Michael Tompkins, CEO of Hilton Head Health and chair of International Spa Association (ISPA), discusses weight loss and weight loss management in spas in an exclusive column for Spa Opportunities.

True wellness is about lifestyle changes and visible results, by Michael Tompkins

Right now, I am focused on bringing true wellness back to spas here in the US, which involves a concentrated focus on weight loss and weight management efforts.

Over the past few decades, a lot of spas have shifted their focus to capitalise on the growing “wellness” vacation trend, but they have neglected to incorporate the original intent of spa vacations – a healthy getaway that encourages lifestyle changes and delivers results.

Adult obesity is a growing epidemic in America and many people simply feel lost and don’t know where to begin to reverse the problem. When they are ready to make a change to their lifestyle, they are turning to spas that are proven to deliver results in a supportive, safe environment. In 2014 alone, our weight loss spa showed significant double digit growth and this is projected again for 2015.

The vacationer is looking for more than just a getaway trip – they want motivational programmes, to be held accountable for their individual progress, they want delicious cuisine that doesn’t leave them starving, and they want to see results. Weight loss spa goers are looking to find a place where they won’t be judged – where they can find other people who are in the same position as them – whether they’re looking to lose 15lbs (7kg) or 115lbs (52kg).

It’s inspiring for me to be around people every single day that are looking to better themselves and their quality of life. I’m currently on my own personal weight loss journey. Since starting with Hilton Head Health as CEO last summer, I’ve lost 43lbs (19kg) and hope to lose a further 30lbs (14kg). It’s a lifestyle change and one that I have to work on every single day, but this is our health we are talking about. It’s not just mental health in the wellness category anymore – but getting our bodies as physically healthy as we can.

• Tompkins, the former CEO of Miraval Resort and Spa, recently unveiled a new 3,000sq ft (279sq m) spa at Hilton Head Health – called Indigo Spa.