How to Lose weight vs How to gain weight

48 replies
I wonder why there are more how to lose weight sites than how to gain weight?
I wonder which of the two is better niche?
#gain #lose #weight
  • Profile picture of the author Oliver13
    Which one from these two niches you has information about it? ...... you got the answer? then, choose it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8352730].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tarahouse
    Find the largest, hungriest market first and then find a product to feed to the hungry market!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8352735].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ReferralCandy
    Both are vast markets with more people than you can count, so what matters is that you pick the one you're better at.

    (That said, I've always been a little amused at how complicated people make these things- healthy meals and lots of exercise, that's all you need! It's not that complicated.)
    Signature

    Measure, manage and incentivize customer referrals with ReferralCandy.

    PS: Looking to get more repeat customers for a physical store? Check out CandyBar's digital loyalty cards!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353027].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CPH007
      Originally Posted by ReferralCandy View Post

      Both are vast markets with more people than you can count, so what matters is that you pick the one you're better at.

      (That said, I've always been a little amused at how complicated people make these things- healthy meals and lots of exercise, that's all you need! It's not that complicated.)
      I agree it gets over complicated. Trouble is I have written a book that will get people losing weight and is 9 pages long. That is all it takes but people want complication as they want to believe thats the reason they can't lose weight. They don't want to believe just eating less is the clue as that makes them accountable

      And in reply to the OP then yes there is a massive market for weight gain but it depends what type.

      Muscle gain is huge market but again the best programs are very simple but people don't want that. They follow massively complicated programs that don't work instead????
      Signature

      Double Or Even Triple Your Sales With Powerful Copy Writing …

      …PM For Details

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353062].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author arojilla
      Originally Posted by ReferralCandy View Post

      (That said, I've always been a little amused at how complicated people make these things- healthy meals and lots of exercise, that's all you need! It's not that complicated.)
      There are three reasons for this: the first is that people is too laz
      Signature

      [...]

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8382735].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Writerdave
    Blame it all on the food and general lifestyle of the 21st century. Living a normal 'standard' life is almost a definite way to become obese. There is therefore high demand by people to look like poster boys and girls while their lifestyle is the main limiting factor.
    The few people that would love to have a weight increase may be either genetically thin, or want to get a ripped body mass. All in all, there is higher demand from the how to lower weight than the how to gain weight
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353064].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DeanJames
    "I want to lose weight" translates to "I want to lose body fat, drop a waist size or two and fit into my old clothes"

    "I want to gain weight" usually translates to "I want to build muscle mass and stay lean" (unless that person is v.skinny in which case they may just want more 'body mass' regardless.
    Signature
    Complete Blogging Course and List Building Kit:
    100% FREE Download - Click HERE

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353115].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Anne0521
      Originally Posted by DeanJames View Post

      "I want to lose weight" translates to "I want to lose body fat, drop a waist size or two and fit into my old clothes"

      "I want to gain weight" usually translates to "I want to build muscle mass and stay lean" (unless that person is v.skinny in which case they may just want more 'body mass' regardless.
      That's it then! There is a huge market for those who want to gain weight or specifically those who wanted to build muscle mass and stay lean.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8363497].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charanjit
    I would go for the ''how to lose weight'' only reason its a growing market, obesity is only going to get worse.
    Signature

    Want to learn more, read read and read more. http://www.mannusblog.com/index.php/...e-optimisation

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353233].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SuperDJ
    I don't think people overcomplicate things. I think people underestimate what is required in order to maintain a healthy weight. It isn't just calories + exercise... well it is - but I think people are more concerned with what the scale says rather than whether they can fit into their clothes or not. I'd rather weigh 150 lbs at 5'6/7 but look defined and strong.. than to weigh 132 at the same height - with a weak ass body :p

    From my direct experience, it is far harder to gain weight as a skinny male than it is to lose. Even 4,000 calories isn't enough for some people. Definitely wasn't for me :p

    Anyways to answer your question - they are both huge markets/niches. I wrote just one measly article on how to gain weight with certain superfoods - and the traffic I've been receiving is been on the up since march.. - weight gain is less competitive than weight loss in my humble opinion.

    Sorry for the dragged on post.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353277].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DeanJames
    @SuperDJ - Some people are 'hard gainers' so they have the luxury of being able to eat foods and not put on weight. As you get older, your metabolism slows down - you can get away with less. Avoiding simple sugars and empty calories is the way forward. I totally quit bread about 2 months ago and I am heading towards being ripped.
    Signature
    Complete Blogging Course and List Building Kit:
    100% FREE Download - Click HERE

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8353297].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zahanega
    Both are popular niches so you would do well in whichever you have more knowledge on
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8356539].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JonP
    You got some pretty good answers here. Both markets are great markets that have a lot of demand and lots of money being spent in them. Pick the one you more closely relate to so that you can give a personal perspective to your customers.

    As far as why there are more how to lose sites than how to gain sites, I suspect it's because America is an obese nation with more of the population that needs to lose weight than gain it.

    Jon.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8356633].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author shawnlebrun
    I sold both for almost 9 years... how to lose weight programs and how to gain weight programs.

    The weight loss numbers are massive... but harder to convert.

    The weight gain numbers are smaller, it's a smaller market... but I noticed they are pretty rabid buyers.

    My weight gain program had about twice the conversion rate of the weight loss program.

    And I even subniched it from there... one focused on gaining weight that was muscle... and another subniche was for skinny people who just wanted to put on weight.

    And believe it or not, you'd be amazed how many women bought my weight gain program because they were tired of being skinny! Hard to believe in this day and age.

    Also, I had many parents buy my weight gain program for their kids who were entering high school sports and didn't want their kids to get crushed.

    But yeah, both are great niches... and for every 10,000 weight loss sites... there's a weight gain one. Yet both can be extremely profitable.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8356661].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author darkoltree
      Originally Posted by shawnlebrun View Post

      I sold both for almost 9 years... how to lose weight programs and how to gain weight programs.

      The weight loss numbers are massive... but harder to convert.

      The weight gain numbers are smaller, it's a smaller market... but I noticed they are pretty rabid buyers.

      My weight gain program had about twice the conversion rate of the weight loss program.

      And I even subniched it from there... one focused on gaining weight that was muscle... and another subniche was for skinny people who just wanted to put on weight.

      And believe it or not, you'd be amazed how many women bought my weight gain program because they were tired of being skinny! Hard to believe in this day and age.

      Also, I had many parents buy my weight gain program for their kids who were entering high school sports and didn't want their kids to get crushed.

      But yeah, both are great niches... and for every 10,000 weight loss sites... there's a weight gain one. Yet both can be extremely profitable.

      Oh wow, I didn't know about that. Thanks for sharing, I wanted to click the 'thanks' button but I couldn't find it, I think I do not have the ability to 'thank' yet.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8357136].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alvinchua91
    Both are great; but if you're talking about search and buyer volume, definitely fat loss.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8357348].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author curationsoft
    i think losing weight niche got higher audience than gaining weight niche
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8357369].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brutecky
      At different points in my life I was in both of these niches as a consumer.

      When I was 17 years old and on the high school wrestling team I was actually under weight for the lowest JV weight class. At that age I weighed a whopping 116lbs (everyone else in the lowest class weighed around 140lbs) Id have given anything to put on 15lbs of good solid muscle. However even though I worked out 5x a week (mandatory for the team) my metabolism was so high that I couldn't gain any real weight (even when eating 4000 calories a day)

      Ok now fast forward a few years and Im now 35. I weight 205lbs and I still exercise 5x a week only now Im doing it so can keep my weight from getting to high. What has changed? My age, my metabolism and probably most important to a marketer, my income.

      And I think thats key, I think at least for a large part, people who want to gain weight are teenagers or young adults who are not well established and probably dont have that much disposable income. Where as people who want to lose weight are more likely to be older, more established and hence have more disposable income.

      Also you have to consider the health factor. By this I mean: gaining weight and building some mussel is a nice thing and all but its not something people 'need' to do, its something they would 'like' to do. However a person who is over weight experiences health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, fatigue, etc. Doctors will tell people to lose weight, they almost never tell people to gain it (unless your 6 foot tall and weight 60lbs)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8357812].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    I know how to lose weight. I have cracked the code. It is not hard to do.

    This is true: I have lost 100 pounds in the last 8 months. I am still losing a few pounds a week, and I am aiming for a soft landing at about 125 pounds down from where I started. So far, I have also lost 12 inches around my waist, and gone from xxl to small in shirt size.

    Like I said, I know how to do it, and the most amazing part of this story, I kid you not, is that I am not suffering. I eat plenty. No "supplements", no "tricks", no medications, and believe it or not, no exercise.

    Do I think I could sell my "secret"? Don't think I haven't thought about it. But it would be a pretty boring book. Page one: Eat smarter. The end.

    Yeah, I could drag it it out over a few dozen pages, talk about my story, give details on how/what/how much I am eating. And I may end up doing it yet. I haven't decided.

    However, one huge insight I have gleaned is that the mechanics of weight loss are not usually the problem. It is the emotional side of eating that wrecks people. The human mind is a scary cesspool of hideous insecurities, ravenous neediness and the bizarre connections bridging the two.

    I am unqualified to walk people through that, as are probably 99.9999% of other weight loss program architects. Determining the real path to effective weight loss is going to be a very personal experience, different for each person.

    If all it took was laying out the menu plan, weight loss theory or the logic of eating fewer calories than you burn, then we would not have the epidemic that we do. Obesity is an emotional problem, and without the proper support, all of the plans that don't adequately address that will ultimately fail.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8358014].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CPH007
      Originally Posted by rocket2uranus View Post

      I know how to lose weight. I have cracked the code. It is not hard to do.

      This is true: I have lost 100 pounds in the last 8 months. I am still losing a few pounds a week, and I am aiming for a soft landing at about 125 pounds down from where I started. So far, I have also lost 12 inches around my waist, and gone from xxl to small in shirt size.

      Like I said, I know how to do it, and the most amazing part of this story, I kid you not, is that I am not suffering. I eat plenty. No "supplements", no "tricks", no medications, and believe it or not, no exercise.

      Do I think I could sell my "secret"? Don't think I haven't thought about it. But it would be a pretty boring book. Page one: Eat smarter. The end.

      Yeah, I could drag it it out over a few dozen pages, talk about my story, give details on how/what/how much I am eating. And I may end up doing it yet. I haven't decided.

      However, one huge insight I have gleaned is that the mechanics of weight loss are not usually the problem. It is the emotional side of eating that wrecks people. The human mind is a scary cesspool of hideous insecurities, ravenous neediness and the bizarre connections bridging the two.

      I am unqualified to walk people through that, as are probably 99.9999% of other weight loss program architects. Determining the real path to effective weight loss is going to be a very personal experience, different for each person.

      If all it took was laying out the menu plan, weight loss theory or the logic of eating fewer calories than you burn, then we would not have the epidemic that we do. Obesity is an emotional problem, and without the proper support, all of the plans that don't adequately address that will ultimately fail.
      That is weight loss summed up completely in one post right there: anything else that anyone adds is sales pure and simple
      Signature

      Double Or Even Triple Your Sales With Powerful Copy Writing …

      …PM For Details

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8358325].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DeanJames
    For people that think losing weight without exercise is great, I urge them to consider the health benefits of exercising as well as improved state of mind + the composition of their body. It's not the optimum solution to just lose weight if you are still essentially out of shape (fitness wise). There's more to losing weight than JUST losing weight. When you exercise your body releases endorphines which are a natural pain-killer but they also give you a buzz. Also don't just do cardio - if you want to look great, feel great and lose weight, then add resistance training to your regime. This isn't 'theory' either, I live it and have trained like clockwork for years.
    Signature
    Complete Blogging Course and List Building Kit:
    100% FREE Download - Click HERE

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8358040].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
      Originally Posted by DeanJames View Post

      For people that think losing weight without exercise is great, I urge them to consider the health benefits of exercising as well as improved state of mind + the composition of their body. It's not the optimum solution to just lose weight if you are still essentially out of shape (fitness wise). There's more to losing weight than JUST losing weight. When you exercise your body releases endorphines which are a natural pain-killer but they also give you a buzz. Also don't just do cardio - if you want to look great, feel great and lose weight, then add resistance training to your regime. This isn't 'theory' either, I live it and have trained like clockwork for years.
      Yes, I did not mean to imply exercise is not important. Thank you for pointing that out. I had some extenuating circumstances which made it difficult for me to incorporate into my routine.

      My overriding point was that the process of losing weight does not require exercise. It requires fewer calories in than are expended on a daily basis. However, the path to good health does require exercise, and it should be a part of everybody's routine. Including mine.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8358139].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaddieQ
    Banned
    Most people want to lose wight because nowadays there are so many obese persons and it is bad for their health. Those who want to gain weight should probably start exercising at the gym and eat more
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8358052].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rsherwood
    I would take advantage of the world we live in today. Its sad but more and more girls 13 and up are turning bulimic and guys are using more and more steroids.

    Weight loss, is the bigger of the two considering obesity is becoming a global epidemic.

    Toying with emotions can be brutal, but it still reigns as one of the best sales techniques.

    Hope this helps,

    R.S
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8358463].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author isadoregregory
    I see why you are confused on which niche to take. I honor your confusion because true enough, I think more people are wanting to increase their weight but don't know how. It's just that, those who are wanting to lose weight are the loudest. I don't really know why. Perhaps because those who are needing to gain weight, don't like to admit it or don't think they do actually have a problem. The good thing about the how to gain weight niche is there's really little competition. Why don't you do a trial to see if it would work well and if you would find a market for it?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8363579].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author muffty
    Without sounding flippant, you only have to look around to see the number of people now overweight and as mentioned above this is only going to increase as far as I can see! So this is the option I'd go for!

    Alternatively as also mentioned - Underweight usually translates to 'I want to build muscle' - decide which option you'd feel most comfortable with.
    Signature
    Click Here for your FREE Report ~ TIPS AND TRICKS OF AFFILIATE MARKETING
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8363718].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vojohn33
    i am a certified fitness trainer and i can tell you that more people look for ways to lose weight and burn fat. that targets both men and women. very rarely do you see women go for the weight gaining or muscle building niches. you could find a product like how to build muscle to promote, that would ensure not as many competitors out there if you are trying to rake in some sales.
    with that said i have a few muscle building ebooks that i wrote if anybody is interested . fyi im not trying to market on the forums . just saying.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8381375].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    More North American's have problems with having too much weight, rather than too little weight.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8381469].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Cassano 10
      Originally Posted by Michael Ten View Post

      More North American's have problems with having too much weight, rather than too little weight.
      Not only north america, all world is over weight.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8382166].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
    Ethically, I know which market I would choose. Targeting weight loss markets without buying into the fatphobic stereotypes about "thin = fit, fat = death" and so on is difficult. If you can create a product that acknowledges that thinness isn't possible for everyone and can't be maintained over the long term by dieting, but that you can return to your weight set-point with changes in your exercise and diet, you might be onto something great.

    Otherwise, I'd stick with weight gain markets. Great suggestions above about sub-niches.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8382711].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AlexGeorge
    Both are popular profitable niches. It will be hard to succeed in these because of the competition, so you should consider going deeper and choosing a sub niche within these. Make sure you do a lot of market research before choosing a niche, as this is one of the most common things people miss out which leads to failure.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8535410].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author createyouwealth
    Both markets are profitable as long as your driving traffic. I would say the gain weight niche would be a better market to get into if you want less competition. Also from experience there are quicker buyers in the gain weight market because they are always people looking for a product that can produce quicker results.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8666421].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WinsonYeung
    How to lose weight is definetely having a higher demand compare to how to gain weight because people FEAR having fatty body much more than skinny body
    Signature
    [WSO of The Day] Discount How To Generate 172.56% Positive Return OR build your List for FREE!

    "Case Study: Discover You Can Make $1371.66 With A Simple Blog Post by Clicking Here"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8666717].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author gerski
      Originally Posted by WinsonYeung View Post

      How to lose weight is definetely having a higher demand compare to how to gain weight because people FEAR having fatty body much more than skinny body
      I agree with you.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8708317].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author brenda221
    There are a lot more people looking for weight loss products these days, but there's also a lot of competition in that niche. So in a way I see the two balanced in terms of the demand/provision ratio although the numbers probably favor the weight loss product niche. I say if you're a good marketer then selling weight loss products might be a better idea.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8696260].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamescastle
    While weight loss is a growing market, it's hard to get into in my opinion as there are already so many established competitors in it.

    My recommendation? Try focusing on a very small niche in the weight gain niche. For example, there are tons of young people that need to gain weight. I know this personally as I used to be thin as a stick because of my fast metabolism. Now that for example, is a market I even got into a while.

    So don't focus on losing weight or gaining weight, focus on a problem within the niches that has a hungry market.


    Also as other people stated, I find it hilarious how complicated people make it. Exercise, drink more water than soda and eat more than just shitfood and you'll have a healthy weight unless you suffer from something severe.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8696445].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Katherine Henders
    Obesity has more media coverage, so I think loosing weight is much larger niche.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8696512].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Maria williams
    I think because there are lots of overweight and most people are getting influenced by the idea that being skinny like models are awesome, so some people never treated being underweight as a problem. I also experience being overweight before and I find this site helpful and gave me workout ideas, this is a must try for those women who want to lose weight like me.

    InsaneBodyShape.org | Help Women Lose Weight Fast
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8703046].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Anoopchawla
    I think how to loose weight market is more desperate and hungry for the solution.
    Signature

    Free Training: How To Turn What You Already Know Into A Profitable Digital Product:
    https://teachandberich.com/

    [Done For You] Web Design Business In A Box (Zero Technical Skills Required)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8708162].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alishaa123
    Hiiii
    More and more walk....is very effecting to losing weight..............
    Top Ten classified website
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8708866].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JRJWrites
    If you do decide to open a website on the latter, count me in! I'm a bit on the skinny side
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8708901].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I would have to go with "how to gain weight". You don't see any infomercials about gaining weight and "packing on mass"... but you will see some hydroxycut, some Kardashian endorsed product, or some Insanity, P90X, Biggest Loser, and Jillian Michaels program.

    But the common denominator in both niches is that people just want to look more attractive.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8709055].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sal6
    To Anne0521 you have a very important question. Why? Well for starters, losing weight is a hot seller because we live in a country {u.s.a ) where people consume a lot of food but don't find enough time to exercise and burn those calories with a correct diet in place. As for gaining weight, all one has do do is consume a lot of food and never exercise until they feel or see a discomfort in themselves in the mirror and mentally. Although all countries are different. Some people here and there can't gain weight to save there lives because of their diet,system and way of life. So if someone came up with a niche ( neesh ) for gaining weight;it could hold some serious factors to think about while at the same time gaining a very concerned prospect or future customer.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10370569].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author amsharma
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10462821].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Lavis
      Both niches are really tough. Very competitive with hundreds of REAL experts, high advertising and SEO spends, innovative black hat tactics.

      Why would you want to chase either niche? Unless you have a really good answer to that question then you are better off looking for another market to target.

      BTW: A good answer would be something like:

      "I am a qualified nutrition expert with best selling books and want to branch into the internet"

      "I have discovered a new diet that no-one else has promoted before, the results are amazing and I have dozens of real life case studies"

      "I have perfected my SEO tactics and have found a profitable affiliate product that will be relatively easy to rank for."

      Good luck!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10462834].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author amsharma
    Because there are more overweight people in the world and weight loss niche is better because of a lot of products to promote.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10462829].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dee4d
    It's all in the search engines. It's not what you want, but what others are looking for. That should form the basis of adding value to what you provide.
    Signature
    Stay Healthy all your Life, and Avoid Lifesty Diseases Later in Life. Enjoy life to the fullest.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10463110].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jimmcdonald909
    simple, eat more.
    Signature

    Huge profits in lower priced, micro cap, momentum stocks
    www.investmentswithadifference.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10463786].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author James Baker
      They both hold there own weight and both are obviously completely different niches. As been said they are very tough and believe the lose weight niche to be the bigger niche.

      If you are looking to enter these niches, I highly recommend you dig down and find a narrow market with these niches..ie weight loss for new moms, weight loss for busy moms.. or skinny guys that can seem to gain muscle (hard gainers).
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10464539].message }}

Trending Topics