Remember last year when you made the resolution to implement a better weight management program in your facility? The year 2007 is fastapproaching, have you strengthened your weight management services yet? It’s not too late to be ready for the New Year. You may ask, “How can I significantly improve our weight management program in such a short amount of time?” The solution is: metabolic testing.
As we all know, the goal is to help the client manage their energy balance. Yes, “calories in” and “calories burned” still matters. Knowing your client’s metabolic rate is the key to helping them manage their energy balance and thus lose weight in a safe and responsible manner. Metabolic testing is the solution to improving your weight management offering.
Easy implementation
With the right equipment, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) measurements are simple enough for anyone to do. Your client just lays back and breathes for a few minutes, and the machine (called an “Indirect Calorimeter”) does all the work. At the end of the test, a graphed printout of the client’s results can be used to teach your client exactly what they need to do. With just a few minutes of training, even your receptionist will be able to administer a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test. This means that you can implement this program utilizing your existing staff. And, regardless of your staff turnover, the program will continue. When evaluating equipment, ask the manufacturer to provide a “Staff Training Manual” and an “Executive Roll-out Guide.” These will help you determine what you need to do to get started.
Sound Science
“Indirect Calorimetry” is the “Gold Standard” method for determining an individual’s metabolic rate. With this method, you can rest assured that your program is based on sound, scientific principles. Your prospective client is often someone who has “been around the block.” They’ve tried other diets before and they are skeptical. Individualized metabolic testing offers something that no one else in the marketplace can offer: Real answers for your clients based on their own unique bodies – showing them how their own metabolism has frustrated their weight loss efforts in the past. Real answers that help to ensure that your clients are successful this time.
Marketing
With metabolic testing, you can add more “punch” to your existing marketing budget. It adds something new and exciting for your mailers and ads. A banner outside your facility, a table tent display at the local pharmacy, or posters strategically placed at the grocery store can all help entice potential customers to come to your facility for metabolic testing. The service will sell itself…you just have to get the word out! Consider the interest generated by just the word “metabolism.” Check out the headlines in any supermarket checkout, and month-aftermonth you’ll see the word “metabolism.” Why? Because overweight individuals are convinced that a slow metabolism is to blame for their struggles. When they hear there is a way to actually test their metabolism, they jump at the chance!
What if you already have a weight loss program?
Revitalize and improve your service offering. Many fitness facilities have invested in weight loss and nutrition programs. Some may restrict the kinds of foods clients are allowed to eat. Others may simply restrict total caloric intake. Maybe supplements or vitamins are used to enhance weight loss. Regardless of how your existing program is structured, it can be improved with metabolic testing. Success in weight loss is ultimately determined by burning more calories than you eat.
In addition to increasing interest in the program you are offering, metabolic testing can make the program itself more effective. The test results are a powerful tool for teaching needed behavioral changes to your client. This leads to clients that will better follow your advice and instruction. The test allows them to actually see their body’s own ability to burn calories. Teaching energy balance is best accomplished with the client’s metabolic testing results.
Metabolic testing can give you something new and exciting to offer for the New Year! It will elevate the status of your facility with leading-edge technology. The only question is…Are you going to capitalize on this opportunity to attract new members? Or, will you fall behind the competition and let another year pass by?
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.
