News

Do dieters really need or want weight loss “counselors” (coaches, consultants, group leaders) today? That’s a question we at Marketdata have been pondering lately. All the evidence seems to support the theory that weight loss counselors in general are not adequately trained to serve client needs, they are underpaid, they have high turnover and frequently, […]

Today’s article in the NY Times, about Weight Watchers group leaders and their complaints about low pay brings up a critical topic foe the weight loss industry that’s been around since the beginning – poor pay for weight loss “coaches”, “counselors” and “group leaders” – the people in the trenches that do the daily grunt

Marketdata analysts just noted a magazine ad in a women’s magazine that features a line of new frozen meals, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is new for the company, which used to sell just meal replacements (shakes bars). A store locator on the Atkins website refers you to stores in your are (by zip

Full year 2012 revenues increased 1.8% on a constant currency basis versus the prior year as the Company continued to benefit from strong global growth in the WeightWatchers.com business. Revenues for 2012 were $1.826 billion, vs. $1.819 billion in 2011. This growth in the WeightWatchers.com business was in large part offset by lower sales in

Jan 29, 2013 — The Canadian Obesity Network (CON-RCO) announced that Jenny Craig has become its newest “Vision Partner”. “Vision Partners” commit significant support toward the network’s operations and provide their invaluable perspective as CON-RCO shapes the future of obesity management and prevention in Canada. CON-RCO is Canada’s only not-for-profit organization that focuses on the

Diet soda sales constitute a significant share of the total diet market sales – $21.78 billion in 2011. The latest data show that diet soft drink sales represented 30% of all soft drink sales–no change. The soda companies are working hard to develop zero or low-calorie natural sweeteners, but progress has been slow and consumers

As we transition into the 2013 “diet season”, it’s time to look back at what happened in the weight loss market in 2012 and look forward to what’s in store for 2013. This next year promises to be as dynamic as ever, as diet companies tweak their programs with a new twist for the new

TV’s well-known weatherman from the Today Show, Al Roker, is releasing a new diet book: Never Goin Back: Winning The Weight Loss Battle for Good. Mr. Roker tipped the scales at 340 lbs. (on a 5’8″ frame) and had bariatric surgery in 2002. He did lose 100 lbs. but gained a lot of it back

Marketdata Enterprises has released the 9th edition of its best-selling market research study entitled: “The U.S. Market for Self-improvement Products & Services”. It’s the ONLY business analysis of a huge $10.4 billion market that exists. This 382-page study traces the market from 2003-2016, examining these markets: Infomercials, Holistic Institutes, Self-Help Books & Audiobooks, Motivational Speakers,

On Dec. 17th, Medifast announced its increased international expansion intentions via a renewed strategic partnership with Productos Medix, which is a leader in pharmaceutical obesity products in Mexico. The former is a top domestic maker and supplier of clinically proven, portion-controlled weight-loss products and programs. Through a five-year exclusive licensing agreement, the firm plans to