A staggering 67% of all Australians and over 77% of Americans are currently considered overweight or obese according to the AIHW and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This increase is helping to fuel related health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers which in turn is putting huge amounts of pressure on the Public health systems.
Community Pharmacies Help to Combat Growing Health Issue
Not surprisingly, this alarming increase has resulted in a resurgence of weight management and healthy eating programs, giving the general public easier access to a plethora of weight loss solutions. Community pharmacies are increasingly adopting the role of weight management centres, training pharmacists and pharmacy staff to be able to offer advice and introducing special programs & plans to combat this growing health issue.
Taking a Village to Make a Sustainable Change
Sustainable weight management requires a lifestyle change and requires ongoing support, professional guidance, the ability to measure results and motivation. But how easy is it for Pharmacies to adopt to this new role? Beyond the basic training, how can they effectively assess member’s physical requirements, monitor their progress and give their customers the correct tools and motivation to support weight management for the long term?
A Key Factor to Sustainable Weight Management
Being privy to vital individualised statistics such as a customer’s body composition is advisable to ensure that the customer is offered the correct weight management option. This could be achieved by offering customers a baseline in-store assessment which tracks body composition changes at the micro level. Lean muscle mass development, fat location (subcutaneous and visceral), water %, protein, mineral composition, and much more - all collectively painting a picture of what lifestyle interventions are actually needed to make optimal changes. This doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise and can encourage customers to return instore at regular intervals, building that personalised relationship and increasing that all important customer lifetime value.
The Evolt 360 Body Composition Scanner is a simple-to-use 60-second scan that provides detailed data about your body through more than 40 measurements. The technology provides a safe reading of impedance and reactance of tissue to provide a reading that determines the difference between muscle mass, fat mass, water and mineral — a measurement far beyond the one-size-fits-all generic BMI. All readings are specific to the individual, allowing professionals to better design a health and wellness program. For more details contact Susan@evolt360.com