Vermont-Based Vtrim® Secures Funding, Creates Jobs

MIDDLEBURY, Vt., Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vtrim® Healthy Weight Management is now positioned to take it's science-based weight management program to the broader commercial market. Since raising $650,000 in capital, Vtrim® CEO and Managing Director Krista M.C. Conley and her team have positioned Vtrim® to be the leading online weight-loss treatment choice for individuals, families, and businesses seeking improved health and easier access to proven expert support.

Based on over 30 years of research within the field of obesity treatment, Vtrim® began as a University of Vermont study measuring the effectiveness of online weight loss programs. In January 2011, University of Vermont leadership and Conley signed an exclusive license agreement, opening the door for their academic, college-accredited program to reach the broader public. The new firm has created six management positions in Middlebury and will hire additional personnel in 2012.

"Vtrim® is a great example of the economic power of commercializing research developed at institutions like the University of Vermont," said Lawrence Miller, Secretary of Commerce and Community Development. "By combining the power of entrepreneurship with solid academic research, we can look forward to creating many more opportunities within Vermont for businesses to grow and thrive."  

The company hopes that Vermont businesses will learn more about the Vtrim program, and set a national model for overweight and obesity reduction. "Vermont is not considered an overly obese state, but 59% of Vermonters are overweight or obese ... obesity directly impacts health care costs and in our small state, 59% is too much. We want to improve Vermonters overall quality of life," said Conley.

"At this stage in the national obesity epidemic, it's time for a program with proven effectiveness," said Conley. "Vtrim® is not about gimmicks or quick fixes, it's about the fundamentals of each individual's healthy weight.  Our expert facilitators help you understand, decode and repackage your attitudes about eating and exercise in a way that makes sense. Mobile phone applications are not a replacement for a learning environment with a seasoned instructor and other motivated peers."

Vermont angel investor and Vtrim® alumnae Claudia K. Clark, and the Vermont Seed Capital Fund invested in the new commercial entity. "Proven programs for treating obesity and teaching wellness online are rare, said David Bradbury, manager of the Vermont Seed Capital Fund, LP.  "Vtrim® is well positioned to be the first mover in online weight management." The Vermont Seed Capital Fund, LP is managed by the non-profit Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET).

(Vtrim® Healthy Weight Management uses expert facilitation to lead online classes. Highly trained facilitators, most of which are registered dietitians and registered nurses, complete a rigorous 45-hour training program. Closed-group classes meet online once per week for twelve weeks and are supported by interactive online journaling and a personalized graduated exercise program. Vtrim® is the only online weight loss program to offer a follow-up course, Vtrim II, and an ongoing Maintenance Program. For more information visit www.vtrimonline.com.)

SOURCE Vtrim