title: Weight-loss programs still fatten profits despite competition.
abstract: Why are hospitals interested in weight-loss programs? Low start-up costs, combined with a high demand for services, mean almost instant profits in some cases. And in an increasingly competitive market, hospital affiliation seems to be an advantage. But experts say that word of mouth is the best promotion for weight-loss programs, which means that patients must lose weight and keep the pounds off. That's why hospitals have found that patient education is integral to a successful program.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Larkin
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006754:Hospital Restructuring / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011357:Product Line Management; D014481:United States; D015431:Weight Loss