by Bettie Beard

Created on: August 25, 2010   Last Updated: August 26, 2010

How many people set weight loss goals and use weight loss programs year after year only to give up after disappointing setbacks or after they determine that they absolutely cannot stick to a program? The success of the multi-billion dollar weight loss market indicates that losing weight is not an easy task.

While it is possible for people to lose weight and even to attain individual goals, there is no “one size fits all” prescribed method for losing weight. Many weight loss methods use a combination of diet and exercise. There are those of you who have witnessed many high profile individuals - as well as family, friends and other individuals - lose weight after going on some type of weight loss regimen.  But, how many of those individuals have you also witnessed give up or quit programs and quickly put the lost pounds back on? How many individuals have you known to try multiple weight loss regimens? Marketdata Enterprises published a study in 2007 entitled “The U.S. Weight Loss and Diet Control Market (9th edition)” in which they wrote about the estimated 72 million fickle dieters going from fad to fad diet.

This same report estimated the total weight loss market in 2006 to be worth $55 billion in 2006, projected to be $58.7 in 2007 with a $68.7 billion projection in 2010. Aside from the market of diet pills, DVD’s for quick weight loss, hormone diet products and other fad diets, there are successful weight loss programs like Jenny Craig , NutriSystem, Weightwatchers and others. Then, of course, we have so many products targeted to individuals who think they need to lose weight or who don’t want to pick up weight - products such as diet sodas, Slimfast, slimming teas, and so many more. As I stated previously, this weight loss market is a strong indicator that weight loss is not easy.

Individuals might join weight loss programs and begin to do the therapy prescribed by the programs, but there are so many factors that get in the way of their success. One such factor is that too many individuals expect the program to work wonders in a short time without them completely committing to a lifestyle change. They sometimes see a little weight loss after working out for a few weeks and then they start rewarding themselves with food. Or they might take a break from their diet so they can enjoy a vacation, an event or just because they want to eat some of the foods they love.

Another factor that makes weight

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