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The Weight Watchers TurnAround Program Backgrounder

New Program Includes Two Approaches To Get Eating In Control

Identifying the Need for the TurnAround Program

Weight Watchers is committed to helping people achieve healthy, livable and sustainable weight loss. Through an ongoing process of scientific review and extensive consumer research, the Company has continuously improved its weight-loss programs building on its learnings from the real-life experiences of its members and the expanding body of scientific research. The TurnAround program is the direct result of research and testing conducted by Weight Watchers over the past 18 months. The findings provided valuable insights.

We are continuously improving our programs and developing innovations by building upon learnings from our members real-life experiences and the expanding body of scientific research, said Linda Huett, CEO of Weight Watchers International, Inc.

The very nature of weight loss requires changes to a persons eating habits. Our research showed us that different people respond better to different ways of accommodating these changes. Some people thrive on the freedom of having the entire variety of foods available while tracking and controlling how much they eat, said Ms. Huett. Our flexible POINTS Weight-Loss System is designed to guide these people to achieve their goals in a healthy way. Our research also showed that other people are better suited to making positive changes to their eating habits by focusing their food choices and eliminating the need for tracking and counting.

That finding was the genesis of the TurnAround program, said Weight Watchers Chief Scientific Officer, Karen Miller-Kovach. Our challenge was to develop a more focused eating plan that would still deliver on our standards of healthy, effective and livable weight loss. Our ultimate goal in developing the TurnAround program is to offer people the ability to find the approach most comfortable for them to get their eating under control.

Testing and Research

In order for the new Program to meet Weight Watchers standards for healthy, effective and livable weight loss, it would have to pass a number of tests, including testing in real- world settings.

Some of the tests the new Plan had to pass included. 1 generating a safe and healthy rate of weight loss. 2 providing a healthy diet that is nutritionally complete and livable. and 3 providing a way to accommodate options outside of the basic Plan without guilt.

Creating the TurnAround Program

Scientific and program development experts from Weight Watchers began development of a plan based on a broad list of wholesome, nutritious foods. To ensure the intake of essential nutrients from food, it was recognized that all the food groups needed to be represented. The list was formulated based on providing maximum eating satisfaction without empty calories. The team focused on low-energy density foods, which are foods with a low number of calories per given volume. These foods include wholesome foods from all of the food groupsfruits and vegetables, grains and starches, lean meats, fish and poultry, eggs and dairy products.

Next, the team reviewed the foods based on the Companys experience to identify those that are known to be linked with overeating and eliminated them. By focusing peoples eating in this way, the team believed they could achieve calorie control and therefore weight loss with no counting or tracking.

After verifying that the Plan was nutritionally complete, it was introduced to Weight Watchers members in eight test centers around the country. Starting in January of 2004, more than 10,000 members tried the new Program with both qualitative and quantitative follow-up of their progress and satisfaction to determine if the Weight Watchers standards for health and sustainability were being met and to identify further refinements to the Plan. For example, although a very broad range of breakfast cereals was on the original list, we found some people had a tendency to overeat them, especially when snacking on dry cereal, said Ms. Miller-Kovach. Therefore, we reduced the list of cereals on the Core Plan and included a rule that to be a Core Food, cereal should only be eaten with milk. The testing proved that the new Plan met the Weight Watchers standards a high level of member satisfaction and a healthy rate of weight loss.

The extensive testing with thousands of members in real-life meeting settings showed that selecting a specific Plan was a very individualized decision, suited to their lifestyles and weight loss experience.

We found that the approach people select to getting eating habits in control was not related to traditional demographics, said Ms. Miller-Kovach. What it comes down to, instead, is each individuals personal perspective of what makes them feel the most free when trying to lose weight. For some people, the best weight loss plan lets them eat any food as long as they track and control how much they eat. For others, focusing on a core list of wholesome foods from all of the food groups without counting allows the freedom they need on a weight-loss plan.

Although based on a core list of wholesome, nutritious foods, the new Core Plan provides for occasional treats in controlled amounts to enhance livability and prevent deprivation that can lead to yo-yo dieting. We know that forbidding foods on a weight-loss program is counterproductive and leads to abandoning the entire weight-loss effort. To avoid this, we developed a way for the Core Plan user to have foods that arent included on the Core Food List, said Ms. Miller-Kovach. For example, although chocolate and wine arent on the Core Food List, a glass of wine with dinner or a chocolate bar for dessert is still possible on the Core Plan.

Introducing the TurnAround Program

Following 18 months of research, testing and development, the Core Plan was completed and ready for integration into the Weight Watchers program alongside the Flex Plan in the new TurnAround program. Both Plans help people achieve effective calorie control and a healthy diet. The Flex Plan, which is based on the POINTS System, provides the entire variety of foods with tracking. Members following the Core Plan focus on a core list of wholesome, nutritious foods without tracking.

Having two eating approaches also offers the added bonus of allowing Weight Watchers members to switch from one Plan to the other when circumstances dictate, or when they have hit a weight-loss plateau, while still maintaining their continuity in the Weight Watchers system. In-meeting tests revealed that some people will find a comfortable home base in one Plan or the other, while others will find switching between Plans according to different situations works best for them.

After being tested by more than 10,000 members over several months, the TurnAround program will launch in the U.S. on August 22nd.

Weight Watchers spent the summer training more than 20,000 meeting room Leaders and staff in the Program, which is currently supported by direct mail, national advertising, a marketing program and public relations.

About Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers is Americas trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 46,000 weekly meetings in 30 countries. Weight Watchers mission is to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. At the heart of Weight Watchers are weekly meetings which provide the coaching and tools to help people make the positive changes required to lose weight and keep it off. To learn more about Weight Watchers services, products and publications, visit WeightWatchers.com. To find the nearest Weight Watchers meeting location, call 1-800-651-6000 or click on the Find a Meeting link at the top of our homepage.

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Rene is no stranger to waiting. While she was working toward her weight goal and Lifetime Membership with Weight Watchers Meetings, it became pretty clear pretty fast that her weight loss would be slow.

She worked toward her goal for a year and two months, losing less than one pound per week, on average, the entire time. Her determination paid off, though, because she did meet her goal. Then she gained some of the weight back. This time, its coming off even more slowly.

Rene, who now subscribes to Weight Watchers eTools in addition to going to Meetings, isnt fazed. Shes simply had to come to terms with the fact that she loses weight slowly. If I allow it to be discouraging, it will be, she says. But I refuse to give up. Whenever I feel like I might, I ask myself if Im willing to live with the alternative to slow weight loss, which would be regaining all that I lost, and possibly more.

That gets me back on track every time, she says.

Quick Fix, Fast Failure
We live in a quick-fix society, says Debra Mandel, PhD, a Los Angeles psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. When we want something, we want it right away.

Worse, were constantly presented with ways to lose weight immediately advertisements convince us that we can lose inches by tomorrow, and be slimmer by next week. It seems like theres no harm in wanting to lose weight by yesterday. After all, its possible. Isnt it

Not at all, insists Mandel. Because when it comes down to it, fast weight loss cant last, because it usually means adapting to very difficult eating habits and an impossible-to-live with lifestyle.

Plus, with quick-fix diets, our metabolism slows down, and eventually were eating fewer and fewer calories but not losing weight, says Mandel. This leads to anxiety, which prompts us to eat even fewer calories to try to lose. The body rebels against that even more.

So its a vicious cycle. Because if you dont get enough nutrients which is a major risk when youre going for a quick fix your brain, and then your body, will, well, insist that you eat. To your body, its nothing more than survival. But to you, it will feel like youre giving into cravings and losing control. Then youll feel shame and failure, which might very well send you to the fridge.

Its a never-ending yo-yo cycle of weight gain, then loss, then gain again. Go for slow and steady weight loss, on the other hand a healthy rate of weight loss is two pounds per week or less, and not only will you be doing a service to your body, youll be more likely to keep that weight off for good. Isnt that better than rebounding

Why Slow Weight Loss Lasts
Im glad my weight loss was slow for me because I feel like I really have made lifestyle changes, says Lyn, a Meetings member. I just keep at it. I continue to see slow progress but overall a great deal of success. Slowly but surely the weight comes off.

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Myths
By Dr. James Rippe MD and Weight Watchers 2/24/2005

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Book Exclusive. Weight Loss That Lasts. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Myths, written by cardiologist James Rippe, M.D., and Weight Watchers, takes us behind the curtain of science to explore the myths that prevent us from achieving sustainable weight loss.

By separating myth from fact misleading medical dogma from science truths the book helps us break the hold myths have over our own lives to achieve lasting weight loss.

This weeks final installment features highlights from Chapter 10, Is your weight problem just about you which tackles the myth that the road to weight loss is a path walked alone and the misconception that others have no impact on your efforts.

Each day, you interact with a lot of people, everyone from your partner to family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and even strangers. These are the relationships by which our lives as social beings are defined. And because your weight is a part of you, it also has an impact on your relationships with others.

You and Your Weight
Many people are under the mistaken notion that every overweight person is depressed, sad, and unhappy with life. In a study done in Italy, it was concluded that the greater the degree of overweight, the more negative the scores for physical functions like bodily pain, physical limitations and fatigue. This makes sense because carrying extra weight around does take a toll on the body. But the same Italian study also found that the impact of excess weight on mental status is minimal. Most experts agree that the psychological profile for the typical overweight person is not much different than their slimmer counterpart.

Just as researchers have looked at the impact of quality of life factors on being overweight, many studies have been done to evaluate if there are changes in the test scores when weight is lost. This is where the story changes. Just about every study shows that several aspects of life quality improve with weight loss. In a 12-week study conducted by Dr. Rippe and his colleagues on people participating in the Weight Watchers program, several measures of quality of life including physical function, vitality, and mental health improved with weight loss.

You and Your Partner
The person you live with affects your weight and your weight affects that person. Weight patterns and the likelihood of overweight run together in spouses and partners, and also in households of people who are living together but do not share a blood link.

Studies done on the weight/marriage connection indicate that the effects may be due to the influence of eating meals together, a shared commitment or lack of commitment to controlling weight, or both.

Because the life you share with a partner is so linked with everything that you do, it makes sense to learn that spouses and partners who decide to lose weight at the same time have better success.

While it helps weight-loss success if you can do it as a team with a spouse or partner, it is not a requirement. In a study that looked at this specific aspect of weight loss, marriages that had moderate levels of friction were not an insurmountable barrier to successful weight loss.

You and Your Family
Just as weight is one piece of the pie that defines the relationship you have with your partner, it is also a component of the relationships that you have with other family members, especially children. The weight-related attitudes and behavior of mothers influence the way that their children, especially daughters, view body shape. Furthermore, parents eating habits strongly influence the eating habits of other family members.

How a parent enforces food rules affects a childs eating habits. Several studies show that pushing a particular food on children increases the likelihood of the child developing a dislike for that food. The opposite is also true restricting foods actually causes children to eat more of them, more often.

You and the World
Friends and co-workers also affect your weight-loss success. In a study conducted in Pittsburgh, it was found that people who joined a weight-loss program with friends lost more weight and sustained the weight loss better than those who joined the program alone.

While it would be wonderful if you could count on universal encouragement from everybody around you when it comes to your weight loss, this is not the case. It is not uncommon to have family members and friends who consciously or unconsciously sabotage weight-loss efforts. A successful approach to weight loss must include strategies for dealing with food pressures or a lack of encouragement from others.

Youre Not Alone
While it is true that weight is a highly personal issue and individual commitment is a key to success, weight is not a one-person issue. It affects family, friends, and those around you in both direct and indirect ways. The positive changes that lead to sustainable weight loss a positive mindset, wise food choices, regular physical activity, and a supportive atmosphere benefit those close to you as much as they help you.

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Weight Watchers International press releases
New Program to Help Consumers Find the Approach to Healthy, Livable Weight Loss That Suits Them Best

After extensive research and development, Weight Watchers announced today the launch of the TurnAround program. Now available across the U.S. and Canada, this innovative, science-based Program allows people to find the eating structure that fits them best based on two different approaches to healthy, sustainable weight loss. Each approach works together with the coaching, tools and real-life insights people get from Weight Watchers to help them make the positive changes required to lose the weight and keep it off.

With nearly two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese, the need for people to find food plans that provide them with healthy weight loss and suit their individual eating preferences has become critical. For many people, weight loss attempts fail because their diets are not sustainable and their diets lack the tools and support system to help them achieve long-term success.

The TurnAround program with its two food plans, the Flex Plan and the new Core Plan, has been tested and provides members with high levels of satisfaction and healthy weight loss. The Flex Plan is based on the POINTSR Weight-Loss System so users can enjoy the full range of food options and deal with any meal occasion at home, on the go or when dining out.

The Core Plan controls calories by focusing on a core list of wholesome, nutritious foods without tracking or counting. The list includes foods from all the food groups -- fruits and vegetables, grains and starches, lean meats, fish and poultry, eggs and dairy products -- to ensure that all nutritional requirements are met. To maximize livability, on the Core Plan, people can have occasional treats in controlled amounts.

The Core Foods List was created to provide maximum eating satisfaction without empty calories by emphasizing foods that have low-energy density, or few calories per unit volume. One of the key things scientific research has shown is that from a very young age, people are trained to eat a volume of food, not a certain amount of calories. To lose weight, people should eat foods that have low-energy density, that is, foods that are high in volume, but low in calories, said Weight Watchers Chief Scientific Officer, Karen Miller-Kovach.

We also identified foods that are linked with overeating and removed them from the Core List. Once the Core Plan was developed, we tested it until we were convinced it allowed people to achieve healthy, effective weight loss, with no counting or tracking. Our extensive testing with more than 10,000 people shows that both the Flex Plan and Core Plan deliver a healthy rate of weight loss, livability and member satisfaction, said Ms. Miller-Kovach.

According to Ms. Miller-Kovach, Interestingly, we did not find that one demographic group prefers the Core Plan while another prefers the Flex Plan. Instead, the determining factor was based on a very personal sense of what constitutes freedom. Some people felt the Flex Plan provided them more freedom because it offered the entire range of foods, while others felt that the Core Plan was more freeing because it focused on wholesome foods without counting.

Weight Watchers scientific team created the TurnAround program by combining a focus on the latest science about nutrition with research on the challenges people face today in fitting weight loss into their lives. The team conducted extensive research on strategies to help people with different lifestyles and preferences make effective changes to their eating, activity, and behavior in order to achieve long-term weight loss. In a test with more than 10,000 people, the TurnAround program proved to be effective and livable in the real world.

Having two healthy eating approaches also offers the added bonus of allowing Weight Watchers members to maintain their continuity in the Program while being able to switch from one Plan to the other when circumstances dictate, such as if they have hit a weight-loss plateau before reaching their weight goal.

We developed the TurnAround program to allow people to find the approach that works best for their lifestyle and personal preferences, said Linda Huett, CEO of Weight Watchers International, Inc. We are continuously advancing our programs and developing innovations by building upon learnings from our members real-life experiences and the expanding body of scientific research.

Weight Watchers is Americas trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 46,000 weekly meetings in 30 countries. Weight Watchers mission is to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. At the heart of Weight Watchers are weekly meetings which provide the coaching and tools to help people make the positive changes required to lose weight and keep it off. Weight Watchers also offers two subscription products for people wanting to follow Weight Watchers online. To learn more about Weight Watchers services, products and publications, visit WeightWatchers.com. To find the nearest Weight Watchers meeting location, call 1-800-651-6000 or click on the Find a Meeting link at the top of our homepage.

Diet, Weight Loss and Diabetes
By The Weight Watchers Research Dept. 1/1/2005

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The American Diabetes Association ADA recognizes the need and value for people with diabetes to lose weight. Their recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of nutrition science.1

In making their recommendations, the ADA grades the soundness of the scientific evidence. Following are some of the findings with the strongest evidence or A-Level findings.

Modest weight loss improves insulin responsiveness and blood sugar control in individuals with insulin resistance.

Standard weight-loss diets, when used alone, are unlikely to result in lasting weight loss. Rather, structured programs that focus on lifestyle modification, including education, reduced fat weight loss.

Exercise and behavior modification are most useful when they are done in addition to other weight loss strategies. Exercise is helpful in maintenance of weight loss.

There is no convincing evidence supporting the use of the glycemic index as a primary dietary strategy in the treatment of diabetes.

Focusing on low-energy density foods increases eating satisfaction with fewer calories, an important element in achieving sustainable weight loss, said Karen Miller-Kovach, M.S., R.D., Chief Scientist at Weight Watchers International, Inc. And, in addition to the weight-loss benefits, incorporating wholesome, less-processed foods is good for your overall health and well-being.

Weight Watchers has put its years of experience and scientific study into learning what works for healthy, maintainable weight loss, and the new TurnAround program is the result. With TurnAround, people can achieve healthy weight loss through a comprehensive weight-loss approach that incorporates individual needs and preferences. Members can now choose between two food plans. our flexible POINTS plan, or our new No Counting plan that focuses on a list of wholesome foods from all the food groups. Both plans can help one make wise food choices while fitting comfortably in your life, so you can stick to it and lose.

Weight Watchers is Americas trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 46,000 weekly meetings in 30 countries. Weight Watchers mission is to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. At the heart of Weight Watchers are weekly meetings which provide the coaching and tools to help people make the positive changes required to lose weight and keep it off. Weight Watchers also offers two subscription products for people wanting to follow Weight Watchers online. To learn more about Weight Watchers services, products and publications, visit WeightWatchers.com. To find the nearest Weight Watchers meeting location, call 1-800-651-6000 or click on the Find a Meeting link at the top of our homepage.

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When it comes to weight loss, its all about calories. Burning more calories than the body takes in results in weight loss and taking in more calories than are burned means a weight gain.

Metabolism is the number of calories the body burns and is made up of three components. resting metabolic rate, physical activity and a small amount needed for food digestion. Increasing the bodys metabolism has the potential to enhance weight management because the number of calories needed each day would be higher and so the amount of food needed to fuel that need would be greater.

While many popular publications would lead you to believe otherwise, metabolism can only be boosted in two ways. increasing the bodys muscle mass and increasing the bodys heart rate.

Muscle Mass
Losing some muscle mass is considered to be an expected part of weight loss because a smaller body needs less muscle to move the bodys weight around. Resistance i.e., weight training as part of a comprehensive exercise plan can increase lean muscle mass in weight-stable individuals and minimize loss of lean tissue during weight loss. While a few studies have demonstrated otherwise, most studies show that it is not feasible to decrease body weight and simultaneously increase lean muscle tissue.1

A popular theory concerning weight loss, increased metabolism and exercise states that it is feasible to create a sustained increase in metabolism through regular aerobic workouts. The studies that have evaluated this theory for scientific merit have shown very mixed results. The general finding for studies done in humans is that, if this phenomenon exists, the impact on overall metabolism is very small.2 Further, there are no studies that have directly linked the after effects of exercise with significant weight loss.

Heart Rates Impact
A persons heart rate has an impact on metabolism the higher the heart rate, the more calories burned. Stimulants, whether from a prescribed medication, dietary supplement, or a caffeine-containing beverage, all work to increase the heart rate and fire up the nervous system.

In a controlled study that looked at giving stimulants, including amphetamines or a placebo, weight loss was greater with the stimulant because heart rate and blood pressure were raised and food intake was decreased as a side effect of being hyper.3

Most dietary supplements and herbal compounds that are sold over the counter to promote weight loss contain stimulants, though at a lesser strength than that found in amphetamines. These products are often marketed as having fat burning properties, which are achieved because they increase heart rate and blood pressure and decrease appetite. They can work, but they do so at a cost to the body. Negative side effects include insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and, in extreme cases, death.

Weight Watchers is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to weight loss that is based on the latest scientific thinking. All too often in weight loss, a program or product is developed and then individual studies that support the program are provided to justify its existence. The Weight Watchers approach comes out of the science, not the other way around.

There are four principles from which Weight Watchers will not waiver.

Healthy Weight Loss
First, any approach developed by Weight Watchers must provide healthy weight loss, which means.

Produce a rate of weight loss of up to two pounds per week after the first 3 weeks, during which losses may be greater due to water loss.

Guide food choices that not only reduce calories, but meet current scientific recommendations for nutritional completeness and reduced disease risk.

Construct an activity plan that provides the full range of weight- and health-related benefits that exercise offers.

Be sustainable. Healthy weight loss is weight loss that lasts, so it is necessary to look beyond losing the excess weight and address keeping it off.

Fits Into Your Life
Second, any Weight Watchers approach must be realistic, practical and livable. It must also be flexible enough so that people can apply the approaches that work well for them. That means encouraging the achievement of realistic goals. For example, we do not recommend that a person with a lot of weight to lose begin with a weight-loss goal that defines ultimate success. Rather, we start with our 10goal or losing 10of body weight e.g., a 10goal for someone who is 200 pounds is 20 pounds. A weight loss of 10translates into significant health benefits. Likewise, pacing weight loss and following a system that encourages food and activity choices that are livable and sustainable in the real world is key. Weight Watchers is designed on the premise that weight management needs to fit into your life, not be your life.

WeightWatchers.com Press Releases
New Weight Watchers TurnAround Goes Live on WeightWatchers.com

Web Tour Outlines Two Different Approaches for Healthy, Sustainable Weight Loss on the TurnAround Program

NEW YORK Aug. 22, 2004 After midnight tonight, an online TurnAround program tour goes live on WeightWatchers.com to help subscribers and site visitors learn about the newest innovation from the global leader in weight-loss products and services. The new Weight Watchers TurnAround program launches nationwide on Aug. 22.

Tested with more than 10,000 people to provide them with high levels of satisfaction and healthy weight loss, TurnAround is innovative and science-based. It allows people to find the eating structure that fits them best for healthy, sustainable weight loss.

TurnAround includes two food plans, the Flex Plan and the Core Plan. The Flex Plan is based on the POINTS Weight-Loss System so users can enjoy the full range of food options and deal with any meal occasion at home, on the go, or when dining out.

The Core Plan controls calories by focusing on a core list of wholesome, nutritious foods without tracking or counting. The list includes foods from all food groups fruits and vegetables, grains and starches, lean meats, fish and poultry, eggs and dairy products to ensure that all nutritional requirements are met. To maximize livability, on the Core Plan people can have occasional treats in controlled amounts.

A link to a TurnAround program tour for people new to Weight Watchers and a TurnAround user guide for current subscribers to WeightWatchers.com will be prominently featured on the sites home page beginning on Aug. 23. The tour and user guide will help people choose the eating plan that best suits their lifestyle.

It is critical to successful long-term weight loss to find an approach that fits your life, said David Kirchhoff, CEO of WeightWatchers.com, Inc. If you are interested in taking control of your weight, you will be glad you spent three minutes on the TurnAround tour on WeightWatchers.com.

WeightWatchers.com offers two personalized Web-based subscription products in which you can follow the Flex Plan or the Core Plan. Weight Watchers Online delivers all the information and resources you need to do Weight Watchers via the Internet, and Weight Watchers eTools is the Internet companion for meetings members.

As TurnAround launches, WeightWatchers.com subscribers opting to follow the Core Plan will have access to new resources, such as the Core Food List, Core Meal Ideas and the Core Plan Restaurant Guide. These new resources will join a familiar suite of weight-loss tools associated with both Plans, including the Weight Tracker and Progress Charts, Recipe Builder for storing homegrown recipes, and hundreds of original WeightWatchers.com recipes. The site will continue to offer many free weight-loss resources, such as message boards, better living articles, and interactive assessments of healthy weight range and target Body Mass Index, as well as a Meeting Finder to help locate a Weight Watchers meeting close to home or while traveling.

WeightWatchers.com, Inc.
Founded in 1999, WeightWatchers.com, Inc. operates the Webs most successful weight-loss site. As the exclusive online licensee of Weight Watchers International, Inc., the company expands to the online arena the 40-year track record of helping people lose weight built by Weight Watchers. Based in New York City, WeightWatchers.com, Inc. currently operates 18 sites in 15 countries.

Me Firstandnbsp. 8/5/2005
Taking time to care for yourself will pay huge benefits.

Age Can Be Great for Your Weight Lossandnbsp. 6/22/2005
Here are 9 reasons to be grateful youre aging.

A Loser Shares the Wealthandnbsp. 6/17/2005
How one woman uses her Weight Watchers success to inspire others.

Walk Across Americaandnbsp. 5/13/2005
Walkings great. But if you need a break from the same ol same ol routine, heres a new way to think about how far youre getting.

How to Fix Bad Food Habitsandnbsp. 4/21/2005
Clean your plate, your mom always said. Get the most you can for your money. Never throw anything away. Here are some deep-down lessons about food and emotional eating that we can help you unlearn.

The Art of Exer-Socializing andnbsp. 4/8/2005
Here are a few people who have found benefit from exercising with a buddy. Why not learn from their example

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Mythsandnbsp. 2/24/2005
To escape the myths holding you back from lasting weight loss, read highlights from the new book Weight Loss That Lasts.

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Mythsandnbsp. 2/17/2005
To escape the myths holding you back from lasting weight loss, read highlights from the new book Weight Loss That Lasts.

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Mythsandnbsp. 2/10/2005
To escape the myths holding you back from lasting weight loss, read highlights from the new book Weight Loss That Lasts.

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Myths andnbsp. 2/3/2005
To escape the myths holding you back from lasting weight loss, read highlights from the new book Weight Loss That Lasts.

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Mythsandnbsp. 1/27/2005
To escape the myths holding you back from lasting weight loss, read highlights from the new book Weight Loss That Lasts.

Exclusive. Break Through the 10 Big Diet Mythsandnbsp. 1/20/2005
To escape the myths holding you back from lasting weight loss, read highlights from the new book Weight Loss That Lasts.

Can You Change Your Waysandnbsp. 9/15/2004
Change isnt always easy, but it is possible. Follow our guidelines.

A Marvelous Motivatorandnbsp. 9/9/2004
Meet Wilma, whos been working Weight Watchers magic for 35 years.

Present and Accounted For. Cultivating Mindfulnessandnbsp. 7/26/2004
Bring mindfulness into your weight-loss journey. Heres how

7 Ways to Stop Stress Nowandnbsp. 4/15/2004
Is your stress spiraling out of control Cut down the tension with this easy advice.

Your 6-Month Checkupandnbsp. 7/15/2003
How are your New Years resolutions holding up

How to Spot a Health Scamandnbsp. 7/14/2003
How to know what information to trust on the Web Follow our tips.

Motherhood and the Munchiesandnbsp. 7/9/2003
Are you veering off course now that your kids are home from school Heres help.

Take a Class in Confidenceandnbsp. 5/30/2003
If you have faith in yourself, youll gain faith in your ability to get that weight off for good. Here are some expert tips on increasing your confidence quotient.

Upping Your Exercise Anteandnbsp. 3/1/2003
Breaking the comfort zone is what athletes do to increase their level of speed, ability and competitiveness, and you can do it too. Heres how.

What Will You Do When You Reach Goalandnbsp. 6/3/2002
We asked our Community users what will be at the top of their to-do lists once they reach their weight goals. From shopping to riding horseback, heres what they said.

10 Fabulous Affirmationsandnbsp. 1/8/2002
For those moments when youre feeling down, here are some other dieters favorite affirmations great quotes and positive sayings that will make you feel like a million again.

Wild, Wild Weight-Loss Rewardsandnbsp. 8/10/2001
We asked successful users and meeting members what wild and crazy things theyve done to celebrate meeting a goal. Heres what they told us.

Your Activity POINTS Training Guideandnbsp. 6/22/2001
How can you make the most out of your Activity POINTS values Here are some great ideas for trade-offs that would make any physical trainer proud.

The Four Pillars of a Science-Based Approach
By The Weight Watchers Research Dept. 1/1/2005

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Weight Watchers is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to weight loss that is based on the latest scientific thinking. All too often in weight loss, a program or product is developed and then individual studies that support the program are provided to justify its existence. The Weight Watchers approach comes out of the science, not the other way around.

There are four principles from which Weight Watchers will not waiver.

Healthy Weight Loss
First, any approach developed by Weight Watchers must provide healthy weight loss, which means.

Produce a rate of weight loss of up to two pounds per week after the first 3 weeks, during which losses may be greater due to water loss.

Guide food choices that not only reduce calories, but meet current scientific recommendations for nutritional completeness and reduced disease risk.

Construct an activity plan that provides the full range of weight- and health-related benefits that exercise offers.

Be sustainable. Healthy weight loss is weight loss that lasts, so it is necessary to look beyond losing the excess weight and address keeping it off.

Fits Into Your Life
Second, any Weight Watchers approach must be realistic, practical and livable. It must also be flexible enough so that people can apply the approaches that work well for them. That means encouraging the achievement of realistic goals. For example, we do not recommend that a person with a lot of weight to lose begin with a weight-loss goal that defines ultimate success. Rather, we start with our 10goal or losing 10of body weight e.g., a 10goal for someone who is 200 pounds is 20 pounds. A weight loss of 10translates into significant health benefits. Likewise, pacing weight loss and following a system that encourages food and activity choices that are livable and sustainable in the real world is key. Weight Watchers is designed on the premise that weight management needs to fit into your life, not be your life.

Informed Choices
Third, Weight Watchers believes in imparting knowledge. At Weight Watchers, people learn not only what to do, but why. This knowledge brings understanding and with understanding comes the confidence needed to make informed choices and live by them.

A Holistic View
Finally, the Weight Watchers approach must be comprehensive. Sustained weight loss comes from taking a holistic view of all its components food, exercise, behavior and a supportive atmosphere.

Now lets take a look at how each of those pillars gets translated into a science-based approach that a person can follow.

Science Library. The Psychology of Weight Loss
Mind Skills for Lasting Weight Loss
By The Weight Watchers Research Dept. 1/1/2005

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Knowing what to do to lose weight and applying that knowledge to daily life are two very different things.

For many years, weight-loss programs have expanded education to include several techniques from the field of behavioral psychology. Examples include self-monitoring food intake, exercise and body weight. altering the environment to avoid problem foods, and goal setting.

CBT Techniques
More recently, behavior modification methods have expanded to include techniques from the field of cognitive therapy. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, involves the identification and modification of thinking patterns and negative mood states that can undermine lasting weight loss.1

It is widely recognized that the development of behavioral and cognitive skills learned during weight loss is critical to successful maintenance. Indeed, lacking coping and problem-solving skills appear to be important factors in weight regain after a loss.2 Black-and-white thinking, a cognitive style characterized by viewing actions as being good or bad and as right or wrong, is also a significant predictor of weight regain.3

People who have never been overweight as well as those who have successfully achieved a lasting weight loss share the characteristics of confronting problems directly 95and 60pct., respectively and using personally developed strategies to help themselves. Those who have lost weight only to regain it are much more likely to eat unconsciously in response to emotions 70pct. and not confront problems directly 10pct..4

Role of Coping Skills
Successful weight-loss maintainers are less likely to be emotional eaters using food to regulate their mood.5 They have developed coping skills to deal with stress as well as the skill of flexible restraint,6 which refers to a moderate level of control on eating. The development of coping skills is particularly helpful in dealing with food temptations and preventing the abandonment of weight management efforts.7 Mental simulation, a cognitive skill that involves creating the process for reaching a goal or dealing with a stressful situation, has also been shown to produce positive results.8

Science Library. The Physics of Weight Loss
Prescription Medication and Weight Loss
By The Weight Watchers Research Dept. 4/8/2005

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Including medication as part of a weight-loss program is an accepted medical practice. As with most medical decisions, the assessment to use or avoid weight-loss drugs is best made in consultation with a physician experienced in the treatment of obesity.

Physicians are encouraged to follow professional guidelines when prescribing weight-loss medications. The current guidelines stress that a lifestyle weight-loss program should always be the primary treatment for obesity. Medications, if used, should be a secondary treatment and their use limited to obese individuals or individuals who are overweight and have weight-related health complications.1

How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The prescription weight-loss drugs on the market today work in one of two ways. One group works on brain neurotransmitters chemicals that communicate between nerve cells to reduce appetite. Examples of these drugs include sibutramine brand names Meridia and Reductil and phentermine many brand names including Adipex-P, Ionomin, Obenix, Oby-Trim.

The second type of weight-loss medication works in the intestines to prevent fat calories from entering the body. Orlistat brand name Xenical is the only drug currently available by prescription that works in this way.

New obesity drugs are being developed. The drug rimonabant brand name Accomplia is currently under consideration for approval in several countries. Rimonabant also affects how the brain regulates food intake, but in a different way than sibutramine or phentermine.

Calories Still Count
Taking a prescription weight-loss medication does not guarantee weight loss. Calories still count and the drugs work by helping the person taking them reduce caloric intake by suppressing appetite or preventing fat absorption. Average weight losses for those taking sibutramine or orlistat are 5-10of initial body weight.2 And, as is common with many drugs, there are some people who simply dont respond at all. For example, 25of people taking sibutramine lose 5or less of their body weight.3

Risk of Side Effects
As with all medication, weight-loss drugs have potential side effects. Sibutramines side effects include small increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Orlistat is associated with gastrointestinal disturbances e.g., oily diarrhea.4

While regular medical monitoring is an important part of any obesity treatment program, it is especially important when weight-loss medications are included.

history andamp. philosophy

health notice

The Weight Watchers weight loss plan is developed by respected health professionals. However, Weight Watchers isnt a medical organization and we cant give you medical advice. We strongly urge you to consult with your physician or primary health-care provider before starting any weight loss plan. We also urge you to get periodic medical checkups.

Weight loss can create physical changes that should be medically monitored. Studies have shown, for example, that weight loss can aggravate gall bladder illness. Medical monitoring is especially important for people with a known medical condition. The Plan is healthful, but isnt intended to treat any illness or disease.

In addition.

Weight Watchers requires written medical permission to join their Meetings if you are a child under 17 years of age. In addition, teens and women nursing a child who want to attend Meetings must follow a specific plan and policies to meet their specific requirements.

Weight Watchers prohibits participation in its weight loss plan for children under the age of 10, those individuals with an active medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, those whose weight is less than 5 pounds above the minimum weight of the Weight Watchers Weight Ranges, and during pregnancy.

Weight Watchers also prohibits subscription to our online weight loss products and offerings by those individuals who are breastfeeding and individuals age 18 years and younger.

If you are being treated for an illness, taking prescription medication, or following a therapeutic diet to treat a disease, its especially important to show the Weight Watchers weight loss plan to your physician. Any modifications made to the plan by your physician should be followed.

The Weight Watchers weight loss plan is designed for a safe rate of weight loss - up to two pounds per week after the first three weeks. If you lose at a greater rate, you must review the Plan guidelines and adapt them, if necessary, to avoid rapid weight loss. Not following the Plan as designed may pose the risk of developing health complications associated with rapid weight loss.

Weight Watchers has helped millions of people worldwide lose weight. Now leading cardiologist Dr. James Rippe and global weight-loss authority Weight Watchers have joined forces to debunk the 10 big dieting myths and help you steer clear of the false turns and setbacks that may have kept you from losing weight for the long term.

Weight Loss That Lasts shows how myths such as A few extra pounds dont matter Myth no.2, Calories dont matter avoid fats or carbs to lose weight successfully Myth no.5, and You cant lose weight if you have the wrong metabolism or genetics Myth no.6 can get in the way of long-term weight-loss success. Drawing on the latest scientific research, the authors show that each myth has a kernel of truth but that it isnt the whole truth. In this book, they give you the knowledge and tools you need to see the big picture about weight loss along with commonsense advice and tips about how to make the right weight-loss choices for you.

In the face of common defeatist myths such as You cant lose weight and keep it off Myth no.1, the experiences of successful weight-loss winners throughout the book demonstrate that sustainable weight loss is possible if you follow the path science offers. This myth-busting guide delivers just what you need to get off the dieting roller coaster and achieve your weight-loss goals combining state-of-the-art science, practical advice, inspirational stories, and down-to-earth action steps.

Post-Goal Survival Tips
By Alice Lesch Kelly 10/20/2004

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Taking pounds off is only the first part of the weight-loss journey. Keeping them off is as important, and for some people, can be even more challenging than initial weight loss. While youre losing weight youre very focused theres a specific end goal, says Suzanne Henson, RD, director of the EatRight Weight Management Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. But when it comes to maintaining weight loss, you have to have a different mentality.

While youre losing weight, you have the gratification of watching the numbers on the scale get smaller and of hearing compliments from friends and family. Maintaining weight loss is less glamorous, however, and you have to figure out ways to replace that outward gratification and praise from others with an internal reward system. Instead of being motivated by the numbers on the scale, motivation has to start coming from how you feel stronger, more energetic and less moody.

Sometimes, reaching a goal weight can be scary. Some people are afraid of success, says Dale Reynolds, author of A Slim Book on Weighty Matters Woodland Hills Publishing, 2003. They worry that their lives will change, that they wont be able to maintain their weight loss, or that relationships with friends may change particularly if those friendships revolved around food, she says.

Others, says Henson, think that losing a certain amount of weight is going to solve the problems in their life. But that is just not the case.

So how can you maintain your weight loss Here are some tips.

Be realistic. Losing weight will improve your health and give you more energy, but it wont cure a bad marriage or make a hateful job bearable. If weight loss brings up issues that you arent sure how to handle, talk them over with a trusted friend or seek the help of a mental health professional.

Exercise. Regular exercise is the key to maintaining weight loss. Record how often you walk, run, swim or cycle and refer back to it if the pounds start to creep back on. Youll probably find youre letting workouts slip.

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The use of Glycemic Index, or GI, as a meal planning tool appears to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol levels.1 There is also limited evidence that a high GI diet may be associated with development of obesity and some forms of cancer.2

Effect of a Low GI Diet
Theoretically, using GI as a weight-loss method makes a lot of sense. Several short-term studies indicate that a low GI diet creates a feeling of fullness, delaying the return of hunger following a meal.3 The effect of a low GI diet in reducing the bodys production of insulin is also widely recognized. And a low GI diet may favorably affect the resting metabolic rate, represented by the calories used to keep the bodys systems going, when compared to a low-fat diet.4

Considering the theoretical potential of GI as a weight-loss method and the known health hazards of continued overweight, some experts favor recommending low GI diets for weight loss now.5

Other experts disagree because the majority of studies that have specifically compared a low GI diet and a high GI diet have not shown a better weight loss following the low GI method. In 20 studies, each lasting less than six months, a superior weight loss on a low-GI diet was seen in four and on a high-GI diet in two others. There was no difference in the amount of weight loss in the remaining 14.6

In another study designed to evaluate the impact of encouraging low GI foods as part of the Weight Watchers food plan, no significant difference in weight loss was found, although there were significant differences in the reported feelings of hunger and satiety.7

More Studies Underway
The ideal long-term study to evaluate the effectiveness of GI as a sole weight-loss method has not yet been completed. Several studies are underway and the results will be released over the next few years. As these studies are completed, the understanding of what, if any, role that GI can play in promoting weight loss will be improved.

New Wireless Weight-Loss Tools Fit in the Palm of Your Hand

Only Mobile Weight-loss Application that Syncs with Web Account via Internet

Click here for Weight Watchers On-the-Go digitial image requests.

NEW YORK Dec. 6, 2004 WeightWatchers.com announced today the introduction of the first mobile weight-loss application that syncs with a Web-based account via the Internet. Now, with Weight Watchers On-the-GoTM, WeightWatchers.com subscribers have access to a powerful set of interactive weight-loss tools for their handheld devices to help them stay on track. Weight Watchers On-the-Go synchronizes with subscribers individual WeightWatchers.com accounts via the Internet to keep plan information up-to-date no double entry required.

Weight Watchers On-the-Go is like the Global Positioning System for weight management, said David Kirchhoff, chief executive officer of WeightWatchers.com, Inc. Our customers told us they want tools to help them make wise food and exercise choices whether they are at their desks or on the move. Weight Watchers On-the-Go synchronized with our Internet products allows our customers to stay in touch with their weight-loss plan wherever they are.

Weight Watchers On-the-Go for handheld devices delivers the food lists, tracking and synchronization to help WeightWatchers.com subscribers make smart meal choices anytime, anywhere. It mobilizes essential weight-loss tools to help people on Weight Watchers stay on track, and synchronizes data between the handheld and a Weight Watchers Online or Weight Watchers eTools account.

Weight Watchers On-the-Go clearly illustrates Weight Watchers commitment to delivering innovative ways to help the diverse population of overweight and obese fit weight-loss control into their lives, Kirchhoff added.

Weight Watchers On-the-Go Powers Up With New TurnAroundTM

Weight Watchers On-the-Go delivers the tools to help follow TurnAround. With Weight Watchers TurnAround, there are two ways to take control. Eat all the foods you love on the flexible POINTS plan, or focus on a list of wholesome foods from all of the food groups with the new No Counting plan.

Weight Watchers On-the-Go Serves Up Key Weight-Loss Tools

Following Weight Watchers TurnAround via the Internet is possible by subscribing to Weight Watchers Online or to Weight Watchers eTools. With Weight Watchers Online, you can choose the flexible POINTS plan or new No Counting plan, and have the interactive resources you need to follow Weight Watchers delivered to you step-by-step online. Weight Watchers Online gives you access to the details of both plans, plus tips and strategies to help you stay on track.

If you currently attend Weight Watchers meetings, Weight Watchers eTools, the Internet weight-loss companion for Weight Watchers meetings, helps make it more fun and easy to follow the Weight Watchers plan. Weight Watchers eTools also offers access to tools that support both plans.

Both Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools subscribers can enjoy the benefits of Weight Watchers On-the-Go for handheld devices.

1.

SEARCH and BROWSE food lists for both the food plans to make smart food choices. Thats more than 25,000 food items, including restaurants and brand name groceries.

2.

TRACK POINTS values to stay within your daily POINTS Target and weekly POINTS Allowance on the flexible POINTS plan. On the No Counting plan, manage eating foods that are not on the No Counting food list.

3.

CALCULATE POINTS values for foods.

4.

SYNC with your Weight Watchers Online or Weight Watchers eTools account to seamlessly exchange information between your handheld and your Web account, eliminating the need for double entry.

Weight Watchers On-the-Go software is compatible with most Palm OS-based handheld personal devices purchased in the last few years version 3.5 or newer from manufacturers such as Handspring, Palm and Sony. It requires 5 MB or more of free memory and a Windows-based computer.

WeightWatchers.com
WeightWatchers.com offers two personalized Web-based subscription products in which you can follow Weight Watchers TurnAround and choose the approach that fits you best. the Flex Plan or the Core Plan. Weight Watchers Online delivers the information and resources you need to follow either plan step-by-step online, and Weight Watchers eTools is the Internet companion for Weight Watchers meetings.

WeightWatchers.com subscribers opting to follow the Core Plan will have access to key resources, such as the Core Food List, Core Meal Ideas and the Core Plan Restaurant Guide. These resources join a familiar suite of weight-loss tools associated with both Plans, including the Weight Tracker and Progress Charts, Recipe Builder for storing homegrown recipes, and hundreds of original WeightWatchers.com recipes. The site will continue to offer many free weight-loss resources, such as message boards, better living articles, and interactive assessments of healthy weight range and target Body Mass Index, as well as a Meeting Finder to help locate a Weight Watchers meeting close to home or while traveling.

WeightWatchers.com, Inc.
Founded in 1999, WeightWatchers.com, Inc. operates the Webs most successful weight-loss site. As the exclusive online licensee of Weight Watchers International, Inc., the company expands to the online arena the 40-year track record of helping people lose weight built by Weight Watchers. Based in New York City, WeightWatchers.com, Inc. currently operates 18 sites in 15 countries.

Mood and Weightandnbsp. 4/8/2005
The relationship between mood and weight is affected by a variety of components that include food choices, hormones and coping skills.

Are You Ready Behavior Change and Weight Managementandnbsp. 1/3/2005
Applying the Stages of Change model to weight loss is a challenge because of the multiple behaviors involved.

Are You Ready Introduction to Behavior Changeandnbsp. 1/2/2005
Understanding how people make behavioral changes is key to helping modify their lifestyle in positive ways.

Mind Skills for Lasting Weight Lossandnbsp. 1/1/2005
The development of behavioral and cognitive skills learned during weight loss is critical to successful maintenance.

about us
history andamp. philosophy

consumer bill of rights

Be sure that your decision to use Weight Watchers products, services and offerings is an informed one by reading this Consumer Bill of Rights*.

1.andnbsp.andnbsp. WARNING. Rapid weight loss may cause serious health problems.andnbsp.andnbsp.
andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp. Rapid weight loss isandnbsp. weight loss of more than 1 1/2 pounds to 2
andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp. pounds per week, orandnbsp.weight loss of more than 1of body weight
andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp. per week after the second week of participation in any weight loss
andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp. plan.
2.andnbsp.andnbsp. Only permanent lifestyle changes - such as making healthful foodandnbsp.
andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.choices and increasing physical activity - promote long-term weight
andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp.andnbsp. loss.
3.andnbsp.andnbsp. Consult your personal physician before starting any weight loss plan. 4.andnbsp.andnbsp. Qualifications of this providers staff are available upon request.
5.andnbsp.andnbsp. You have a right to.

ask questions about the potential health risks of this weight loss plan, its nutritional content, and its psychological support and educational components.

know the of treatment, including the of any extra products, services, supplements and laboratory tests if applicable.

know the plan duration that is being recommended for you.

Research shows that weight loss can provide health benefits not only for the individual shedding excess pounds but also for the family.

The Predictors of Successful Weight Lossandnbsp. 1/3/2005
Predictors have been summarized for both initial weight loss and sustained weight loss.

The Skill of Flexible Restraintandnbsp. 1/2/2005
Key to successful weight loss is an eating plan that provides structure without overly tight restrictions.

Social Support and Lasting Weight Lossandnbsp. 1/1/2005
The help and encouragement of other people is linked to lasting weight loss.

As the seasons change, the sweaters move back into storage and out come the tank tops, the shorts and ugh, even the bathing suits. The very thought of squeezing yourself into one of those stretchy, skimpy things now is simply horrifying. But maybe a little self-image horror is just the catalyst you need to jumpstart your weight loss

Nope. A study conducted at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that people who started a weight-loss plan feeling happiest with their bodies were more than twice as likely to lose weight as those least satisfied with their bodies.