The slowing of the economy has affected many markets in the nutritional supplement industry, particularly those of the sports nutrition and weight loss (SNWL) category. Companies have experienced minimal to vast financial loss based on the current state of the economy. However, the general consensus about the future is a positive one. Consumer attitudes about taking charge of their own health instead of relying on doctors, seem to be the number one reason some manufacturers still maintain a positive outlook on not only the SNWL market, but all other nutritional supplement markets in between.

According to the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ), U.S. sales increased by 6.2% in 2008. Totaling $25.2 billion the growth was slow, however the increase was due to consumer attitudes on disease prevention and alternatives to drugs prescribed by doctors. Manufacturers and other industry professional reflect on the current economy with various attitudes from critical to not so critical to their businesses. Due to their attitudes that the dietary supplement industry is here to stay, many continue by focusing on marketing strategies and increasing advertisements for their products.

“To our surprise, First Endurance sales were very strong in quarter one of 2009.” Michael Fogarty, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing told Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) in an article entitled “Is the Economy Hurting Sports Nutrition and Weight Loss Sales?”  Fogarty continued. Because our competitors were cutting advertising costs and we were able to increase our advertising, First Endurance has been able to increase our market share dramatically in 2009.”

More than a fighting chance, the SNWL market’s glory days may still be on the horizon as the year progresses and the economy begins to shape up. Companies remain steadfast about the outlook being positive resulting in maintaining their marketing strategies with a more aggressive push. The consumer attitude is the golden ticket that will keep manufacturers producing nutritional supplements for the sports-minded and weight-conscious while reviving the SNWL industry.