Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Approach/Method: Hypocaloric diet, exercise, and
lifestyle modification. Diets range from 1225 to 1745
calories/day and are individualized for the clients energy
needs for weight loss. Commercially sold Weight Watchers
foods can be purchased but are optional for program
participation.
Clients: Mostly female (95%) ages 10 years and
older.
Staff: The program was developed by registered
dietitians, exercise
physiologists, and clinical psychologists. Leaders (who are
lifetime
members) deliver the program. Initial training requires 46
hours of
classroom instruction.
Expected Weight Loss/Length of Program: The length
of the program is determined by the individual client. You
enter the maintenance program when your personal goal is
achieved; maintenance must begin if BMI reaches 20.
Expected weight loss is up to two pounds per week.
Cost: For weight loss, there is a one-time
registration fee of $16 to $20 and a weekly fee of $10 to
$14. For maintenance, the weekly fee is $10 to $14 for
approximately six weeks until "lifetime member"
status is reached. There is no fee for lifetime members.
Healthy Lifestyle Component: Group counseling
sessions (individual
counseling in limited areas). Information on both aerobic
and resistance training exercise is provided, and you are
encouraged to aid in weight loss and maintenance. Lifestyle
modification is a component of the overall program
structure.
Comments: Vitamin-mineral supplements are
available.
Availability: 600,000 clients are served in North
America weekly.
There are 19,000 weekly meetings.
Headquarters: 175 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY.
11797-2055.
1-800-651-6000.
Information supplied by Weight Watchers International,
Inc.
