Jenny Craig Hires Lewinsky as Pitchwoman

A slimmer Monica Lewinsky returns to national television this weekend--this time as the spokeswoman for struggling diet company Jenny Craig Inc.

Lewinsky claims to have lost 31 pounds so far on the Jenny Craig plan, which she began during the summer. Her current weight and target weight were not disclosed.

It doesn’t matter that the former White House intern gained worldwide attention because of her affair with President Clinton, Brian Luscomb, spokesman for the La Jolla-based diet company, said Tuesday.

“It’s the best way to share the stories of our successful clients. We think there’s a way to reach more people about Jenny Craig then ever before,” Luscomb said.

The commercials are part of a $7.2-million advertising campaign and are scheduled to begin airing Sunday. A 30-second commercial and a 60-second commercial are expected to run through March.

Lewinsky, 26, is enrolled in a program similar to that of other clients, in which she regularly visits with a diet consultant, Luscomb said.

Terms of Lewinsky’s advertising contract were not disclosed.

Jenny Craig said in November that shrinking sales were forcing it to close 86 weight-loss centers and cut its office staff 15%.

On Tuesday, Jenny Craig’s shares jumped 69 cents to close at $2.81 on the New York Stock Exchange.