In breaking news, Australia is set to welcome its first-ever dedicated weight-loss retreat this year when The Biggest Loser Retreat operated by Golden Door Australia opens its doors in July 2013.

The Golden Door Health Retreat on the Gold Coast, Queensland will undergo a total rebranding after parent company Cypress Lakes Group Ltd this week signed the exclusive rights to use The Biggest Loser brand in Australia and New Zealand.

As one of the pioneers of the Australian health and wellness industry, 2013 marks The Golden Door Health Retreat’s 20th year of operation. General Manager of The Biggest Loser Retreat operated by Golden Door Australia Andrew MacDonald said the timing of the rebrand is fitting and further reinforces Golden Door Health Retreat’s stellar reputation as a leading industry authority committed to providing the environment, educational tools and support network to help Australian’s address what is one of the largest health epidemics we have ever faced.

“For 20 years now we have assisted tens of thousands of guests to discover a newfound sense of wellness, balance and vitality in the ultimate pursuit of reaching optimal mental and physical health. And now, as we begin a new chapter, we look forward to utilising our knowledge and expertise in a more concentrated capacity to focus intently on what is a very real and serious health issue currently affecting over 60% of everyday Australians who are overweight or obese.”

Endorsed by Channel Ten and Shine 360 – the brand management and rights arm of Shine Australia – The Biggest Loser Retreat will offer guests a tailored weight-loss program reflective of achieving lasting body fat loss. And while some of the aspects of the hit television show that has inspired millions of viewers since inception may be integrated in the program, predominately, The Biggest Loser Retreat will be representative of Golden Door’s successful core philosophy of promoting healthy lifestyle to achieve wellness and therefore weight-loss.

The resounding success of The Biggest Loser Resorts in the US has also spurred the establishment of an Australian version.

The Retreat will embody Golden Door Australia’s key philosophies of movement, food, coaching and education and provide a compassionate yet firm environment for guests wanting – or in many cases, needing – to begin a health and wellness overhaul, reverse years of unhealthy living and create positive and permanent lifestyle solutions resulting in lasting weight loss and improved health.

The Biggest Loser Retreat is spearheaded by a professional team of experts in health and wellness who will nurture, guide and inspire guests along their path of adopting positive and sustainable lifestyle change while losing weight along the way whether it is 5 or 50 kilograms.

Dr Cris, The Biggest Loser Retreats official Doctor and expert in nutrition and health says the program is, in many cases, a viable alternative to surgical procedures for Australians who are above their most healthy, comfortable weight and the related illnesses that can occur.

“At a time when obesity is a national epidemic, The Biggest Loser Retreat by Golden Door Australia will assist in changing society’s ingrained attitudes. We are passionate about helping everyday Australians to turn their lives around; this is a life-changing experience that should be considered as a first-step before pursuing irreversible surgery or embarking on an unhealthy eating regime.”

The program will include compulsory daily activities – from bush walks to gym training, aqua cardio, obstacle courses, interval training, stretching and yoga. While cooking demonstrations and hands-on sessions will also be a large part of the Retreat, highlighting the importance of preparing healthy and nutritious meals, as well as educational seminars relevant to everyday life after The Biggest Loser Retreat.

People can register their interest to attend now, while bookings for The Biggest Loser Retreat by Golden Door Australia can be made online from June. For further information, please visit www.biggestloserretreat.com.au or go to (facebook profile being added).