In 27 years in the weight loss industry, Letha Brandenburg has gone from shrinking waistlines to expanding lives.
“My passion was always and still is primarily helping women, more than nutrition. I’m interested in helping people live their best life,” said Brandenburg, owner of Vancouver-based The Healthy Weigh.
She bought weight loss clinics in Vancouver and Longview, then known as Weight Loss Clinics of America, in 1990. After 16 years of running the business part-time and focusing on being a mother, motivational speaker and local singer, she returned to the business full-time in 2006.
“That was when I honestly said, ‘If I have to go to work and talk about chicken breast and broccoli, I might have to kill myself,’ ” she said.
Last year, Brandenburg sold the Longview location, freeing up time to develop her first workshops and support groups. She combined principles of the company’s weight loss program with her own research and experience to develop classes that integrate psychology with nutrition and exercise.
“When clients come on to any program and follow a diet and only change their actions, nothing’s changing permanently,” Brandenburg said. “Ultimately, we act out on our beliefs.”
In its first month, The Healthy Weigh’s basic eight-week workshop had 100 participants and about 550 people have completed the series since.
Outside the series, classes include topics such as personal belief systems, balanced living and handling transitions. They attract weight loss clients and visitors who want to change other areas of their lives, she said.
The weight loss client base is about 150, mostly women.
Clients often attend the same workshop multiple times, so in September, Brandenburg began selling CD versions of six of her lessons. She declined to share revenues but said the business is profitable and has steadily maintained its client base.
In June, Brandenburg moved the company’s four employees, including a counselor, to the Timbers building near Westfield Vancouver. The company gained 300 square feet and the layout allows for more efficient services, she said.
In about five years, Brandenburg has her sights on selling the weight loss business but continuing her work as a motivational speaker and trainer.
“My hope is that at the end of this career, which has been beyond amazing, that the legacy would continue,” she said.
Charity Thompson can be reached at cthompson@vbjusa.com.
