May 3, 2017 - Marketdata has just released its new biennial report: "The U.S. Weight Loss & Diet Control Market", May 2017 -- a comprehensive 14th edition, 443-page analysis. Price: $1,895. Order at: marketdataenterprises.com (report #FS60), or call Marketdata: 813-971-8080.

Some major findings:

The total market grew to $66.3 billion in 2016, up from $64.9 billion in 2015.

Marketdata analysts believe that the number of U.S. dieters has fallen 10% since 2015, to 97 million, due to dieter fatigue and as more women have embraced the size acceptance movement.

Commercial chains are posting a strong turnaround, fueled by an 18% sales gain at NutriSystem and moderate growth at Weight Watchers. This segment of the market was worth $2.77 bill. in 2016 and is forecast to grow 9.4% to $3.03 bill. this year.

Meal replacements are posting strong growth and will outplace the growth of OTC diet pills to 2022 (7.2% per year vs. 4.8%). This market segment was worth a combined $4.16 billion in 2016. Multi-level marketing firms provide a significant distribution channel for these products (shakes, bars), since they are safe, portable and inexpensive.

Prescription obesity drugs is a $615 million annual market, but sales of the newest drugs (Contrave, Qsymia, Belviq) have not been impressive.

An estimated 201,000 weight loss surgeries were performed in 2016, up moderately.

Low-cal/diet entree sales have been declining for years but producers such as Stouffer's Lean Cuisine have turned declines into growth with new items, less artificial ingredients, and packaging.

Do-it-yourselfers still comprise 80% of all dieters, and this is expected to continue. Contrary to popular belief, diet & fitness apps are NOT the main reason for woes at the large diet companies. Usage is waning.

Get the COMPLETE story, competitor profiles & revenues, rankings, dieter demographics, franchise information and more in the study.

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