Weight Loss Going Functional

The direction of the weight management industry is shifting away from “better for you" products like diet and low and light foods toward functional weight management products, according to Leatherhead Food Research. In a new report, the market research firm said the international weight management market was worth an estimated USD7.3bn in 2009, and it is set to grow year-on-year at between 6-8 percent for the next 5 years.

Leatherhead predicted a successful weight management product will need to be both convenient and offer a benefit which can be felt quickly, if not immediately. Consumers want a clear benefit and message, a good taste and a product that makes them feel satisfied.

Growth so far has largely been due to innovations within the bakery and cereals and the beverage markets (which currently hold shares of 33.5 percent and 28.4 percent respectively). Beverages and cereals (the latter of which includes cereal bars) remain the most prolific sectors for weight management claims across the globe. This is largely due to the functionality of the products (i.e. their ability to ‘carry’ other ingredients well), as well as the fact that they are generally perceived by consumers as both convenient and healthy.

The “Future of the Weight Management Market" presents information on the trends which help to shape this industry, with a focus on major market product sectors such as beverages, dairy and snacks. The report also details the latest ingredients being used in the weight management sector. The weight management product areas include products which make a claim (either direct or indirect) relating to weight management, satiety or weight control. This covers appetite suppressants, satiety products, fat and carbohydrate blockers, and metabolism boosters and regulators and also considers ‘low’ and ‘light’ foods (e.g. low in fat, calories etc.) when relevant.

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2010/11/weight-loss-going-functional.aspx

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/