The Major Weight Loss Center Chains: How Do They Handle Exercise?

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Summary

This is an area that most commercial weight loss companies can't seem to get a handle on, or choose not to. There is only one American commercial chain that BestDietForMe.com analysts know of that combines a weight loss program with on-site exercise equipment and classes--Inches-A-Weigh Weight Loss Centers (see excerpt in link on home page entitled: Diet Companies Included).

Companies like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig handle the dieting part, but tell you basically to find a way to design your own program or join a gym. Perhaps this is a logistical and liability issue. They may not have the space in a retail storefront for exercise machines, and they don't want people filing lawsuits against them if they injure themselves while working out. So, they leave it up to you.

This is unfortunate, because there are really 3 major components to successful weight loss: 1) nutrition, 2) motivation and psychological issues, and 3) exercise. The weight loss companies don't fully handle one of these three key components. They skirt the issue. They'll sell you exercise balls, pedometers, exercise tapes, exercise books, mats, clothing, and they'll give you exercise information and tips online or even via the phone. But, that's about as far as most go.

Some companies, such as Jenny Craig, go a little further, since their counselors are now trained and certified by The Cooper Institute, a well-known and respected fitness organization.  In addition, phone support services offered by companies such as Medifast and Nutri-System may be staffed in part by personal trainers. Counseling is getting better, but it's still difficult to find a counselor who has in-depth knowledge of: nutrition, motivational skills, and exercise physiology. They usually know one or two, but not all three.