Newest Trend: Weight Loss ResortsBy Dylan Evenson & Beau Becker

Weight Loss Resort? Newest aspect of the resort Industry! Combines the dreaded thought of losing weight with the

ambiatic feel of a resort atmosphere.

Historical Overview Originally known as “Fat Camps”, weight loss resorts have come

a LONG way from there humble beginnings back in the late 1800’s.

These resorts cater specifically to the obese demographic, no matter the age.

The first ever “fitness spa”, The Ashram, debuted in California in 1974, brandishing a grueling weight loss/fitness regimen and combining with Tucson's Canyon Ranch in 1979 to create the first ever Weight loss “Camp”.

Then by 1997, innovative U.S. doctors began to introduce "medical spas," combining Western and holistic medicine in a luxurious, spa-inspired environment. And it never slowed down!

The Impact! Now more than ever, Weight Loss Resorts are being built in

huge quantities. Simply put, there’s a demand, and investors are very eager to see the outcome.

Since 2011, there have been plans to build more than 25 various resorts in the U.S alone.

And with Resorts like Sandal’s Fitness, and “New Life’s” being booked throughout the year, who knows how many more we’ll see in the coming years!

Why a Weight Loss Resort? Why Now? Lets look at some figures:

Now more than ever, Americans are struggling with obesity. In fact, according to a recent study, almost 75 million adults in

America are considered to be obese! Weight control is also one of the leading psychological downfalls

that us humans think about on a daily basis. And when asked about solutions, almost 85% of people in a recent

study said that would pay various amounts of money to help shed the extra weight!

It’s something that citizens from all financial walks of life can agree on!

Let’s think about it.. Psychology has proven that

weight control is one of the average thoughts that most obese Americans think about on a daily basis.

And people love resorts right? SO.. Why not pair the dreaded thought of losing weight with the ambiance of a resort?

Lets talk cash.. Marketdata, a market

research firm that has tracked diet products and programs since 1989 released findings in its biennial study stating that in 2011, the estimate size of the U.S. weight loss market was at $55 billion. And since, It is now estimated to have reached over $60 Billion in 2012.

So..

People are willing to spend the money!!

How much does a week at an average Weight Loss Resort cost? Results..

Lower End Resort (New Life’s Weight Loss Resort)

- Week-long packages range from $1,000 to $4,000.

Middle Level Resort (Sandal’s Fitness Resort)

- Week-long packages range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Higher End Resort (INSPIRE Fit Resorts)

-2 Week-long Packages range from $7,000 to $14,500.

Case Examples A couple Weight Loss Resorts that have been showing very

promising results and a substantial ROI (Return On Investment) since their recent openings are..

- New Life’s Weight Resort- Located in Killington, Vermont.- One of America’s premiere AND affordable weight loss resorts.

-Inspire Fit Resorts Located in Park City, Utah Has shown consistent increase in membership since debuting in

2011.

Case #1 New Life Weight Spa Located in Killington, Vermont, New Life is a prime example of what

this up and coming trend is all about. Originally established in 1999 as a camping resort, this Company

has taken the initiative to make a switch to the Weight Loss Side of things. They went after the right demographics by using intuitive marketing techniques along with pricing their rates accordingly to establish the right customer base.

They’re backing of investors were quick to act and they were rewarded heavily for it, because after the first year of business, New Life’s memberships almost quadrupled in size.

They also incorporate people from all walks of the financial road. With payment plans that make it affordable for almost everyone.

Case #2 Inspire Fit Resorts Located in Park City Utah, and originally developed in 2009,

Inspire was built specifically as a weight loss resort. But This resort is a tad different from the rest. Sure you may lose some weight, but the goal at Inspire is to learn how to develop a healthier lifestyle. And that’s exactly what they do. With a 5 star rating, Inspire is a perfect example of a trend setting weight loss resort. Now it may be a little more pricey than your average weight loss resort, but the countless reservations, and the successfulness speaks for itself.

Potential? Oh Yeah! With weight loss and obesity being the huge factors that they

are when it comes to pressing issues facing society, and with more and more people wanting to be younger and more “In”, we can’t see weight loss resorts going anywhere but up in the near future!

And if statistics are a sign of anything, The weight loss resort industry is something we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the coming years!

Maintaining the Advantage!

With Weight loss resorts being one of the newest trends in the hospitality industry, and the titans of these resorts looking to get better and expand everyday, there is no second guess when it comes to the fact that this industry IS taking advantage! Look foward to seeing more of Weight Loss Resorts in the future!

Premier Fitness Camp - Weight Loss Resort in Utah - Welcome! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIGL1qZxo1s

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Dr. Ronald Sha, interim executive director at the Duke University Diet and Fitness

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Hilton Head Health (2012). Head Health Weight loss spa. [ONLINE] Available at:

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Inspire Fit Resorts (2012). Lose Fat or your money back 100% guaranteed. [ONLINE]

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Biggest loser resort (2012). biggest loser resort. [ONLINE] Available at:

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