DIET CENTRE MARKET SLOWLY ON THE RISE
By Adnews Staff
The negative publicity that the diet centre market has endured in the U.S. over recent years could have a positive effect, according to a survey by Packaged Facts of New York. This is because it has forced the companies to eliminate the more outrageous aspects of their advertising and develop healthier foods for their clients, and has encouraged them to shift from weight loss to wellness as the program goal. In addition, it has forced the companies to take a more individualized approach with clients. Annual sales will reach $3.2 billion(US) by 1999, but will fall this year by 5.2%, says Packaged Facts. There are two categories in the diet centre market: commercial and hospital programs. Annual sales in the hospital programs will begin increasing in 1996, and by 1999 sales will hit $1.6 billion, says Packaged Facts. Commercial programs will start seeing growth in 1997, and will increase by 4% until reaching $1.6 billion 1999. The overall market will begin increasing in 1997 and grow by 3.5% by 1999.