What's In a Word.....

Article written by Kelly Hillyer

 

fat farm: 1969 (noun) a health spa that specializes in weight reduction

When you think ‘fat farm,’ what typically comes to mind?—Dorm-style bunk bed living quarters, traveling in herds to the dining room, everyone performing the same mundane activities, Kirstie Alley…Just hearing the phrase causes a string of unpleasant images to flood into our heads, when in reality, according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary; a fat farm is “a health spa that specializes in weight reduction.”  I think that it is time to re-evaluate and really re-consider the negative connotations associated with the phrase ‘fat farm.’ 

Consumer trends reveal that people between the ages of 44 and 62, who are searching for weight loss destinations, use the phrase ‘fat farm,’ which makes me think-- the Baby Boomers are right on target.  They know they want weight loss, and they’re not afraid to search for ‘fat farms.’    

This makes me wonder- if the Baby Boomer generation has no problem calling them what they are, why does everyone else?  What’s so wrong with calling them ‘fat farms’?  Why do we, as a society, have a problem with telling our friends and family that we’re going to a ‘fat farm’ for the week to better our lives and to make the necessary improvements to our daily lifestyle?

I think that it is finally time to let go of the negative implications associated with ‘fat farms’ because no matter how you want to dress up a weight loss spa, fitness retreat, health resort, weight loss spa—you are in fact traveling to a destination for the purpose of losing weight aka fat farm.

For over 30 years, Hilton Head Health (H3) has been recognized as a premier weight loss destination in the United States.  When you take a step back and look at the big picture experience H3 has to offer, you will see that it is one of the most innovative, personalized fat farms in the nation.  H3 creates an individualized weight loss plan in a relaxed, comfortable environment that allows each Individual to take the necessary steps to a healthier life.  Everything from the fitness regime to nutritional meal plan is tailored to the Individual, allowing and encouraging successful and sustainable weight loss. 

In all, fat farms are the not-so-newest craze in health and fitness, but they are still one of the most effective approaches to weight loss.