New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that while 62% of the country's population was overweight during 2007-08, up from 54% the previous year, an increasing number of people are spending more money on physical fitness.
The ABS figures show that 34% of men and 21% of women from "disadvantaged" areas are overweight, with 39% of men and 23% of women from richer areas overweight.
But new IBISWorld figures show that the fitness industry is growing, with the number of people employed as instructors and personal trainers jumping from 12,000 in 2001 to 18,000 in 2003. About 1.7 million Australians now use a gym, while revenue from gyms and fitness centres recorded $475 million in 2003-04, and is expected to reach $882.5 million in 2008-09.
"In a culture that increasingly values a prescribed notion of physical beauty, there is mounting pressure on Australians to do something about our appalling obesity crisis, which means we're prepared to spend an increasing proportion of our disposable income trying to slim down," said IBISWorld general manger Robert Bryant in a statement.
"Despite the global financial crisis, this financial year, Australians will spend $721.1 million on a combination of counselling services, low-calorie foods and shakes, diet cookbooks, weight loss guides, supplements and slimming surgery - up from $512 million in 2004."
Bryant said that the company expects the weight loss industry to grow by 2.3% during the year, and by 5.9% per year until 2014 as those looking to lose weight look at cheaper surgery and different technologies.
Related Items :
written by Jamie Hayes, June 04, 2009
Of course, the industry has its fringes promoting fast weight loss (and fast weight regain) from diet shakes, doctors promting expensive lap band surgery as the only solution and gyms who promise weight loss but take a token approach to weight control.
It is possible for people to lose weight, once they have the right strategies plus the right support and this is a great self-employment opportunity.
See the 8 Minute Weight Loss Secret Youtube that explains in 8 minutes how people can lose weight. www.healthyinspirations.com.au
Jamie Hayes
PS Without exercise, its unlikely you'll keep your weight off, so pack your gym gear, get on your bike, go for your walk... and do it for life.
I developed adult diabetes about 9 years ago and 7 years ago took to the gym and it's made a big difference - weight down 10%, muscle weight up, and cardio readings including resting heart rate far superior to before.
I do see a lot of people in the gym wasting their time or being ineffective. I write about my thoughts on fitness here http://www.dawnweslept.com which reflects what I am learning continuously, although I probably waste time and effort still myself.
Of course spending money and then achieving results are two different things. Most consistently I notice that people are not consistent in attending the gym, in paying attention to "calories in - calories out", and tend to back off the edge of intensity they need for best results.
I am curious about where all this money goes without achieving results - is it all just "feel good" money? What is the market gap here?
Walter Adamson
@dawnweslept