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Winners of the 2006 WEIGHT WATCHERS(R) INSPIRING STORIES OF THE YEAR CONTEST & Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Motivate Houstonians With Moving Accounts of Their Weight-Loss Transformations

Posted on: Thursday, 14 September 2006, 09:00 CDT

HOUSTON, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Weight Watchers(R) will recognize the eight regional finalists of the 2006 WEIGHT WATCHERS INSPIRING STORIES OF THE YEAR CONTEST and honor some of the unique weight-loss success stories among its members and subscribers. The finalists are selected from thousands of entrants across the country by a team of judges based on a variety of factors, ranging from amount of weight lost to the inspirational nature of their personal transformation. The regional grand prize winner will be announced by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York during a luncheon held at Houston landmark Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on September 14. Local inspiring guests Sylvia Brooks, president of the Houston Area Urban League, and Debbie Clemens, wife of Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens and co-founder of The Roger Clemens Foundation, will also be on hand to share personal remarks.

"From my own experience, I know that weight loss is challenging," says Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. "I applaud everyone who shared their stories and I'm proud to help recognize such extraordinary people with different backgrounds and weight-loss goals to encourage others in their journey toward a healthier lifestyle."

Since 1997, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has been a media spokesperson for Weight Watchers, inspiring people to take control of their weight. Today, a fit and trim Duchess of York, a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member herself, credits her relationship with Weight Watchers as one that changed her life.

"Being a member of Weight Watchers is about much more than just losing weight," states Kathy Schachtner, one of the eight finalists being honored and a local Houston resident. "I've dropped pounds but what I've gained in better health and energy has changed my life dramatically. I have more confidence in myself and want to start telling people my story. My everyday life has improved drastically. My outlook on life, however, is even far more positive -- I love who I am now!"

"At Weight Watchers, we celebrate the success of each of our members and subscribers," says Linda Huett, CEO and President, Weight Watchers International. "This annual contest allows us to honor those members and subscribers who want to share their personal stories with others."

In order to motivate others to live a healthy lifestyle, Weight Watchers annual "Inspiring Stories of the Year" contest encourages members and subscribers to celebrate their achievements and share their personal success stories. Entrants were asked to capture their weight-loss journey in fewer than 150 words, describing the positive changes and health benefits experienced as a result of weight loss, along with details about what kept them on track. All of the winners' stories feature inspiring individual triumphs, proving that victory in weight-loss translates into victory in many other aspects of a person's life. From Donna Nelson Geiger's second chance at life after surviving breast cancer and raising an autistic child, to Petika Tave's agonizing graduation video, their stories capture a variety of "A-ha!" moments -- the turning points that led them to realize it was time to take action and lose weight for good.

Each finalist has his or her own individual story, but all share a common theme -- through Weight Watchers they learned about healthy nutrition and got the confidence to make it happen. Weight Watchers message boards are full of remarkable stories that illustrate the ways the plan opens a new world for its members and subscribers. Whether it's encouragement for new mothers in the 'Calling All Moms' board with suggestions on how to lose that pregnancy weight, or bonding on the 'Guys on a Diet' board with men helping one another through weight-loss challenges, or support in maintaining goal weight on the 'Lifetimers' board -- the Weight Watchers community helps one another to live their lives healthier, happier and more confidently.

The grand prize winners' stories will be featured on http://www.weightwatchers.com/inspiringstories on September 21st along with other helpful weight-loss information.

Luncheons with The Duchess to honor eight finalists per region will also be held in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. During each of the local events, a finalist will be named as one of four national grand prize winners. Grand prize winners are rewarded with a trip to New York City; a deluxe beauty makeover courtesy of Bliss Spa and Salon AKS; share their personal story with Weight Watchers Magazine, tickets to a Broadway show; and lunch with fellow Weight Watchers member Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, which will take place at Tavern on the Green.

About Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers is America's trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 48,000 weekly meetings in 30 countries. The mission of Weight Watchers is to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. At the heart of Weight Watchers are weekly meetings that provide the coaching and tools to help people make the positive changes required to lose weight and keep it off. Weight Watchers also offers Internet subscription products for people wanting access to interactive weight management resources over the Internet. 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, http://www.weightwatchers.com/.

About 2006 WEIGHT WATCHERS INSPIRING STORIES OF THE YEAR CONTEST

The contest, conducted by Weight Watchers since 1998, spotlights the most inspirational and incredible weight-loss success stories among its members and subscribers. Four grand-prize winners, 32 first-prize winners, and 128 second-prize winners are chosen throughout the country. Winners are selected by a team of impartial judges based on a variety of factors, ranging from amount of weight lost to the magnitude and inspirational nature of the personal transformation.

* The luncheon is not open to the public.

Weight Watchers

CONTACT: Lisa Craig, of Weight Watchers, +1-904-645-9311 x11,craigl@weight-watchers.com ; or Suzanne Lyons, of Ketchum, for WeightWatchers, +1-646-935-3955, suzanne.lyons@ketchum.com

Web site: http://www.weightwatchers.com/http://www.weightwatchers.com/inspiringstories

Source: PRNewswire

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