Murrysville, Pa., USA - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced its behind the scenes support of NBC's The Biggest Loser: Couples, a top-ranked primetime show. The reality television show challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds and become healthier. The series has become a worldwide hit airing in more than 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. For the first time in the show's history, contestants on The Biggest Loser: Couples received comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a potentially life-threatening condition in which a person has episodes of stopped breathing during sleep. Philips Respironics, part of Philips' home healthcare business, assisted in providing medical equipment, testing, treatment and therapy to diagnosed contestants competing in the show's seventh season.

Pam Minkley, clinical trainer, and member of the on-site Philips Respironics team, explains, "It is amazing to see the contestants' progress to healthier living firsthand and to educate cast and crew about the importance of restful sleep. Being involved in The Biggest Loser: Couples and with the show's medical team behind the scenes has allowed us to deliver an important health message to contestants, their families, and the viewers."

According to the National Institutes of Health, 70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders and intermittent sleep problems. An estimated 18 million Americans are diagnosed with OSA. Millions more remain undiagnosed. Obesity is a risk factor. OSA has also been associated with increased risk of hypertension, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation and Type 2 diabetes.
The diagnosis took place last fall in a hotel where 10 beds, plus a room for monitoring, were used to test each contestant for one full night. Sleep studies and overall health assessments were given to all participants, along with extensive education about sleep disordered breathing. Sixteen of the 22 contestants were diagnosed with OSA and were given equipment and therapy.

To support this effort, Philips Respironics provided diagnostic tools (ProTech sensors, oximeters, electrodes, and set-up materials) and Alice 5 Diagnostic Sleep Systems. Also, therapeutic equipment was used including REMstar Auto M Series with A-Flex, BiPAP Pro with Bi-Flex, EverFlo Q Oxygen Concentrator, and a variety of masks. Those contestants who were diagnosed with OSA were monitored using EncoreAnywherewith a combination of SmartCard downloads and modems. As contestants leave the show, Philips Respironics continues to provide support on weekly phone consultations. The contestants also send in SmartCards, which enables their therapy data to be monitored.

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