Growth Phase for Obesity Marketing

From super-size coffins to super-reinforced beds to resorts for those afraid to be seen in bathing suits, the number of products and services for America’s obese is growing rapidly.

AP:

Obesity Finds Niche in American Marketing

By DEBORAH HASTINGS, AP National WriterSun Apr 16, 6:15 PM ET

From the cradle to the grave and most points between, obesity has found its niche in American marketing. Make that a wide berth.

Baby seats, doorways and caskets are but a few examples from a long list of life’s accouterments that are getting much bigger to accommodate much bigger people. There are also vacation resorts for those embarrassed to be seen in a bathing suit.

At Freedom Paradise on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, the chairs are wider and without arms, to prevent getting stuck; the beds are king-sized and reinforced, to prevent collapsing; and the beach is private and secluded, to prevent gawking and staring.

“You should not be embarrassed by how big you are,” said William Fabrey, whose online business Amplestuff offers larger versions of everyday things from umbrellas to footstools. “You can’t just yell at someone and tell them to lose weight. You’re already dealing with people who think they have no worth.

“They still have to sit down on a chair that doesn’t collapse,” he said.

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