Hearst-Rodale has today announced that its top selling glossy Women’s Health is to increase to a monthly frequency from next year.
Launched in February 2012 the magazine has been published each quarter for the last two years, offering a mix health, beauty, nutrition, fitness and fashion content.
According to the latest ABC results, both men and women’s health and fitness magazines have enjoyed success recently and Women’s Health has increased its circulation by 6.1% year on year to a combined print and digital total of 107,695, marking it out in a print market largely in decline.
Announcing the news on Wednesday, the publishers cited investment in the Women’s Health brand – including publication of a ‘bookazine’ earlier this year and the relaunch in July of womenshealthmag.co.uk – as drivers for the success.
From the March 2014 issue, on sale early February, the magazine will move from its current bi-monthly frequency to a monthly one, with double issues spanning the months of June/July and December/January; a total of 10 issues per year.
“The worlds of health and well-being have come a long way in the last few years, with a healthy lifestyle no longer being about torturing yourself with mung beans and Mr Motivator,” said UK Editor, Farrah Storr.
“As the success of Women’s Health has demonstrated, it’s now a glamorous and aspirational way of life. The increase in our frequency reflects that trend and I’m absolutely delighted to be taking the magazine to the next exciting level.”
Hearst-Rodale Group Publishing Director, Alun Williams, added: “Women’s Health has had an amazing two years – the magazine has exceeded every target we’ve set and has been profitable from day one.
“The support we’ve received from the industry shows that quality, well-targeted editorial content is still an incredibly valuable medium and one with which advertisers are keen to associate their brands.”
The magazine now has 11 new overseas editions, bring the total to 23 editions worldwide.
