Programs like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers all tailor their programs to the individual’s needs, but can be very costly. According to an article on MSN.com entitled, What does it cost to drop 30 pounds?, fees can range from $300 to over $1,000 for a consumer to lose 30 lbs. Focusing on the consumer’s individual needs for weight loss is beneficial for both the manufacturer and consumer, but it is the manufacturer that must identify some of the needs of the consumer to begin the process.

Here are some consumer’s needs:

• Appetite Suppressant
• Body Fat Reduction
• Energy Booster
• Fat Absorption
• Digestive Health

The great thing for the manufacturer is that there are ingredients available to meet each of these needs. Creating one product or a line of products that can be purchased at a local drugstore for a fraction of the cost of entering a weight-management program is a win-win for both the manufacturer and the consumer.

Let’s talk ingredients!

Reigning as one of today’s popular weight loss appetite suppressants, Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus-like plant with a South African origin that contains the active ingredient P57, which sends signals to the brain and reacts to curb the appetite. For the past few years, products that contain natural ingredients have become a very popular staple among consumer goods. Hoodia Gordonii’s natural properties may provide the key element to a manufacturer’s winning weight loss product. Since diet or food-intake is a very important factor in losing weight, consumers are able to use a product containing Hoodia Gordonii to defeat this problem-area.

Another very popular ingredient used in weight loss dietary supplements is Green Tea. Commonly used in energy drinks, its active ingredient catechin polyphenol allows it to burn fat and lower cholesterol. Consumers are also now looking towards natural products like Green Tea to help them boost their energy and lose weight.

Since the ultimate goal of men and women is to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass, CLA (or Conjugated Linoleic Acid) can provide manufacturers with the ability to create products or conjoining products that specifically focus on these areas. A leaner body mass has not only body aesthetic benefits, but can improve metabolism and decrease possible health risks related to obesity.

Having a healthy functioning digestive system is also key in losing weight. It can assist consumers in the process of losing stubborn belly fat and improve health in general. Glucomannan, a dietary fiber that promotes good digestive health is used for weight-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.

Giving the consumer what they want and need – products and information!

With American consumers spending $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services, awareness and education is available to all that seek to use these products for a specific purpose. Currently, the FDA regulates consumer product labeling, marketing claims and product contamination and has currently increased its enforcement. The weight-loss industry provides megatons of information for a consumer to make a sound decision on what product or program is best for him or her.

As the economy builds back up to a steady pace, consumers are making money-wise decisions on everything from grocery shopping, gym memberships and entertainment spending – nothing is exempt, including one’s diet plan. Books, health and fitness magazines and the internet can provide them with the necessary education to choose the type of exercise and dietary supplement program that is right for them. Targeting the specific weight loss challenges of the consumer with the necessary dietary supplements is an advantage manufactures can’t afford to lose.