[141], As of July 2018, Weight Watchers was the most widely used commercial diet in the world,[140][14] In addition to the U.S., as of 2018 it had operations in countries including Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Barnett, Suzanne; Barnett, Jennifer; West, Bev; Lesman, Jennifer Barnett; Barnett, Amy. You can call Weight Watchers at toll free number, write an email, fill out a contact form on their website www.weightwatchers.com, or write a letter to WW International, Inc, 675 Sixth Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York, 10010, United States. Tap, track, and succeed, in one simple-to-use, award-winning app. [95], Grossman is also President, and is on the board of directors. weightwatchers.com/be/nl, WW International, Inc., formerly Weight Watchers International, Inc., is a global company headquartered in the U.S. that offers various products and services, including weight loss and maintenance, fitness, and mindset such as the Weight Watchers comprehensive diet program. To cancel your Weight Watchers eSource or Weight Watchers Online account. See the full list at Craft. Still have a question? [2], Founder Jean Nidetch was the company's public face and spokesperson from its launch in 1963 through 1983. 9, 2013) Report Online "Contact Us" Doesn't Work. More fruits and vegetables. In December 2017, Weight Watchers introduced WW Freestyle (called WW Flex outside the U.S.), This page was last edited on 20 November 2020, at 22:18. [29], With Nidetch as president and evangelist, Nidetch and the Lipperts launched Weight Watchers Inc. in Queens in 1963, renting public meeting venues and initially charging participants $2 (the price of a movie at the time) per weekly meeting;[30][31][29] the first official meeting, in May 1963, attracted 400 attendees. Canton, MA 02021 [54] As of 2018, Artal remains the company's largest shareholder. In the weight loss study, which was funded by Weight Watchers International but run as an investigator-led trial with all data collection and analysis … [26][35][182], Some therapists have said that focusing on counting calories or points, as promoted by WW, can lead to a disordered relationship with food and hunger. In September 2014, Weight Watchers began syncing its apps with wearable fitness monitors such as. [3], For Weight Watchers customers who choose to attend meetings, in addition to supplying information and lifestyle tips, meetings operate as support groups that provide empathy, rapport, and mutual understanding, as well as positive reinforcement. The company operates in 30 countries through a network of company-owned and franchise operations. weightwatchers.com/nl [9][10][11][12][13] The plan included the dictums "No skipping meals. VP of Investor Relations [citation needed], WW's app was configured to help people track health-related goals. ", "Is Weight Watchers Connect the Only Good Social Network? U.S. News & World Report ranked WW the #1 Best Diet for Weight Loss and #1 Best Commercial Diet Plan for 10 years in a … [127][126] Particularly in the 21st century, the company has increasingly marketed itself as a health and wellness brand rather than a weight-loss brand,[129][130][116] and its dietary plans emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and foods high in whole grains and low in trans fats. With Weight Watchers, you’ll get a proven approach to weight loss that includes tools, strategies and the SmartPoints® program – to help you lose weight and keep it off. [54] Debbane became chairman of Weight Watchers. Plus, the new myWW+ has even more of what you need to lose weight. (You can also set email reminders using “Email options” in your Profile.) It has been criticized by some experts on nutrition and eating disorders for encouraging dieting in children as young as 8. Locate the Weight Watchers Mobile icon and hold it down with your finger. Let our new, in-depth personal assessment get to know you first—from there, we’ll scientifically match you with a personalized weight-loss plan. [35][37] The Heinz parent company competed by introducing newly developed Weight Watchers "Smart Ones" frozen meals. ", "The pros and cons of Weight Watchers, according to medical professionals", "Weight Watchers International, Inc. Corporate Backgrounder", "A New Breed of Dieter Watches Weight at the Workplace", "Why I Think The Old Weight Watchers Exchange Program 1980s/1990 (Quick Success) Was Better Than Points", "Looking for the Old Weight Watchers Exchange Plan? In 2000 the company rolled out Winning Points, a more personalized version of the POINTS system, which encompassed self-observation, behavior modification, and fitness and activity, and which did not have any food exclusions. Weight Watchers Changes Name to 'WW, "Jean Nidetch, a Founder of Weight Watchers, Dies at 91", "Investing in obesity battle, Humana may give Weight Watchers new life", "Little Neck neighbors saw beginnings of diet empire", "Weight Watchers Winning $61 Billion War On Fat", "Weight Watchers’ humble origins began in Deepdale", "At 87, Weight Watchers founder keeps pounds off", "Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch dies at age 91", "Jean Nidetch: As we mourn death of Weight Watchers founder, have we learned lessons on keeping weight down? We’ve got weight loss down to a science. Its brand identity has been framed around Weight Watchers being a community,[127][128][129] and its website is intrinsic to its effectiveness. [123][4] Its FitPoints system has been marketed as allowing individuals to choose activities which have the biggest impact on their health. [61][62][38], In late 2010 Weight Watchers overhauled its POINTS system and replaced it with PointsPlus (ProPoints outside the U.S.);[63][64][65] under the new system, fruits and non-starchy vegetables were zero points, and processed foods had higher points than they did before. [43][42], Nidetch, with her slim well-dressed image, charisma, and flair for motivational speaking, remained the public face of the company. When a minus sign appears in the corner of the icon, tap it … [196][37] Since 1999, the CEOs of Weight Watchers have been: Linda Huett 2000–2006;[198][199] David Kirchhoff 2007–2013;[200] Jim Chambers 2013–2016;[201][202] and Mindy Grossman 2017–present. [46] In 1973 she resigned as president of the company to devote herself to public relations – traveling, being interviewed, and speaking to large audiences about the program's success. ComplaintsBoard.com is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Weight Watchers International Customer Service. [121][118][117] The company has partnered with the meditation app Headspace to offer customized mindfulness content for members. [29][37][27] By 1967, the company was international, with 102 franchises in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, and Israel. In 1984 the company added Quick Start, which was a more spartan, temporary eating plan designed to produce faster, motivation-boosting weight loss in the first few weeks of the program. [15] It prohibited alcohol, sweets, and fatty foods,[6] included a list of allowed foods and the quantities allowed,[16] and encouraged weighing portions. [26][17][9][15][22][6] The meetings also included a weekly weigh-in,[27] and Nidetch developed a rewards system including prizes for weight-loss milestones. You’ll get an automated receipt when your email has been received. [132][133] As of 2019, the program offered weight-loss support via the app and website, in-person workshops and personal coaching. [3], On September 24, 2018, the company announced an immediate rebrand to "WW" to reflect "its development from focusing on weight loss to overall health and wellness. [190] Christy Harrison, a registered dietician, wrote in the New York Times, "programs like this are fertile ground for disordered eating" and that efforts to lose weight "are especially troubling when imposed on children who aren't in a position to make their own choices and who haven't had the opportunity to develop a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies." [39][40], By 1968 the company had 91 franchises in 43 states,[41] and to expand further overseas Al Lippert took the company public as Weight Watchers International Inc.; the initial 225,000 shares, offered at $11.25 a share, began trading enthusiastically, rising to over $30 by the end of the first day. [81][82][83][84][85][86] The late-2015 Oprah effect[87] did not prevent a subsequent downward trend in 2016, largely attributed to challenges from Nutrisystem and the proliferation of free apps and websites aimed at helping people manage their weight,[88][89][90] but linked also by some, to a faulty initial tech rollout of the new program's app. Fish five times a week. Weight Watchers welcomes your feedback to improve accessibility for customers with disabilities. [105][106][107][108][109][110], In September 2018, the company re-branded itself WW International, Inc., as it shifted its focus more broadly to overall health and wellness, including fitness. [37], In 2001, the company launched WeightWatchers.com. Can I change the meetings I usually attend? [7][8] The program was called the "Prudent Diet" and had been developed in the 1950s by Dr. Norman Jolliffe, head of the board's Bureau of Nutrition. Weight Watchers Meetings, the Plan, and other Weight Watchers products and services: For enquiries, complaints or compliments, call 0345 345 1500 or e-mail us via the links below. [195], Weight Watchers' founder Jean Nidetch was the company's President from 1963–1973. [6] She introduced the "Prudent Diet", a single page from the New York City Board of Health,[24] to her fellow weight-loss seekers,[25][9] and the group provided empathy, rapport, mutual understanding, support, and sharing of stories and ideas. Weight Watchers International, Inc.founded: 1963Contact Information:headquarters: 175 crossways park westwoodbury, ny 11797-2055 phone: (516)390-1400 fax: ((516)390-1334 toll free: (800)651-6000 url: https://www.weightwatchers.com Source for information on Weight Watchers International, Inc.: Company Profiles for Students dictionary. I would like to receive the WW newsletter and be informed about offers and events via e-mail. [32][33] Nidetch led groups and trained others to lead groups as well. Cancelling your Weight Watchers … Get reviews, hours, directions, coupons and more for Weight Watchers at 300 Jericho Quadrangle Ste 350, Jericho, NY 11753. [3] Founded in 1963 by Queens, New York City homemaker Jean Nidetch, WW's program has three options as of 2019: online via its mobile app and website, coaching online or by phone, or in-person meetings. [3], Weight Watchers' primary sources of income are subscriptions to the program. Weight Watchers International has 17,000 employees at their 1 location and $1.41 B in annual revenue in FY 2019. [95] Since 1999 the Chairman of the company has been Raymond Debbane, co-founder and CEO of The Invus Group. [2][118], The company provides a weight-management program (WW Freestyle) and a food plan (SmartPoints); customers can participate in the program via in-person group meetings and/or digitally, and are provided with individualized information, support, and coaching. Call us on 0345 345 1500 or email us on help.uk@ww.com. [116][117][115][118][119] The company also announced Connect, a digital community, which would include micro-community Groups. In December 2014, Weight Watchers launched two new services: Personal Coaching and 24/7 Expert Chat. food categories,[53][35][2] sold the company to the private equity firm Artal Luxembourg, for $735 million in a leveraged buyout led by the Invus Group, which manages Artal and which is run by Raymond Debbane. Do I have to attend meetings every week? ", "After 45 years, Weight Watchers remains popular with participants", "Momentum Plan - Simply Filling Technique", "Weight Watchers 360: Mobile Apps Can Break Hard Habits With Easy-to-Follow Steps", "Weight Watchers CEO: 'Willpower Is Completely Overrated'", "Weight Watchers integrates Jawbone, Fitbit data into app", "Weight Watchers now plays nice with Fitbit and Jawbone", "Weight Watchers teams up with Fitbit for ProPoints boost", "Weight Watchers rolls out new online services, coaching for the holiday season", "Weight Watchers gets personal with new coaching program", "Holistic or horrifying? Where can I find Weight Watchers meetings designed for men? [2][134], The original Weight Watchers dietary plan in the 1960s was roughly based on the "Prudent Diet", developed by Dr. Norman Jolliffe at the New York City Board of Health. [101][102][103] Subscriptions to Weight Watchers rebounded significantly by mid 2018,[104] credited to Winfrey's influence and to Grossman's tri-fold efforts of revamping the program, improving tech offerings, and giving the company a more broad-based appeal. [37][38] By January 1968 the company had more than one million members worldwide, and Weight Watchers Magazine was launched, publishing 300,000 copies of its first issue. Don't Give Your Child This App", "Weight Watchers meals processed with over 50 ingredients", "How Weight Watchers and Ford Are 'Redesigning' Their Businesses", "Weight Watchers CEO: Define Your Purpose and Act on It", "Weight Watchers rebrands as WW, eliminates artificial ingredients in focus on wellness", "A New Weight Watchers App for Kids Raises Concerns", "Mobile Apps for Weight Management: A Scoping Review", "People are protesting the Weight Watchers 'healthy eating' app for kids, citing toxic diet culture and experiences with disordered eating", "New Weight Watchers diet app puts kids at risk for eating disorders and body shaming", "Form 10-K: Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002", "RC2 Announces Appointment of Linda A. Huett and Peter J. Henseler to its Board of Directors", "Weight Watchers Names James Chambers President and CEO", "Weight Watchers CEO Resigns As Oprah Winfrey's $1 Billion Golden Touch Is Gone", "Vanessa Redgrave 'Grieving and Glorying' After Sister Lynn Redgrave's Death", "A former TV star is reborn as an all-too-human spokeswoman for a Weight Watchers' campaign", "The Oprah Effect: Weight Watchers Ambassadors Over The Years", "Jennifer Hudson Parts Ways With Weight Watchers After 80-Pound Weight Loss", "Twitter Posts Lead Weight Watchers Online to a New Spokeswoman", "Oprah Winfrey stars in first Weight Watchers commercial, says there’s no time like present to lose weight", "Just in Time for the New Year, Here Is Oprah's First Weight Watchers Ad", "Weight Watchers Teamed Up With DJ Khaled and Its Stock Immediately Skyrocketed", "Kate Hudson explains why she joined Weight Watchers", "Kevin Smith, down 32 pounds, becomes a Weight Watchers ambassador", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WW_International&oldid=989765590, Pages with login required references or sources, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2017, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2020, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. underweight, overweight or within a healthy weight range). (212) 601-7569 [34], Al Lippert, in charge of the business end of the company, franchised it in 1964, using a razor/razorblade model of an inexpensive franchise fee offered to graduates from the company's programs who had kept the weight off,[35][36] with 10% of gross earnings as royalties to the parent company. [111] The company stopped requiring users to have a weight loss goal in order to join[112][113] and renamed its in-person meetings to Wellness Workshops. [42][27][37] Lippert also initiated lines of Weight Watchers prepared food, spas, camps for overweight kids, and weight-loss products such as scales and travel kits. For the diet, see, Private-equity acquisition and second IPO. [6][20][11][21] She therefore began a weekly support group in her apartment, initially inviting six overweight friends,[22][6][23] which within two months grew to 40 women each week. [203] Subsequent spokespersons have included: Lynn Redgrave (1983–1992),[204][205] Kathleen Sullivan (1994–1995),[52][206][207] Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York (1997–2007),[75][208][209] Greg Grunberg (2007),[210] Tamela Mann (2008–present) Jenny McCarthy (2009),[211] Jennifer Hudson (2010–2014),[75][212][213] Charles Barkley (2011–2014),[214][215] Jessica Simpson (2012–2014),[216][215] Ana Gasteyer (2013),[217] Oprah Winfrey (2015–present),[218][219] DJ Khaled (2018–present),[220] Kate Hudson (2018–present)[221] and Kevin Smith (2018–present). [28] In October 1962 Nidetch achieved her target weight of 142 pounds, and maintained the weight loss; according to her she never exceeded 150 pounds thereafter. ", "In pursuit of health and wellness – Fitbit, Weight Watchers digitally disrupt their business models", "Weight Watchers is shifting from weight loss to wellness as ‘healthy is the new skinny’", "A Dietary Quality Comparison of Popular Weight-Loss Plans", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, "Weighing in on the digital/offline balance at Weight Watchers", "Oprah grabs a slice of Weight Watchers, but the diet giant might still be doomed", "Company Overview of Weight Watchers International, Inc.", "Fight flab with a diet that counts calories", "What Was The Old Weight Watchers Plan Like In The 1960s? [3][2], It also receives income from Weight Watchers–branded services and products, which include publications such as Weight Watchers magazines, Weight Watchers cookbooks, and food guides and restaurant guides with points values. Contact Weight Watchers customer service. [51][52], In 1999, Heinz, while retaining the rights to the Weight Watchers name for use in certain [140] It recommended weighing food portions, and prohibited skipping meals or counting calories. [46] In 2007, it launched Weight Watchers Online for Men. In December 2015 the company rolled out a new holistic lifestyle and fitness program called "Beyond the Scale". The links in the top of the reports in the Plan Manager will let you: Set an email reminder to review the reports. Weight Watchers International provides weight management services worldwide. In 1979 Weight Watchers introduced PepStep (or Personal Exercise Plan), a walking or stair-climbing exercise program to benefit members' weight loss, developed by a doctor specializing in exercise and cardiac rehabilitation. [4] The updated WW app is also integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Emailing or Calling to Cancel Go to the email cancellation form. ", "Read This Before You Join Weight Watchers", "Americans’ new way of losing weight has left Weight Watchers behind", "How apps and wearables upended Weight Watchers", "Shares of Weight Watchers Jump as Oprah Winfrey Takes a Stake", "Weight watching? WW (formerly Weight Watchers) | 54,693 followers on LinkedIn. We inspire healthy habits for real life. How much time should I plan on spending at a Weight Watchers meeting? With WW (Weight Watchers® Reimagined), all you need to do is be you! [191] An uncontrolled three-month study of the app used by children between 8 and 17 said that it was "highly effective" based on an average reduction in zBMI of 0.26,[192] and a survey of weight management apps published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth noted that of their list, only Kurbo involved health care professionals in its development. Two pieces of bread and two glasses of skim milk a day. See insights on Weight Watchers International including office locations, competitors, revenue, financials, executives, subsidiaries and more at Craft. WW Launches New myWW+™ with Major Enhancements to its Award-Winning App Designed to Help Make Losing Weight Easier NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, WW International, Inc. (NASDAQ: WW), has introduced myWW+ which offers a more holistic approach to weight … It introduced three routines: a "full choice" plan with the most options; a "limited choice" plan with fewer options and less leeway; and a "no choice" plan with no substitutions and no options, which was the most calorie-restrictive and was to be followed for no more than two weeks. ", "WeightWatchers Points Plan Stretching To Help Splurgers", "Weight Watchers Upends Its Points System", "Weight Watchers Revamps Its Magic Formula", "Weight Watchers new Points Plus weight loss system has dieters losing their minds", "Weight Watchers Finally Accepts Where Calories Come From Matters Too", "Weight Watchers allows 'free' fruit, but reservations persist", "4 New Apps You Need To Achieve Real Weight Loss", "Internet killed the dieting star: Why Weight Watchers is floundering. Charles M. Berger was CEO of Weight Watchers from 1982–1994,[196][197] having previously been its President. [35][37] In 1997, to replace its previous system of counting and weighing food, Weight Watchers introduced the POINTS system, an algorithmic formula which quantifies a food portion for the purposes of healthy weight loss based on carbohydrates, fat, and fiber content. www.computershare.com, Corey Kinger [37][6][47], In the mid 1970s the company moved away from simply dieting and more toward "eating management", developing tailored options to meet the varying needs of its members, including a specialized food plan for the management of weight-loss plateaus, and a maintenance plan. WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CALIFORNIA FOREIGN CORPORATION: WRITE REVIEW: Address: 999 Stewart Ave. Ste 215 Bethpage, NY 11714: Registered Agent: [131][3] Also in the 21st century, the company has increasingly tried to effectively and competitively balance its digital and offline offerings. rights reserved. [27] One group was at the home of Al and Felice Lippert, and after the Lipperts successfully lost weight, Al, who was a businessman in the garment industry, talked Nidetch into making a business out of her endeavor. 250 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021 (781) 575-2879 web.queries@computershare.com www.computershare.com [17], Although Nidetch lost 20 pounds on the ten-week program,[7] the way the clinic's leader imparted information at the weekly meetings was not to her liking, and discussion was discouraged;[18][19][15] in addition, Nidetch's motivation was threatened by her urge to binge on Mallomar cookies. Do I have to talk in the Weight Watchers meeting? WW International, Inc., formerly Weight Watchers International, Inc., is a global company headquartered in the U.S. that offers various products and services, including weight loss and maintenance, fitness, and mindset such as the Weight Watchers comprehensive diet program. For information on topics such as The Weight Watchers weight-loss Program, At Home, Meetings, Weight Watchers Magazine, Corporate Solutions or Weight Watchers Food Products. [114][115], As part of the rebrand, WW introduced a new program, WellnessWins, that rewarded members for behaviors that encourage healthier habits, which were redeemable for products, services, and experiences. Here's how Oprah can help", "3 Diets That Aren't What You Think They Are", "Weight Watchers, Oprah Winfrey Launch 'Beyond the Scale' Campaign", "Oprah, Weight Watchers go 'Beyond the Scale'", "Weight Watchers’ Plan: Don’t Call It a ‘Diet’", "Every Change Weight Watchers Just Made: Explained", "Weight Watchers' reinvented program Beyond the Scale includes FitBreak app", "Weight Watchers sees the 'Oprah effect' – but it may not last", "Weight Watchers CEO calling it quits after tumultuous year", "Weight Watchers has massive problems that even Oprah can't fix", "These before-and-after photos show why the future of Weight Watchers is uncertain", "Customer says Weight Watchers app is a huge mess", "Why the Weight Watchers stumble is about tech, not just Oprah", "People Are Mad Because Weight Watchers' App Has Glitches", "Weight Watchers Taps HSN's Mindy Grossman As CEO", "What Oprah says about hiring HSN CEO Mindy Grossman to lead Weight Watchers", "Weight Watchers New Freestyle Program 2018", "Weight Watchers Introduces New WW Freestyle: Better Results And More Flexibility Than Any WW Program", "Weight Watchers' new program has 200 'zero-point' foods you can eat as much as you want — including eggs", "Weight Watchers Jumps as New Freestyle Program Fuels Growth", "'The World Doesn’t Need Another Diet': Weight Watchers Is Moving Beyond Just Counting Points", "Weight Watchers Looking to Expand Beyond Dieting", "Weight Watchers (WTW) Announces Strategic Vision to Make Wellness Accessible to All", "Weight Watchers renewed interest has moved beyond the Oprah effect", "Weight Watchers shares pumped by upbeat results", "Weight Watchers Jumps After Reporting More Subscribers Than Ever", "How Weight Watchers CEO Mindy Grossman Is Democratizing Wellness", "How the Oprah effect helped Weight Watchers regain Americans' trust", "Grossman Is Engineering a Real Weight Watchers Stock Turnaround", "Weight Watchers Changes Name as It Shifts Mission", "Weight Watchers Sheds Its Name, Looks to Keep Oprah Momentum Moving Forward", "Weight Watchers Rebrands As WW In Bid To Distance Itself From Dieting", "As 'dieting' becomes more taboo, Weight Watchers is changing its name", "Here’s why Weight Watchers changed its name", "Weight Watchers to change its name, offer new programs", "Weight Watchers Changes Name to 'WW' in Big Bet on Wellness", "Weight Watchers plans tech rebrand to take on wellness industry", "Weight Watchers Is Pivoting to Wellness", "Weight Watchers renames itself to 'WW' as consumers want to be well, not to diet", "The New Weight Watchers Doesn't Want To Talk About Weight -- WW Is All About Wellness", "Weight Watchers Has a New Name, Will Focus on 'Wellness'", "First Oprah, now a scientific study: Weight Watchers offers wary investors another story", "WTW Stock: Don’t Bet On Weight Watchers International, Inc.", "Nutrigenomics-based personalised nutritional advice: in search of a business model?