FAQ’s
Can anybody join Weight Watchers?
Men, women and children are eligible to join, subject to the following:
- Children under ten years of age cannot join under any circumstances and those aged 10-16 will require both an explicit physician’s note with an individualized weight goal or range and a parent’s/guardian’s signature in order to be considered.
- Any person diagnosed with an active eating disorder may not join Weight Watchers.
- Any person who weighs within five pounds of the bottom of the weight goal range (BMI 20-25) for his or her height is not eligible for membership.
- Pregnant women are excluded from active membership in Weight Watchers for the duration of their pregnancy.
What are the qualifications of the Weight Watchers staff?
Each meeting room is staffed entirely by Weight Watchers Lifetime Members, who have all lost weight by following the Weight Watchers program and they continue to follow the Maintenance phase of the program to sustain their loss. Staff members have received special training to ensure that they can effectively deliver the Weight Watchers program to help members reach and sustain their weight-related goals. In addition to basic training, staff members are required to attend further training programs to keep their skills sharpened and to ensure they are fully up-to-date with the latest program information.
What happens at a Weight Watchers meeting?
Your first step at each Weight Watchers meeting is to weigh-in with one of our service providers. Your weigh-in is private and your weight is recorded in your personal Membership Book. After weigh-in, members like to chat together in the meeting room while waiting for the weekly meeting to begin. The meeting is generally 30-45 minutes long. After the meeting, members are invited to stay for a PowerStart Session. This is a special mini-meeting where new members learn the program basics to ensure that they have a good foundation on which to build their weight loss efforts. Current members are also welcome to stay for the session, to strengthen their knowledge and confidence.
Is it necessary to stay for the meeting?
It is not required, but it is highly recommended to help to ensure your weight management success. Each meeting is a weight management workshop where members learn how to put together their personal weight control puzzles. Meetings are lively interactive discussions on a variety of weight management topics, such as nutrition, fitness, lifestyle and challenges experienced while losing weight. The Leader shares information and keeps the group on task to ensure that the meeting provides accurate information and motivation each week.
Is weekly meeting attendance required?
Weekly meeting attendance is required because it is an important component in your weight management success. If you miss a weekly meeting, you will be required to pay for the current week’s meeting as well as the missed week at your next attendance.
Do I need an appointment to join Weight Watchers?
No. Simply choose a meeting day and time that is convenient to your schedule. Doors open at the meeting times listed for weigh-in and registration of all members. Meeting topics are presented approximately 30 minutes later. Following the 30 minute weekly meeting topic, a PowerStart Session is offered.
So how will I lose weight if I can eat anything I want?
Weight-loss success depends on finding a lifestyle that fits who you are. Focusing on portions is important…you will need to burn more calories than what you take in.
How will I burn more calories? Does Weight Watchers have an activity plan?
Start by focusing on the food plan and then we can talk about activity. We will suggest spending less time sitting and more time moving! Take the stairs instead of the elevator; park at the far end of a parking lot; get up and turn the channel on the TV.
Will I have to exercise?
Activity is very important in helping to lose weight and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Activity is an important component, but it can take any form that suits your lifestyle – walking, cycling, gardening, etc. It is important to do exercise or activity that you like and that fits within your lifestyle.
How will I learn to change my lifestyle?
Making lifestyle changes is the key to sustaining weight loss. We give you the tools to facilitate positive change – ones that support you in your weight loss journey.
How does it work?
Weight Watchers weekly meetings and the weigh-in allows you to monitor your progress. The weigh-in is confidential and done by professional staff. The weekly weigh in ensures accountability and reinforces your commitment. Your weekly meeting is the heart and soul of Weight Watchers.
Who will tell me what I should weigh?
You and your leader will decide on a healthy weight goal. Once you reach your weight goal, we will teach you how to maintain it.
