WeightWatchers 2003 Annual Report Download - page 9

In our classes, our leaders present our program, which combines group support and education with
a structured approach to food, activity and lifestyle modification developed by credentialed weight-loss
experts. Our 15,800 classroom leaders run our meetings and educate members on the Weight Watchers
method of successful and sustained weight loss. Our leaders also provide inspiration and motivation for
our members and are examples of our program’s effectiveness because they have lost weight and
maintained their weight loss on our program.
Classes typically begin with registration and a confidential weigh-in to track each member’s
progress. Leaders are trained to engage the members at the weigh-in to talk about their weight control
efforts during the previous week and to provide encouragement and advice. Part of the class is
educational, where the leader uses personal anecdotes, games or open questions to demonstrate some
of our core weight-loss strategies, such as self-belief and discipline. For the remainder of the class, the
leader focuses on a variety of topics pre-selected by us, such as seasonal weight-loss topics,
achievements people have made in the prior week and celebrating and applauding successes. Members
who have reached their weight goal are singled out for their accomplishment. Discussions can range
from dealing with a holiday office party to making time to exercise. The leader encourages substantial
class participation and discusses supporting products and materials as appropriate. At the end of the
class, new members are given special instruction in our current weight loss plan.
Our leaders help set a member’s weight goal within a healthy range based on body mass index.
When members reach their weight goal and maintain it for six weeks, they achieve lifetime member
status. This gives them the privilege to attend our meetings free of charge as long as they maintain
their weight within a certain range. Successful members also become eligible to apply for positions as
classroom leaders. Field management and current leaders constantly identify new leaders from
members with strong interpersonal skills, personality and communication skills. Leaders are usually paid
on a commission basis.
As part of our Corporate Solutions program, we address the weight-loss needs of working people by
holding classes at their place of employment. In many cases, employers subsidize employee
participation and typically provide meeting space without charge.
Our Approach
Our approach has always been based on four core elements:
• Group support
• Behavior modification
• Healthful eating
• Exercise
Group Support
The group support system remains the cornerstone of our classes. Members provide each other
support by sharing their experiences, their encouragement and empathy with other people enduring
similar weight-loss challenges. This group support provides the reassurance that no one must overcome
their weight-loss challenges alone. Group support assists members in dealing with issues such as
emotional-eating and finding time to exercise. We facilitate this support through interactive meetings
that encourage learning through group activities and discussions.
Behavior Modification
Behavior modification and education on eating and exercise habits have also always been key
elements of our program. We use motivation, education and support to help members manage their
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