braun Research, Inc., a privately held marketing and public opinion research firm,⁴ to uncover insights into weight loss resolutions, motivations and challenges. The Weight Loss Resolutions Survey was conducted via telephone in the United States with 305 women, age 18 or older, who self-reported as overweight or obese. Participants were asked up to 12 questions delving into their weight loss resolutions, motivations, challenges, support systems and discussions with healthcare providers about making a weight loss plan. The results were weighted based on U.S. Census statistics.

About Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to strive towards better health for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. The company has a commercial presence covering around 70 countries, with particular strength in Asia, North America, Europe and fast-growing emerging markets including Latin America, Russia-CIS and China. Takeda is ranked 15th globally. Areas of focus include cardiovascular and metabolic, oncology, respiratory and immunology, central nervous system, general medicine, and vaccines. Through the integration of Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Nycomed, Takeda has been transforming itself, broadening its therapeutic expertise and geographic outreach. Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. is located in Deerfield, Ill., and is the U.S. marketing and sales organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Inc. is available through its website, www.takeda.us.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Begins at 12:00:00 PM Eastern Time (“ET”) on 10/12/2015. Ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 12/12/2015. Open to individuals who are legal residents of 1 of the 50 US States, DC, or PR who are currently or previously obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) with a weight-related health condition, 18 or older and at least the age of majority in their state/jurisdiction of primary residence. Void where prohibited by law. SUBJECT TO FULL OFFICIAL RULES, which contain important requirements and restrictions for the story submission. Valid email address required to enter. Judging Criteria are: (1) Creativity: 25%; (2) Originality: 25%; (3) Depth of Exploration of the Theme: 25%; and (4) Ability to Motivate Others to Resolve Now to Lose Weight: 25%. 1 Grand Prize winner and 2 Runner-up Prize winners. ARV of Grand Prize: $500. ARV of each Runner-up Prize: $250. Total ARV of all prizes: $1,000. Prize details may vary. Limit 1 entry per person and per email address for the entire contest submission period. Sponsor: Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A, Inc., One Takeda Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.

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Contacts:
Linda Calandra
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
+1-224-554-4321
[email protected]

References:

¹ Ogden, CL, Carroll, MD,Kit, BK, Flegal, KM. Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011 -2012. JAMA. 2014;311(8):806-814.

² Jensen, MD, Ryan, DH, Apovian, CM, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and The Obesity Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(25 Pt B):2985-3023.

³ Data on file. Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

⁴ About us page. Braun Research, Inc. Web site. http://www.braunresearch.com/our-company. Accessed Sept. 22, 2015.