Tag: Bariatric Equipment

America is not getting any thinner. As a result, demand for bariatric-grade home medical equipment products continue to soar, manufacturers in the field say.  A September 2022 report by Trust for America’s Health shows four in 10 Americans are clinically obese and obesity rates are climbing nationwide and within population groups. The report finds that persistent increases in obesity rates across population groups underscores that obesity is caused by a number of factors and authors...

The need for bariatric products only continues to grow as obesity levels rise in the U.S., driven of late by the stubborn COVID-19 virus, according to a new report.  Trust for America’s Health, a Washington-based non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes health and wellness, found that the pandemic “has exacerbated the nation’s obesity rate,” as it “changed eating habits, worsened levels of food insecurity, created obstacles to physical activity and...

Despite some disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of bariatric products have remained steady during the past year, manufacturers say.  Navigating disruptions  The pandemic has impacted the supply chain for bariatric products in various ways, including limiting access to health care and long-term care facilities, restricting access to products and clinicians.  “COVID-19 has had an impact on all segments of the mobility...

ATLANTA - GF Health Products has acquired Gendron, a manufacturer specializing in beds, mobility, seating and transfer equipment for the bariatric market.“This acquisition will further allow Graham-Field to provide an integrated system of products to assist in the care of the bariatric patient and resident,” said Ken Spett, president and CEO of Graham-Field. “The acquisition will also expand our 'Made in USA' Strategic Initiative and will enhance the market potential of Graham-Field's...

Strong demand for heavier-duty home medical products has made the bariatric category one of HME's biggest growth areas over the past decade. And manufacturers in the field say that obesity rates continue to be stubborn within the American population, so the necessity of producing bariatric versions remains vital.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017 show trends of public weight gain for people age 20 and older 10% higher over a 17-year period from 1999 to 2016. In 1999,...

Experts in the bariatrics field contend that the category is much more than just heavy-duty equipment for obese patients. It should be more than just a sideline business for HME providers, they say, because there are myriad nuances to consider when providing products and services to this clientele.The market has been one of HME's strongest performers in recent years and demographic data suggest that demand for bariatric-grade products will continue to be in high demand.“Research shows that...

What was once a niche market years ago is now a full-fledged category unto itself.The bariatrics specialty has great relevance for home medical equipment because of its versatility—it applies to several business lines, including wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, bath safety products, hospital beds, ramps, hoists, lifts and transfer benches.With obesity continuing unabated in the population, the demand for sturdier products with wider dimensions and higher weight capacities is strong...

BALLOONING BRACKETBusting the scale: The bariatrics category is expanding along with America's waistlines as the percentage of the population deemed obese continues to grow. The CDC estimates that 36% of Americans are now obese and that the percentage will grow to 42% by 2030.SPANNING THE SPECTRUMBecoming bariatric: Manufacturers are adding heavy-duty versions of products in a widening scope of products, including mobility equipment (wheelchairs and scooters), support surfaces (beds and...

HME manufacturers are throwing a lot of weight behind bariatric versions of products as consumer demand continues to grow. Various types of mobility equipment, support surfaces, aids to daily living and bath safety products have ultra-strong bariatric versions designed for the heaviest of users.It is a trend that shows no sign of stopping, says Lawrence de la Haba, senior vice president of business development for Atlanta-based Graham-Field Health Products.“The market for bariatric products...

America's expanding waistlines show no sign of slowing down anytime soon, so the market for bariatric products remains strong, manufacturers say. An increasing number of expansive, heavy-duty products are being made for an emerging demographic that includes both genders and all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Today, nearly one-third of all adults are considered obese and that rate is rising. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six states had an obesity rate of over...