A recent report by the American Medical Association stated that 58 million people in the U.S. weigh more than 20 percent of their ideal body weight. The diet industry is making millions of dollars on people desperate to lose weight. People's obsessions about weight have led to anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders. What diet and health professionals advise are sensible, individual weight-loss plans that use a combination of exercise, nutritional education, and behavior modification methods. These plans of weight loss consultant encourage clients to change their bad habits, by creating an individualized diet and exercise plan they can follow the rest of their lives. As a personal weight loss consultant, you can help overweight people shed those unwanted pounds. You may start small, using an extra room in your home to meet clients as individuals or in small groups, or you can visit your clients at their homes or work to guide and advise them on methods to lose weight.

Start-Up Costs And Financing Sources

* 1,000-$ 14,000 for advertising and home office supplies. Costs will be more if you purchase a franchise.
* Personal savings, loan from family or friends.

Pricing Guidelines

* Charge per session (call local weight-loss centers for the going rates)
* Some consultants charge $400-$700 for a twelve-week program of periodic weigh-ins and counseling.

Marketing And Advertising Methods And Tips

* Attend health fair shows.
* Send direct mailings to hospitals, health-care professionals, and businesses that promote health and exercise programs for their employees.
* Give talks or write a column in the local newspaper on personal weight management, fitness, or nutrition.
* Advertise in the business telephone directory and on local radio and cable television.
* Print promotional materials: business cards, portfolio of before and after pictures, and testimonials.

Essential Equipment

Business telephone line and answering machine or service; computer and diet software; contracts; home library of nutrition and fitness books; accurate weight scale; comfortable, attractive furniture if you meet clients in your home office.

Recommended Training, Experience, Or Needed Skills

* Have an educational background or experience in the health, nutrition, or fitness professions.
* Work as a weight loss consultant in a franchise program.
* Try one of the popular weight-loss programs of famous weight loss consultants if you need to lose weight to see what you liked or disliked about their methods.
* Take nutrition and fitness courses at local colleges.
* Take home study courses on weight loss and fitness.
* Check with state regulations about licensing requirements.
* Be an encouraging, positive person with good communication skills.

Income Potential

$15,000 to $75,000 and up, depending on your location and number of clients

Type Of Business

This depends on if you meet your clients in-home or out-of-the-home.

Helpful Tips

* Rent a community room in a church or library to have your meetings if you don't have adequate space in your home.
* Check with your local and state regulatory agencies on certification and licensing requirements.
* Concentrate on advertising and promotions for giving weight consultant career info to get your first clients. If they successfully lose weight, their referrals will be your best source of new customers.
* Try to help each client achieve some success. Concentrate on personal attention to each client, giving more than they would get at the larger franchise operations.
* Be honest and set realistic and achievable goals for your client.
* Require that all clients have approval from a physician before they enroll in a diet or exercise program.

Additional Business Ideas

* Nutritional and exercise counseling for children and teenagers. Cooperate with physicians to find out what is appropriate for a certain age group and body type. Help instill good eating and exercise habits to improve self-esteem and overall health.
* Sell nutritional products (no drugs).