WW, formerly Weight Watchers, announces plans to start reopening studios ahead of Oprah event (2024)

Kelly Tyko|USA TODAY

WW International, the company formerly known as Weight Watchers, on Friday announced its plans to start reopening its studios in a phased rollout months after they temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement comes after an undisclosed number of WW employees learned Thursday that they were losing their jobs and ahead of a four-week virtual event the company is holding with brand ambassador Oprah Winfrey starting Saturday.

“As the COVID-19 crisis has forced the closure of our physical studios around the world, we have had to make some difficult decisions that have directly impacted the lives of some of our valued team members,” WW said in a statement to USA TODAY Friday. “With the accelerated growth of our digital offerings in both our WW app and the launch of Virtual Workshops, we are taking this time to look at our real estate footprint as we begin to safely and cautiously re-open our WW Studios.”

WW closed its 3,000 physical locations in the U.S. inmid-March and quicklytook its 30,000 weekly workshops virtual using Zoom.

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According to an anonymousposton TheLayoff.com, thousands were laid off Thursday. WW officials did not comment on the number of layoffs.

A date for when studios will start reopening was not available Friday. WW CEO Mindy Grossman sent members an email Friday about the phased reopening and said studios will have "careful testing and precautions in place to ensure the health of our members and Studio teams."

About a quarter of the company's 5 million members worldwide are signed up forin-person workshopsand digital tools, officials told USA TODAY in April. The price of a studio subscription is about double the cost of a digital-only subscription.

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"When we do open our doors, things might look and feel a little different, but rest assured: Your Studio will be a space where you can feel safe andcomfortable," Grossman wrote, noting local government and health guidelines will be followed. "Our locations will be implementing social distancing, including limiting the amount of people in the space, a new flow to help keep you and our teams safe, and associate training on new cleaning and safety protocols."

During an earnings call April 28, officials discussed looking at real estate and that the company could have a smaller footprint as it continues to offer virtual workshops.

"While face-to-face experiences will always be a core part of WW, we are strategically repositioning our Studio business to have a smaller real estate footprint with fewer locations," Grossman said on the call.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter:@KellyTyko

WW, formerly Weight Watchers, announces plans to start reopening studios ahead of Oprah event (2024)

FAQs

What changes are coming to Weight Watchers in 2023? ›

Members receive extra points to use on food based on the activity tracked in the app. Unlike the past program, extra points for water and eating certain foods was removed to make the program more intuitive and easy to follow. Tracking my activity and giving extra points for food keeps me motivated.

Is WW closing studios in 2023? ›

The good news is that Weight Watchers is NOT closing their program. There have been many big changes since Sima Sistani became the Company's CEO a little over a year ago. WW continues to be the industry leader in weight loss in the United States and throughout the world.

Is WW in financial trouble? ›

Why it matters: WW, as it's been known since 2018, is trying to find its financial footing, having lost more than a quarter of a billion dollars in 2022 after a pivot to “wellness” faltered and the pandemic cratered in-person attendance.

Why are Weight Watchers closing? ›

Why Is Weight Watchers Closing Studios? WW Membership has decreased. The number of subscribers is down to 3.5 million from 4.2 million, about 80% of whom are digital-only members. Many in person meeting locations weren't profitable.

Is WW still free for lifetime members? ›

You'll receive a Lifetime Membership Recognition Award, along with a complimentary subscription to our digital tools and unlimited meetings, as long as you stay within 2 lbs of your Lifetime weight goal. Did we mention it's all FREE? (For meetings members only.

Is Weight Watchers changing their plan again? ›

On the new Weight Watchers Points plan, like previous plans, you will be able to track your food intake, your weight, your activity, your water intake and your sleep on the WW App. Unlike the last plan (Personal Points plan) you will no longer be given extra Points for eating more non starchy vegetables.

Is Weight Watchers changing their name? ›

In an attempt to rebrand itself away from what you might consider your mother's diet program, Weight Watchers has officially changed its name to WW. The abbreviation pays homage to the brand's history, without focusing solely on the scale; instead, the revamped company preaches wellness and healthy living.

Does Oprah own Weight Watchers? ›

Winfrey is a long-time partner and board member with WW International, signing a deal to purchase 10% of the diet management company in 2015, with an option to buy another 5% of the firm. In 2019, Winfrey signed an extension to the original deal that allowed her to buy 4.3% more of WeightWatcher's stock.

Are the WW color plans gone? ›

In November 2021 the WW program changed to the Personal Points Plan from the myWW plan (Blue, Purple & Green plans). This was a big change as every single person following WW was given a personalised plan.

What is the negative side of Weight Watchers? ›

If your diet program is interrupting your social life or taking over your thoughts, it's becoming unhealthy for you. Many of the components of WW can absolutely contribute to unhealthy dieting including tracking foods, counting points, and saving points for overindulgent foods.

Why is Weight Watchers struggling? ›

WeightWatchers has struggled over the past year as it attempted to adapt its weight-loss messaging for wellness culture. The trend of using obesity medications for weight loss has led to a shortage for those who use it to treat conditions like diabetes.

What is the Weight Watchers scandal? ›

Weight Watchers and Kurbo marketed weight management services for use by children as young as eight, and then illegally harvested their personal and sensitive health information,” said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan.

What is the new company name for Weight Watchers? ›

They created a new tagline, “Wellness That Works,” and a new name, WW, to support the line. Their old name, Weight Watchers, with its two long words and lots of letters, makes it easy to understand why they wanted to thin down.

Who is Weight Watchers biggest competitor? ›

WW's competitors and similar companies include MyFitnessPal, Noom, Hussle and ExerShare. WW International (formerly known as Weight Watchers International) is a wellness technology company that provides weight management services. MyFitnessPal is a company developing a platform for keeping a food diary.

What company is Weight Watchers buying? ›

WeightWatchers has taken a major step into the worlds of telehealth and medication-based obesity treatment, announcing its acquisition of the digital health company Sequence.

Can you still do the old Weight Watchers program? ›

There is no way to follow previous plans while using the current WW system, but if you want to try to follow it on your own, click here for Blue plan information, Green plan information, and Purple plan information along with free printables.

Does Weight Watchers still do weigh ins? ›

We encourage all members to weigh in weekly, but no more than once a day. If your goal is weight loss, checking in each week helps you determine what is or is not working for you, especially as you zoom out and find patterns overtime.

What is Weight Watchers lifetime policy? ›

Lifetime membership is a way for us to recognize and honor members who have reached—and maintained—their personal weight loss goal. When you achieve Lifetime, you'll receive a free subscription to our digital tools and unlimited Workshops! How to qualify for LIfetime membership: Be 18 or older.

What happens if you only eat zero point foods? ›

While Weight Watchers does not require or recommend that WW members eat zero points worth of food in a day, eating zero point foods for a few days can give your weight loss a jump start. This isn't a long-term plan but rather a way to quickly get back on track with healthy eating.

Can you eat all the fruit you want on Weight Watchers? ›

Can I eat too much fruit? At WW, our nutrition guidelines encourage you to eat two serves of fruit and at least five serves of vegetables daily because they are nutritious, satisfying and tasty.

Is Oatmeal a zero point food? ›

Plain oats—no matter the type—are a ZeroPoint food.

What is the success rate of Weight Watchers? ›

Studies have shown that 97% of dieters regain everything they have lost within three years – the ideal backdrop for Weight Watchers and big diet companies, who see their customers returning again and again.

Is Weight Watchers a 1200 calorie diet? ›

Most regimented diet programs, like Weight Watchers, are similarly based on a 1,200 caloric intake, just hidden behind a “point” system so it doesn't feel like calorie counting.

Can I lose 3 pounds a week on Weight Watchers? ›

*People following the WW program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds/week. Members lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers. The best weight loss tips involve sustainable habits that bring you closer to your goals both on and off the scale.

Did Oprah lose money with Weight Watchers? ›

Oprah Winfrey Lost $558 Million In Weight Watchers Stock Value.

Did Oprah quit WW? ›

Her marketing contract with WW is up in 2023, but she has agreed to serve as an adviser for the company through May 2025.

How much did Oprah lose on WW? ›

Oprah Reveals the 1 Thing She Gave Up to Lose 42 Pounds on Weight Watchers. For years Oprah Winfrey struggled with her weight and yo-yo dieting, but she recently flaunted her 42-pound weight loss and and now, we're finding out exactly how she did it.

Do unused WW points roll over 2023? ›

Rollover points will also stay the same, so if you don't use all of your daily Points one day, up to four unused points will be rolled over into your weekly points budget. There will still be ZeroPoint foods that you can use to make sure you never go hungry.

How many points is an avocado on Weight Watchers? ›

Avocados have a relatively high SmartPoints value — 1/4 of a medium-sized avocado is 5 SmartPoints on Green, Blue, and Purple. Try this instead: The next time you have a craving for guacamole or avocado toast, try adding mashed sweet green peas (frozen is fine) to the avocado.

Is popcorn free on Weight Watchers? ›

While “zero” usually means “nothing,” at WW, ZeroPoint foods are everything! If you're not on our diabetes-tailored plan, then corn and popcorn will be on your ZeroPoint foods list.

Who should not use Weight Watchers? ›

You may not enroll in a WW membership if you are under age 18 or if you are pregnant. If you are being treated for a medical condition, taking prescription medication, or following a therapeutic diet to treat a disease, it's especially important to show the WW plan to your health care provider.

Can you eat too many free foods on Weight Watchers? ›

That's right – you can eat as much as you want and not track a point! Weight Watchers purposefully makes a ton of foods zero points – and for good reason: it's fruits and vegetables!

Why am I gaining weight with Weight Watchers? ›

You might be following the WW program perfectly, but if you are eating too many calories for your body, you aren't going to lose weight. Weight loss seems complex but at its most basic level it's super-simple. Weight gain (or lack of weight loss) comes from eating too many calories for your unique body.

Did Weight Watchers apologize? ›

Much like a dodgy light bulb, the PR push behind a Weight Watchers campaign has been flicked back off – complete with an apology. The diet promoting brand has pulled the plug on anymore 'active' promotion of its Black campaign, following its controversial and “offensive” PR stunt on Tuesday.

Can I lose weight on WW without exercise? ›

Myth 6: You have to be physically active to lose weight

Fact: First things first: You can lose weight without adjusting your activity levels by merely changing what you eat.

Why are some foods zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

ZeroPoint foods were specifically chosen because the World Health Organization guidelines recommend eating them more frequently than other foods as part of a healthy pattern of eating. ZeroPoint foods are tough to overeat. Sure, you could eat 13 bananas, but would you want to? Probably not.

Has anyone not lost weight on Weight Watchers? ›

Not everyone loses weight on WW, even if they think they're following the point system to a T. Let's go over a few of these common reasons, starting with the accuracy of tracking.

What is Weight Watchers most valuable ingredient? ›

Cornmeal comes in three grinds: coarse, medium and fine. Use coarse to make grits or polenta, and medium for baking or to thicken soups and stews. Finely ground cornmeal is sometimes labeled “cornflour” and is less widely available. All are gluten-free.

Has anyone gained weight on Weight Watchers? ›

Because gaining weight on Weight Watchers is common and members want to support each other to get them to their ideal weight. From one Weight Watcher's member: Only 3 weeks in and I had a gain. That never happens when I'm following the plan.

What are the new WW free foods? ›

What are the Zero Point foods?
  • Non-starchy veggies (think anything green!)
  • Fruit.
  • Fat-free yogurt and cottage cheese.
  • Eggs and Poultry.
  • Fish and Shellfish.
  • Tofu and Tempeh.
  • Corn and Popcorn.
  • Beans, peas, lentils.
May 2, 2023

What does Weight Watchers stand for now? ›

WW (formerly Weight Watchers) has introduced a brand new plan for 2022, known to users as PersonalPoints.

Why is Weight Watchers closing Studios 2023? ›

Weight Watchers Closing Studios in 2023. WeightWatchers has made the decision to close or change the location of many in-person studios due to decreased attendance.

How can I lose 20 pounds in a month? ›

Here are the 10 best ways to quickly and safely drop 20 pounds.
  1. Count calories. ...
  2. Drink more water. ...
  3. Increase your protein intake. ...
  4. Reduce your refined carb consumption. ...
  5. Start lifting weights. ...
  6. Eat more fiber. ...
  7. Follow a sleep schedule. ...
  8. Set reasonable goals and stay accountable.

What celebrities follow Weight Watchers? ›

These Celebrities All Lost Weight With WW and Are Living Proof the Program Works
  • Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey is perhaps the most high-profile celebrity associated with WW. ...
  • Jessica Simpson. ...
  • Jennifer Hudson.
Feb 12, 2019

Is WW changing in 2023? ›

Will Weight Watchers Have a New Program for 2022 and 2023? Yes. Weight Watchers updated its program in November 2022 to a simplified streamlined version of Personal Points, the plan launched just one year ago. The WW 2023 Plan App updated Monday, November 14th.

Is Weight Watchers struggling financially? ›

Why it matters: WW, as it's been known since 2018, is trying to find its financial footing, having lost more than a quarter of a billion dollars in 2022 after a pivot to “wellness” faltered and the pandemic cratered in-person attendance.

Why did Weight Watchers buy Ozempic? ›

—commonly known as WeightWatchers—has agreed to buy a subscription-based telehealth service for more than $100 million, in an apparent attempt to cash in on growing consumer demand for using the diabetes medication Ozempic as a weight loss drug, as Ozempic's soaring popularity prompts a contentious ethical debate among ...

What are zero point foods on Weight Watchers 2023? ›

A sneak peek at ZeroPoint foods
  • Non-starchy veggies.
  • Fruit.
  • Fat-free yogurt and cottage cheese.
  • Eggs.
  • Fish and shellfish.
  • Poultry.
  • Tofu and tempeh.
  • Corn and popcorn.

What are the new WW milestones? ›

Your weight-loss Milestones to receive a Charm are - 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 and Goal weight. We hope this information helps, we are all wishing you success on your journey!

What is the rebranding of Weight Watchers? ›

In 2018, Weight Watchers changed its name to WW, two letters attached to the tagline “wellness that works.” It was moving away from the thing that it seemed like the company was all about—dieting.

Why are fruits no longer zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Fruit comes with vitamins and minerals, fiber and water. All this is good! And yes, fruit has sugar. In fact, it's the natural sugars that bump the WW points so high.

Why is oatmeal no longer zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Breakfast grains ground to a flour-like consistency (such as oats ground into oat flour) is not considered ZeroPoints since flour is not a ZeroPoint food. How can I enjoy oats beyond breakfast?

Can you overeat zero point foods on Weight Watchers? ›

ZeroPoint foods were specifically chosen because the World Health Organization guidelines recommend eating them more frequently than other foods as part of a healthy pattern of eating. ZeroPoint foods are tough to overeat.

What is the Weight Watchers controversy? ›

Weight Watchers and Kurbo marketed weight management services for use by children as young as eight, and then illegally harvested their personal and sensitive health information,” said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan.

Who is the target audience of Weight Watchers? ›

weightwatchers.com Audience Demographics

weightwatchers.com's audience is 46.42% male and 53.58% female. The largest age group of visitors are 25 - 34 year olds (Desktop).

Why did Weight Watchers rebrand fail? ›

Rebranding made them unrecognizable

It's possible that some consumers won't be able to recognize the formerly known Weight Watchers because of the new name, logo and packaging. This could lead them to buy from their competitors. How to avoid this: Keep a consistent look that visually communicates who your company is.

Is WW now called Weight Watchers again? ›

The program rebranded to WW from Weight Watchers in 2018. The premise of the program is simple: Based on your starting weight, how many pounds you want to lose and your typical food preferences, you receive a set amount of points you're allowed to consume daily. The amount of points increases if you exercise.

Who bought Weight Watchers? ›

In 1999, Heinz, while retaining the rights to the Weight Watchers name for use in certain food categories, sold the company to the private equity firm Artal Luxembourg, for $735 million in a leveraged buyout led by the Invus Group, which manages Artal and which is run by Raymond Debbane.

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