The Slim-Fast Foods Company began in 1977 when S. Daniel Abraham, a billionaire who was concerned with fitness, introduced meal replacement shakes. In 2000, the company was sold for $2.6 billion to Unilever. The corporation has continued Abraham's goal of a healthy product with a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Additional Slim-Fast products were introduced in 2006.
Advertising
Thanks to television, radio, newspaper and magazine ads since the 1970s, Slim-Fast is one of the most well-known weight loss companies. Unlike many of its competitors, Slim-Fast does not have any centers or stores to promote its products, yet it has remained popular through the years with the help of endorsements from celebrities like Rachel Hunter, Kathy Lee Gifford and Whoopi Goldberg.
Products
Slim-Fast offers a large selection of nutritional drinks and bars throughout the world. The snacks and meal replacements are offered under five categories: Optima, to help keep hunger under control; High Protein, to increase metabolism; Easy to Digest, for those with lactose or gluten intolerance; Low Carb, to include in diets low in carbohydrates; and the original formula. All shakes and bars come in a variety of flavors. Slim-Fast also sells pretzels in Europe.
Availability and Cost
Slim-Fast does not have stores in which it sells its products, nor does it sell products on its website. Products are sold by distributors and it is easy to find Slim-Fast products on and offline at supermarkets, department stores and drugstores. Prices may vary, as special sales of Slim-Fast bars and shakes are not uncommon. Coupons are also printed in newspapers and magazines.
Healthy Outlook
There is a concern for health beyond weight loss at Slim-Fast. It has a website just for health care professionals to work with their patients on the plan, offering coupons, booklets and shopping pads to give to dieters. Slim-Fast also works with doctors and nutritionists for studies about the product's weight loss ability in the long term to decrease risk for cardiovascular and arthritic diseases.
Support
Slim-Fast has a website with information for every dieter. There are weight loss tools, like a BMI calculator, to show you how much weight you need to lose. There are also forums for support and a nutritionist who you can directly ask questions about your diet on the web or by phone. The Slim-Fast website also offers exercise tips and videos, as well as a section to personalize your weight-loss plan.
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