Latifah to continue in Jenny Craig ads

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Jenny Craig Inc. announced Tuesday that U.S. singer and actress Queen Latifah will continue as its celebrity spokeswoman for 2009.

"The Grammy award winner and Oscar-nominated actress will continue to serve as an ambassador for the brand, playing an active role with the online community and other marketing-related programs," the weight-management company said in a release.

"In 2008, Queen Latifah helped convey Jenny Craig's core message of weight-loss and the impact it has on one's health," the company added. "Having lost her great-grandmother to Type 2 diabetes, she understands the impact of illnesses related to weight. By successfully losing 20 pounds and dropping 20 cholesterol points through the Jenny Craig program, she demonstrated that making small lifestyle changes, along with diet and exercise, can reduce the risk of obesity-related illnesses, like diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease."

"We are proud of Queen Latifah's achievements and are excited to continue the relationship," Scott Parker, vice president of marketing for Jenny Craig, said in a statement. "Queen Latifah embodies the healthy lifestyle principles and character that Jenny Craig stands for and we look forward to another great year."