Marketing for the weight loss sector

The challenges posed by marketing products for weight loss will be discussed in an upcoming conference run by Strategic Research Institute.

The weight loss market continues to grow with the widespread increase in global obesity and overweight health problems. This second annual conference will outline the most current FDA/FTC developments relating to claims, labeling and enforcement actions relating to weight loss products, functional foods, dietary supplements, and potential nutraceuticals to tackle obesity.

Keynote speakers will include Richard Cleland, Federal Trade Commission's Staff Attorney, division of Advertising Practice, Dr Jim Lavalle, founder of the Living Longer Institute, Dr Ernesto Hernandez, head of the fats and oils programs at Texas A&M University and Professor John Lord from the Haub School of Business at St Joseph's University.

The conference, running from December 1-2 will also cover advances in lipid nutrition, product labeling, fun functional foods for children, online marketing case studies, and key challenges, roadblocks and opportunities facing nutraceuticals, foods and pharmaceuticals.

Last month, North Carolina's Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission announced 17 grants totaling $7.4 million, to be used over the next three years as part of a statewide campaign to address the epidemic of obesity among children and youth in North Carolina.

The Commission awarded $5 million in grants to 12 local organizations that will serve schools and communities in 19 counties initially, then expanding to 35 counties within a year. Another four grants, totaling $1.7 million were awarded to organizations that will provide service on a regional orstatewide basis. The remainder of the funds were allocated for technical support and training services for the grantees, which will be provided by the Duke University Medical Center,Department of Community and Family Medicine.