An online weight-loss program, "The Biggest Loser Club," inspired by the NBC-TV series by the same name, has evolved to include a spin-off property exclusively designed for the workplace, say three companies that are involved in the project.

The partners are Emmaus, Pa.-based global media company Rodale Inc., New York City-based entertainment programming provider NBC Universal, and Universal City, Calif.-based television and film production and distribution company Reveille LLC. They say employers now are able to implement "The Biggest Loser Club" corporate membership service to encourage employees to lose weight and promote healthy living.

Inspired by the hit NBC series The Biggest Loser, "The Biggest Loser Club" is an online companion site that its owners say has improved the lives of more than 500,000 members since its 2005 launch. The comprehensive online program is intended to equip members with the knowledge, motivation, and ongoing support needed to lose weight. Site features include customized editorial content, an interactive community, progress tracking, and personalized meal and fitness plans, modeled after the show.

Publicly traded Humana Inc., the big Louisville, Ky.-based health and supplemental benefits company, recently became the first participant in the new "The Biggest Loser Club" corporate membership service. As part of the company's ongoing associate wellness initiatives, "The Biggest Loser Club" is among several well-being programs available to interested Humana associates. It includes what its promoters claim is a user-friendly nutrition and exercise program designed to inspire those previously deterred from losing weight due to time, financial, and motivation constraints.

"The Biggest Loser Club" Web site was tailored to Humana's needs, providing a unique corporate login page with weekly member updates that include weight loss tips and online tools, the promoters say.

"We're encouraged about Humana's alliance with 'The Biggest Loser Club' and what it means for our associates who are working hard to lose weight and live healthier lives," says Bonnie Hathcock, Humana's senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "As an employer committed to innovation in all that we do—including in our associate health and well-being programs—we believe this alliance is a natural fit for us."

Coupled with user profile options individualized to meet personal goals, the wellness program will help companies improve employee health, generate enthusiasm, and increase productivity, the sponsors of it assert.

Jonathan Bigham, vice president of finance and brand planning at Rodale, says, "The impact of personal fitness far exceeds vanity or trends. Living healthily translates to disease prevention, productivity, and mental agility. Corporations have a vested interest in fostering personal fitness among employees not only to keep soaring health-care costs in check, but also to reap the positive effects of a happy, healthy work force."

Rodale claims to reach more than 70 million people around the world through an array of media properties, including magazines, books, online, e-commerce, direct-to-consumer delivery channels, and video. Among the company's publications are Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health, Runner's World, Bicycling, Running Times, and Organic Gardening.

"The Biggest Loser" TV show airs on NBC and challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Each team works under the supervision of professional trainers.