Celebrity Endorsement

Valerie Bertinelli and Marie Osmond have as much in common now as they did in the 70's. Former small screen rivals, they've now become dietary rivals.

In one corner, representing Jenny Craig: Valerie Bertinelli. Pounds lost: 49 Book deals: 1 Bikini-clad People Magazine covers: 1 Noteworthy Quote: "Well, please. I mean, have you tried their food? But look, seriously, it's known that Jenny Craig has the best tasting food. That's just a fact." Future plans: Exercise DVD

Fashion Model Rachel Hunter has signed up with Slim-Fast. Hunter is to be the new face of Slim-Fast (owned by Unilever - promoted with the "Find Your Slim" program.).

Slim-Fast says: Rachel will incorporate Slim-Fast into her life as an approach to reaching her personal weight loss goal.

According to People, Hunter is 5' 10" and currently weighs 147lbs. That gives her a BMI of 21. So why the need for Slim-Fast?

Jenny Craig have signed up another celebrity endorsement deal - this time with TV actress Valerie Bertinelli (One Day at a Time, Touched by an Angel).

Bertinelli aims to lose 30lbs with the Jenny Craig program and will feature in commercials along with Kirstie Alley - as well as having her own blog.

How credible are celebrity-endorsed weight loss programs?

Oprah Winfrey is arguably one of the most influential people around. If she endorses a book - it becomes a number one bestseller overnight.

Recently Kirstie Alley chose to appear on the Oprah show to promote her own weight loss story and "new" body.

Both of these women are role models - but how helpful are they when it comes to either weight loss or self-acceptance?

There is pocket money and there is seriously huge money.

Former TV presenter Anne Diamond takes part in UK reality show Celebrity Fit Club. She struggles with her weight, and despite having gastric bypass surgery, she loses only 1 pound over 3 weeks. However it's far from a bad situation - Miss Diamond has just been offered £250,000 (USD 438000) to write a book about weight loss issues.