Wellness

[chessylady]

I am a lifetime weightwatcher who is 3 pounds over goal. Two years ago, WW instituted a new plan called personal points. Each member would have different numbers of points based on various factor. It did not work for me as well as many other people. WW lost members. Last fall, they instituted an older program that worked well. They have gradually closed in person studios and relied on virtual meetings. Now they are closing more studios. They will also be adding a program based on medication obtained from your doctor. This medication is very popular (ozempic) but was developed for diabetics now being used for weight loss. Weightwatchers never encouraged the use of medications but I guess they think they must to be competitive. I have mixed feelings about it.

[MaverDaver]

I saw a piece on Ozempic last week on CBS Mornings. Doctor on TV stated people being mislead, that is, yes you will lose weight HOWEVER in order to continue to lose or maintain goal weight you would need to stay on med for rest of your life!! TO NOT DO SO, YOU WILL REGAIN LOST WEIGHT VERY QUICKLY AND ADD SOME ADDITIONAL POUNDS.

[4kitties]

I am a life time member from many years ago.  I lost my weight based on the old exchange program.  Life being what it is, I regained some and rejoined just as the points system was being implemented.  It did not work at all for me.

I eventually went back to the exchange program and decided to eliminate some foods from my diet.  I am maintaining my weight loss for about 6 - 7 years now.  I did it all on my own, using my old WW books and pamphlets.  

I loved the weekly meetings and was blessed with a wonderful leader, Karen, when I reached my goal the first time.  We had a great group of ladies and we always had good meetings.  Sad to hear they no longer do that.

As for the weight loss drugs, I am really very sorry to hear that.  

Personally, I would no longer have anything to do with WW.  They have jumped the shark as far as I am concerned.

[HisElk1]

I did WW many years ago, like @4kitties did.  I was successful for the most part, but of course, life happens and some of the weight came back; not all of it, but some.

As far as using the drugs, I've read it's both Ozempic AND Trulicity being used; (and I've read on this forum a poster is using the latter).  

I've also heard where this is making these drugs more difficult for those who really need them more difficult to get which is just not right IMO.

Speaking for myself, I wouldn't want to go on any of them, unless it was for the original intended use.  IMO, WW is out  of line in doing this.  

OP, ultimately, it's your decision; just wanted to post my feelings.  Good luck.

[We rescue cats]

Shame on WW, this was the attraction for me when I joined years ago, NO DRUGS, teaching good eating habits. And I have to say, the Ozempic thing is a HUGE red flag to me. I am diabetic and I take Ozempic once each week. Due to the over prescribing of it for weight loss I missed nearly 3 weeks of dosage, and then after a few months it happened again. My blood sugars are up, not critical but higher than they I want to see them. I'm very disappointed in WW.

[chessylady]

Just to be clear, I have no intention to go on these drugs. I will lose the three pounds the old fashioned way. I just hope weightwatchers does not focus on that part of the program to the detriment of the rest.

[Trinity11]

Has WW ever published the stats on how long people that lose the weight actually keep the weight off? What is the rate of recidivism?

If they are now interested in these drugs, it hints that the diet plan has no better results than some of the stats I have read about how 98% of "diets" don't work long term thus the use of meds😳

[chessylady]

@Trinity11 it is tough to lose weight on any plan. I have never been obese but heart disease runs in my family and I have controlled high blood pressure. I go to weightwatchers to keep track of my weight and use the electronic tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Weighing in provided accountability. I hope the workshop near me will continue to exist. 

[Trinity11]

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@chessylady wrote:

@Trinity11 it is tough to lose weight on any plan. I have never been obese but heart disease runs in my family and I have controlled high blood pressure. I go to weightwatchers to keep track of my weight and use the electronic tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Weighing in provided accountability. I hope the workshop near me will continue to exist. 

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I have been surrounded by loved ones in my life who have struggled with their weight. I lived on keto to stay at a very low weight only to have at 63 and 64 a stroke and 2 heart attacks. The dieting has left all of us with disturbed metabolic rates. With every diet, our caloric deprivation in the end ruined our metabolisms. I don't know what the answer is but I don't think "diets" really work. I know more research is being done and I hope it helps.

[meem120]

From what Ive read. WW bought a medical company called Sequence.  Thru this company you can have virtual meetings with a Doc and get prescribed weight loss medication.  They gave a list of the medications you can get, which goes from oral to the shot everyone is talking about.  I think they said the cost is $99 a month and whatever the medication costs.  This is above and beyond regular fees for online and meetings.

I think they have jumped the shark.