A large percentage of those who join a fitness club have weight loss as their primary goal. How do you implement some kind of a weight loss program and keep it fresh and exciting for your clients? How do you keep them motivated to adhere to the basic principles of healthy weight loss?
To begin with, let’s review the basic principles of weight loss. Simply put, a person must burn more than they eat. Regardless of how it is structured, success in weight loss is ultimately determined by burning more calories than you eat.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently issued its panel guidelines on obesity and weight management. One of the key guidelines is to create a weight loss strategy that results in a 500-1000 kcal/day caloric deficit to achieve a 1-2 lbs/wk rate of weight loss. This evidence-based strategy reaffirms the scientific knowledge that has existed for over 100 years.
Of course, the calories consumed need to also be of good nutritional content. For example, sufficient dietary protein intake is required to help maintain lean body mass. Various strategies in food selection can be used to help maintain proper blood sugar levels and to maintain satiation.
A Caloric Deficit is the difference between an individual’s Total Energy Expenditure and their total caloric intake.
To obtain weight loss of 1 lbs/week, one would target a daily caloric intake of 500 kcal less than the estimated Total Energy Expenditure:
Daily Caloric Intake = Total Energy Expenditure – 500 kcal
The best way to accomplish a 500-1000 kcal/day caloric deficit is to measure how many calories the individual burns, and then plan a diet with the needed caloric content. I refer to this range of calories as the “Weight Loss Zone” for the target Caloric Intake.
Indirect Calorimetry is the gold standard method to measure metabolic rate. This involves measuring an individual’s oxygen consumption which provides a determination of metabolic rate. There is a wide range in the metabolic rate of individuals. For example, a large male typically has a much larger metabolic rate than a small female. Measuring the metabolic rate is the solution that leads to everyone’s success!
So, how do you get clients excited about sensible, healthy weight loss? You may have the answers, but how do you get them to listen? All around, they are bombarded by “quick fix” claims in magazines and infomercials. Frequently, they are more concerned about fast results, for a reunion or cruise, than about making lifelong changes. They may have tried and failed before, and they may be hesitant to give up the bad habits that have made them fat.
Metabolic testing is a new, exciting way to use leading-edge technology to invigorate, teach, and reinforce the “tried and true” weight loss methods. Consider the following:
•Metabolism: Metabolism is the hot topic in the weight loss industry. Use metabolic testing as a marketing tool to attract clients. Your program will have a unique offering that sets you apart from your competitors.
•Teaching Tool: Clients understand concepts better when it applies to their own bodies. When they see their own data based on actual measurements, the concepts you are teaching begin to make more sense to them.
•Individualized Results: Results are based on each client’s own data. With this data, you can better understand your client’s ability to burn calories, and structure a more successful program. This is especially helpful when they hit the dreaded “plateau.”
•Complement Any Program: Because metabolic testing is the scientific basis of understanding energy balance, it can strengthen any existing program that you may already have in place. Instead of paying more for something new, you can simply revitalize your existing program.
•Revenue: Metabolic testing creates revenue. When was the last time you purchased a piece of equipment that actually paid for itself?
With a single, small investment, you can revitalize your image, give new life to your programs, and better serve your existing customers. It’s the best solution a club owner could ever ask for!
Scott Kofoed, Ph.D is the President of KORR Medical Technologies. He can be contacted at 801.483.2080, or by email atscott@korr.com, or visit www.korr.com.
