Weight management is an issue that has ushered in an overabundance of weight loss supplements and programs without proper consumer education. To properly address this issue, the Minnesota-based operator of 29 nationally located sports, fitness and recreation centers has launched an effort to bolster consumer awareness of weight management issues and to help them to achieve safe, effective and long-term weight loss.

“The state of obesity in America should not be taken lightly,” said Jeff Zwiefel, vice president, Life Time Fitness Nutritional Division. “With more than 40 years of collective experience in the fitness and nutrition industry, we believe that effective, long-term weight loss is not achievable from a quick fix or “magic bullet,” but rather, through a balanced approach that includes exercise, education and nutrition, combined with safe, effective weight-loss supplementation. Without question, the need for broader consumer awareness has become vital in an environment with no governmental regulation on weight-loss product claims, no matter how outrageous.”

According to its Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988 to 1991), the National Center for Health Statistics found that more than 50 percent of U.S. adults – approximately 100 million people – are overweight or obese, and that more than 33 percent of adults are trying to lose weight. The study also noted that the percentage of overweight Americans has increased considerably in the last 20 years, and 25 percent of children are classified as overweight or obese. Furthermore, 54 percent of heart disease cases and 37 percent of cancers have been attributed to lifestyle behaviors linked to being overweight.

These statistics fueled an estimated $2 billion market in the United States for weight loss pills, drinks and programs in 2001, many of which were scientifically ineffective, highly impractical, not supported by the FDA or simply unsafe.

Of particular concern, Zwiefel noted the significant rise in health-care costs due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers, increased media hype and misinformation about weight-loss “breakthroughs,” and a multitude of unrealistic expectations from diet supplements and programs, as issues the company intends to help consumers analyze on their way to a healthier way of life.
Dr. Bill Wheeler, PhD and RD, a former Staff Nutritionist to the President of the United States and US Olympic Decathlon Team, and independent consultant to Life Time Fitness, suggests that three of the most notable red flags in weight management are: ‘effortless,’ ‘overnight’ and ‘dramatic.’

“If a product or program promises, ‘effortless,’ weight loss, it does not have consumers’ long-term health and wellness in mind,” said Wheeler. “Likewise, any product or program that guarantees ‘rapid results’ is designed for temporary loss of water weight, which can lead to ‘yo-yo’ dieting and the risk of serious disease. Furthermore, a weight-loss product or program should complement your lifestyle, not require a dramatic change to it. Using supplements to promote weight loss simply must accompany a balanced diet and exercise program.”

“Life Time Fitness understands that losing weight is not easy but, at the same time, the formula for success is really no mystery either, despite the bewildering number of products, plans and programs out there,” said Zwiefel. “That’s why we’ve developed our LeanSource system. Used in conjunction with consistent exercise and good nutrition, LeanSource™ Thermogenic Supplements, Meal Solutions and the complete lifestyle management program can help individuals to accelerate weight loss.”

Unlike countless other weight-loss systems, LeanSource is:
* Supported by reputable, third party research.
* Made from safe, effective ingredients (ephedra free).
* Based on common-sense principles, not hype.
* Part of a comprehensive weight-management system.

Life Time Fitness’ LeanSource™: Four Easy Steps to Success program is a complete system for people who desire safe, effective, long-term weight loss. The system comprises LeanSource weight-management products, an educational video/DVD program and exercise and nutrition services, which are available at Life Time Fitness centers nationwide or via leansource.com. With the program, company officials state that participants may see powerful results in as few as eight weeks.

The four steps to weight loss and weight management success include:
1. Taking two LeanSource Thermogenic Supplements in the morning and two in the afternoon
2. Eating five nutritionally balanced meals and two healthy snacks each day and replacing meals with a LeanSource Meal Solution when prepared meals are not available
3. Engaging in 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and 20-25 minutes of resistance training four times per week
4. Viewing the LeanSource™: Speed Up Your Metabolism video/DVD program once per week for three weeks to learn how your body responds to nutrition and exercise

The LeanSource weight loss program provides a proven, safe and smart solution for helping consumers lose weight and reach their weight loss and weight management goals.

For more information about the LeanSource family of weight loss and weight management products visit: http://www.leansource.com or contact Jason Thunstrom at Jthunstrom@lifetimefitness.com