HEALTH

NEW YORK — Predictions of a more active flu season are coming true as temperature differences have helped drive flu activity, a Citibank financial analyst wrote.

In a letter to investors, Citi Research analyst Deborah Weinswig wrote that influenza virus activity in the week ended Dec. 8 increased year over year for the ninth consecutive time this season and increased significantly compared with last week — up 28.3% compared with last week's 20.7%.

GOLDEN, Colo. — Supplement maker iSatori has launched a new weight-loss supplement product, the company said.

BioGenetic Labs, a division of the company, announced Tuesday the pending launch of Belly-Off, a combination of conjugated linoleic acid, guarana, yerba mate and damiana designed to help users reduce belly fat. The company plans to start shipping the product this month and make it available at retailers nationwide in January 2013.

PepsiCo's Tropicana brand is introducing a new way for moms to sneak veggies into their kids' diets: Farmstand, a fruit-and-vegetable drink to hit the refrigerated section of supermarkets in January.

WAYNE, N.J. — A new product makes gripping such things as eating utensils, pens and toothbrushes easier for people with arthritis.

Maddak announced the availability of the Universal Built-Up Handle, designed as a "do-it-yourself" product to enlarge the gripping surfaces of common household items.

HELENA, Mont. — A chain of natural foods stores is opening its third Montana location Monday.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage announced the opening of the new store, in Helena, Mont., following stores in Billings and Missoula earlier this year. The 55-year-old Colorado-based chain offers only natural and organic products.

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe will buy a Pacific Northwest-based supplement chain, the New Jersey-based company said.

The Vitamin Shoppe said it would buy Super Supplements for $50 million. Super Supplements operates 31 stores in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, and the Vitamin Shoppe said the acquisition would expand its presence in the Northwest, where it already operates 17 stores. The transaction is expected to close on Dec. 31.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The consumer products division of British drug maker GlaxoSmithKline wants its voice heard at a Food and Drug Administration hearing scheduled for next year on a section in a 2009 law to regulate tobacco products that deals with smoking-cessation products, the company said Monday.

NEW YORK — Target has launched new products and a co-pay assistance program for customers with diabetes, the mass merchandise retailer said.

Target announced the release of new blood glucose meters and test strips. The retailer also offers products like alternative site lancets, alcohol prep pads and diabetic nutritional shakes.

The company also announced the launch of a $4 co-pay assistance program, as well as a free private-label blood glucose meter for customers who qualify for the program.