Americans Resolve to Focus on Health in 2007: New Weight Watchers(R) Survey Reveals 92 Percent Have a Health-Related Resolution

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st and 2007 rolls in, a new national survey conducted on behalf of Weight Watchers reveals that over 55 percent of adults in America will look in the mirror to see an overweight “before” rather than the healthy picture of an “after” they desire, which will lead to a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Women (61 percent) are more likely than men (50 percent) to want to lose weight in the New Year, and of those who resolve to lose weight, most are motivated by wanting to look better (87 percent) and/or health reasons (70 percent). Roughly half are inspired by wanting to reverse the damage from holiday overeating.

Respondents indicated that feeling better (92 percent) was the number one motivational factor for losing weight. However, nearly two in five adult Americans say that they have “cheated” or given up on a weight-loss program in the past. More specifically, nearly half of American women (47 percent) admit they have cheated or given up on a weight-loss program in the past, as compared to 27 percent of men.

According to the survey, the lack of motivation (79 percent) and a craving for forbidden foods (77 percent) were the most likely to contribute to a downfall and breaking of healthy resolutions. Over half of those surveyed that have cheated or given up on a weight-loss program cited other contributing factors, such as:

The “cheating snowball effect” — where you cheat once and then give yourself permission to continue cheating (65 percent)

Not seeing results quickly enough (57 percent)

A diet with too many restrictions (56 percent)

Lack of diet-friendly options when dining out (53 percent)

Results also uncovered that nearly two-thirds of Americans (64 percent) say that healthy or low-calorie recipes would help them stick to a weight loss program, with more than two in five citing a food journal as another helpful tool.

TurnAround® Program 2007

Weight Watchers, in an ongoing effort to help consumers transform themselves from a “before” to an “after,” and reach a sustainable weight-loss goal in the New Year, will launch a new and improved TurnAround® Program in 2007.

Noting the top reasons for giving up on a weight-loss program uncovered in the survey, the new and improved TurnAround allows members to personalize their daily POINTS® target by gender, age, weight, height and daily activity — leaving no food off-limits. TurnAround also includes new additions to the Core Food List, information on knowing your hunger signals and new Core Plan® snack options.

Also in support of survey findings, the new materials include more recipe and meal ideas, tips for eating out, getting through a weight-loss plateau and motivational member success stories. There are also materials targeted for the specific needs of people with more than 60 pounds to lose, menopausal women, young people and nursing moms.

To also help members stay on track in the New Year, Weight Watchers shares these proven tips and advice, collected from meeting leaders and members who have successfully lost weight and kept it off with TurnAround.

Tip #1: Make Eating Out Easy — When eating out, face the challenge without apprehension. To help ease worry, plan ahead and look at a restaurant’s Web site to view their menu and nutritional information if available. Don’t be afraid to ask for a health-conscious menu. Navigate large portion sizes by asking the server to bring only half the dish and immediately pack up the other half. Kim, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 85 pounds & maintaining for 5 years

Tip #2: Shop and Drop –Rather than buying a whole new wardrobe in each smaller size as you’re losing weight, consider treating yourself to fun and trendy accessories as rewards for your progress. You’ll celebrate your successes, feel good about yourself, and save for the fabulous wardrobe you’ll want when you hit your goal. Renee, Chappaqua, NY, 53 pounds & maintaining for 5 years

Tip #3: Slipping Up Just a Slip, Not a Fall — There are 21 total meals in a week. If Friday and Saturday night didn’t turn out as planned, there are still 19 chances to recoup. Don’t turn a lapse into a collapse. Lori, Dallas, TX, 25 pounds & maintaining for 10 years

Tip #4: Measure Success — Take your body measurements with a piece of ribbon instead of a measuring tape. A month later, using the same ribbon, re-measure and cut off the excess. This allows the focus to stay on inches lost and not original body size. Kim, Reisterstown, MD, 40 pounds & maintaining for 4½ years

Tip #5: Mix it Up — Instead of feeling deprived or bored with meals, make eating an adventure. Makeover recipes you’ve enjoyed in the past by using different ingredients to create a healthier version of the dish. By adding variety, new foods and nutritional benefits will be discovered. Amanda, Metairie, LA, 73 pounds & maintaining for 4 years

Tip #6: Purge not Splurge — This is the time to purge your pantry, freezer and fridge. Make sure healthy foods are the first thing seen when the door is opened and that any high point treats are pushed far to the back. Susan, Raleigh, NC, 30 pounds & maintaining for 18 years

Tip #7: Exercise, Exercise — Try a variety of different activities. Group activities are great — especially in the winter — because they fulfill a need for social outlets as well as set a date on a calendar. Write fitness activities down like any other appointment to avoid temptation to blow it off. Julie, Rochester, MN, 45 pounds & maintaining for 5 ½ years

Tip #8: Lay the Foundation — Take to heart that losing weight is about behavior modification — doing things differently — not perfectly. Try to make better food choices than in the past and stop eating when satisfied, not stuffed. This sets the groundwork for success on weekends or other challenging times. Joanne, IowaCity, IA, 24 pounds & maintaining for 8 years

Tip #9: Put Away the Holiday — No edible food décor! The holidays are over so get rid of candy dishes and candy canes. Fill surroundings with objects that feed the soul — photos, travel mementos, souvenirs, etc. Caren, Portland, OR, 45 pounds & maintaining for 16 years

Tip #10: Just Do It — Change happens slowly, one step at a time. The first step is to make a goal– and begin! Martha, Berkeley, CA, 71 pounds & maintaining for 6 ½ years

Weight Watchers encourages consumers to stick to their healthy weight-loss resolutions and become the “after” they have always been inside. Dieters can access an array of resources on www.weightwatchers.com, including information on the “Be an After, Stay an After” Weight Loss Challenge launching January 15, 2007.

About Weight Watchers International, Inc.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchers holds over 48,000 weekly meetings where members receive group support and education about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity. WeightWatchers.com provides innovative, subscription weight management products over the Internet and is the leading Internet-based weight management provider in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control.