Weight Watchers Targets the Atkins-Weary

Here in Europe there is a special WW programme geared towards men. Check out
this link : http://www.weigh****chers.com/mp5/uk/index_flash.asp
--
Nathalie from Belgium
134.1/92.9/minigoal 90.1/ Goal 68 Kg
295.6/204.8/minigoal 200.6/Goal 150 pounds
WLL : 207.5/204.8/195.5 lbs
94.1/92.9/88.7 Kg
"Count" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 19:33:03 GMT, "Willow"
wrote:

but sometimes a FEW female members don't like to
see men around.. like the guys are intruding or something..

Well said. That's the exact impression I got everytime I walked into
the building and was the only guy there. Talk about stares. Whoa.
--
Count

Where my daughter goes to school, there are about 3 centers that she can
attend meetings at. She keeps getting a male leader at two of the centers
and she really does not care for him at all. But apparently his meetings
are attended well.

Debbie

"Willow" wrote in message
m...
It's sad really.. anyting that works for you is the right way I think..
but
have you tried going to another leader ? talking to the leader about your
concern ?

As for not being welcome... unfortunately sometimes it is true.. I don't
know any leader (or staff) that wouldn't have guys around (as I said, they
are an asset in a group).. but sometimes a FEW female members don't like
to
see men around.. like the guys are intruding or something..

I'd say for this.. as I'd say for anything else.. look up different
meetings.. if one group doesn't work for you.. there's gonna be another
that
does !

But again.. whatever works for you is the best for you ) and of course..
you're most welcome in HERE !! ;o)

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Count" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 17:47:39 GMT, "Willow"
wrote:

I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun to have in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

As a guy I was very uncomfortable at the meetings and felt like I
wasn't welcome. Also I didn't like the complete lack of privacy.
Talking with the leader, before or after the meeting, even for a
minute was impossible. I stopped going. I'm hoping to find success
by reading the posts here.
--
Count

that is too bad, we treat our men like gods as they are few, they really
help me see this is not just a women's issue. I never understood binging,
thinking it was only a women's issue and I have an even betterunderstanding
of it now that I see men are also victim to it. I feel even more fortunate
that I do not have the problem but it is due to men in the meetings that I
understand it, Lee
Count wrote in message
...
On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 17:47:39 GMT, "Willow"
wrote:

I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun to have in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

As a guy I was very uncomfortable at the meetings and felt like I
wasn't welcome. Also I didn't like the complete lack of privacy.
Talking with the leader, before or after the meeting, even for a
minute was impossible. I stopped going. I'm hoping to find success
by reading the posts here.
--
Count

I think some centers also have men only meetings?? Lee
Willow wrote in message
m...
It's sad really.. anyting that works for you is the right way I think..
but
have you tried going to another leader ? talking to the leader about your
concern ?

As for not being welcome... unfortunately sometimes it is true.. I don't
know any leader (or staff) that wouldn't have guys around (as I said, they
are an asset in a group).. but sometimes a FEW female members don't like
to
see men around.. like the guys are intruding or something..

I'd say for this.. as I'd say for anything else.. look up different
meetings.. if one group doesn't work for you.. there's gonna be another
that
does !

But again.. whatever works for you is the best for you ) and of course..
you're most welcome in HERE !! ;o)

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Count" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 17:47:39 GMT, "Willow"
wrote:

I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun to have in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

As a guy I was very uncomfortable at the meetings and felt like I
wasn't welcome. Also I didn't like the complete lack of privacy.
Talking with the leader, before or after the meeting, even for a
minute was impossible. I stopped going. I'm hoping to find success
by reading the posts here.
--
Count

it would be great if you had a fit and wanted a spokesperson that was a man,
princess whatever doesn't do a thing for me, Lee
Willow wrote in message
m...
You know what though ? most changes at WW comes from the members.. call
the
1-800 line.. and complain.. that's what's rule the world ;o) You guys
start
a campain.. that would be fun !
--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Laura" wrote in message
...
Even the rewards that they give at meetings-charms and key chains have
women
in mind.

"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I am doing WW totally online, but find it is really geared toward
women.
The site seems to refer a lot to "your husband" in sections. When they
talk
about rewarding yourself they talk about facials, manicures,
pedicures,
bubble baths... now I have nothing against those, but would rather go
shop
for tools . If they want to attract men to WW they need to change
their
marketing a bit.

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in message
m...
I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun to have
in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
With all the low-carb foods on the market, the restaurants that
are
adding low-carb items to their menus, and even WW putting out
low-carb
frozen dinners, it wouldn't surprise me that the new plan will
target
low-carbers. Even here on ASDWW, we get Atkins refugees, people
looking for a way to have their potatoes and bread and fruit and
the
occasional indulgence. IMO, where WW miscalculated is in
discounting
the popularity of low-carb programs and not changing their image
fast
enough to keep up with the changing market.

I wonder what would happen if WW found a man to be a spokesperson,
along with Princess What's-her-name. Low carb diets appeal to men,
I
think.

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 21:57:52 GMT, "Laura"

wrote:

Got to wonder if the new plan will be aimed at low-carbers.

http://money.excite.com/ht/nw/bus/20...n15562788.html

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Weight Watchers International
Inc.
(WTW) is hoping to reel in U.S. dieters disillusioned with low-carb
plans
like Atkins, though it remains to be seen if its new program will
help
revitalize battered profits and membership rolls.
Missouri resident Camille McClean, who said she lost 20 pounds in
three
months on the Atkins diet but believes the plan put her in the
hospital
with
a kidney infection, is precisely the kind of person Weight Watchers
is
looking for.

McClean deserted Atkins for Weight Watchers and said in an
interview
she
lost 95 pounds on the company's reduced-calorie "points" system,
which
does
not forbid certain foods.

Atkins Nutritionals said there was no evidence to suggest
following
the
Atkins diet might cause a kidney infection.

Weight Watchers is looking to capture the attention of what it
hopes
is
a large number of consumers with experiences similar to McClean's
and
will
roll out a new weight loss program later this month.

"We are seeing all sorts of people, and more and more of them are
people
who have tried one low-carb diet or another," Eliot Glazer, Weight
Watchers
vice president of marketing, said in an interview. "People are prone
to
trying new things when it comes to weight loss."

Yet whether more of these so-called low-carb refugees find a home
at
Weight Watchers is another question.

The Woodbury, New York, company on Thursday said profit fell in
the
second quarter while acknowledging the low-carb craze may not be
ebbing
as
quickly as it had forecast.

Chief Executive Linda Huett told investors during a conference
call
on
May 11 that she expected to see a growing number of low-carb
refugees.
Two
days later Weight Watchers stock hit a two-year low of $31.83.

MEETING ATTENDANCE STILL DOWN

High-protein, low-carbohydrate regimens like the Atkins and South
Beach
diets have generated a massive following among weight-conscious U.S.
consumers, though the craze has leveled off after peaking in
January,
said
Harry Balzer, vice president at market research firm The NPD Group.

About 7 percent of adult Americans now follow some kind of
low-carb
diet,
down from a high of 9 percent, Balzer said.

Yet attendance at Weight Watchers meetings in North America
declined
in
the past quarter, spurring the company to narrow its profit forecast
for
the
year.

In the face of such membership declines, Weight Watchers hopes
its
new
initiative will boost attendance by attracting dieters who are weary
of
shunning foods like bread and pasta.

Atkins Chief Marketing Officer Matt Wiant said because of its
meetings
format, Weight Watchers will always be a haven for dieters who need
social
reinforcement to lose weight. He added that Atkins' own research
showed
that
Weight Watchers' plan was not seen by consumers as being as
effective
as
low-carb.

"They are not turning to Weight Watchers for their nutritional
brilliance," Wiant said.

With Weight Watchers stock down nearly 30 percent since hitting
an
all-time high of $50.39 in 2002, Wall Street is eager to see
results.
One
analyst expressed frustration that the company did not give
specifics
on
the
new plan during Thursday's quarterly conference call.

"We were disappointed with the minimal level of detail provided
on
the
conference call with respect to the new program," J.P. Morgan
analyst
Dina
D'Amore said in a note to clients. "We would have liked to have
heard
more
about the program to assess the potential opportunity."

NPD Group's Balzer said he expects the low-carb craze to ease
just
as
other weight loss plans have in a country where an estimated 60
percent
of
the population is overweight, according to government data.

But even if the trend has peaked, Weight Watchers has said the
popularity
of low- and no-carb packaged food products have led to an increase
in
self-styled weight loss regimens that threaten the company's own
line
of
branded food products.

Howls, Lee
Jeff Stuart wrote in message
...
I think that WW has been around a long time, and probably started as all
women who liked the "girly" stuff. Just slow to change with the times.
My
wife did Mary Kay Cosmetics for awhile and though there are no men in it,
it
was geared for the girlie girl types... like all women want to drive a
pink
car.

Maybe us met should start a Male WW. Lite Beer, lite pizza... progress
can
be measured by how much of your butt crack is exposed when you bend over,
and licking your sleeve after you have wiped your face with it is 0 pts.
(how is that for stereotypes )

Jeff
"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
Or maybe only women are so weak as to need the support of others. hah
(with a nod to our troller)

I have to say that the overemphasis on the stereotypical woman is
partly what turns me off to the meetings. I'm not one for charms and
manicures and pedicures.

On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 13:46:57 -0700, "Jeff Stuart"
wrote:

oh, I get it... maybe only women become overweight, hah

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in message
om...
You know what though ? most changes at WW comes from the members..
call
the
1-800 line.. and complain.. that's what's rule the world ;o) You guys
start
a campain.. that would be fun !
--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Laura" wrote in message
...
Even the rewards that they give at meetings-charms and key chains
have
women
in mind.

"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I am doing WW totally online, but find it is really geared toward
women.
The site seems to refer a lot to "your husband" in sections. When
they
talk
about rewarding yourself they talk about facials, manicures,
pedicures,
bubble baths... now I have nothing against those, but would
rather
go
shop
for tools . If they want to attract men to WW they need to
change
their
marketing a bit.

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in
message
m...
I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun to
have
in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying
there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take
the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
With all the low-carb foods on the market, the restaurants
that
are
adding low-carb items to their menus, and even WW putting out
low-carb
frozen dinners, it wouldn't surprise me that the new plan
will
target
low-carbers. Even here on ASDWW, we get Atkins refugees,
people
looking for a way to have their potatoes and bread and fruit
and
the
occasional indulgence. IMO, where WW miscalculated is in
discounting
the popularity of low-carb programs and not changing their
image
fast
enough to keep up with the changing market.

I wonder what would happen if WW found a man to be a
spokesperson,
along with Princess What's-her-name. Low carb diets appeal to
men,
I
think.

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 21:57:52 GMT, "Laura"

wrote:

Got to wonder if the new plan will be aimed at low-carbers.


http://money.excite.com/ht/nw/bus/20...n15562788.html

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Weight Watchers
International
Inc.
(WTW) is hoping to reel in U.S. dieters disillusioned with
low-carb
plans
like Atkins, though it remains to be seen if its new program
will
help
revitalize battered profits and membership rolls.
Missouri resident Camille McClean, who said she lost 20
pounds
in
three
months on the Atkins diet but believes the plan put her in the
hospital
with
a kidney infection, is precisely the kind of person Weight
Watchers
is
looking for.

McClean deserted Atkins for Weight Watchers and said in an
interview
she
lost 95 pounds on the company's reduced-calorie "points"
system,
which
does
not forbid certain foods.

Atkins Nutritionals said there was no evidence to suggest
following
the
Atkins diet might cause a kidney infection.

Weight Watchers is looking to capture the attention of what
it
hopes
is
a large number of consumers with experiences similar to
McClean's
and
will
roll out a new weight loss program later this month.

"We are seeing all sorts of people, and more and more of
them
are
people
who have tried one low-carb diet or another," Eliot Glazer,
Weight
Watchers
vice president of marketing, said in an interview. "People are
prone
to
trying new things when it comes to weight loss."

Yet whether more of these so-called low-carb refugees find a
home
at
Weight Watchers is another question.

The Woodbury, New York, company on Thursday said profit fell
in
the
second quarter while acknowledging the low-carb craze may not
be
ebbing
as
quickly as it had forecast.

Chief Executive Linda Huett told investors during a
conference
call
on
May 11 that she expected to see a growing number of low-carb
refugees.
Two
days later Weight Watchers stock hit a two-year low of $31.83.

MEETING ATTENDANCE STILL DOWN

High-protein, low-carbohydrate regimens like the Atkins and
South
Beach
diets have generated a massive following among weight-conscious
U.S.
consumers, though the craze has leveled off after peaking in
January,
said
Harry Balzer, vice president at market research firm The NPD
Group.

About 7 percent of adult Americans now follow some kind of
low-carb
diet,
down from a high of 9 percent, Balzer said.

Yet attendance at Weight Watchers meetings in North America
declined
in
the past quarter, spurring the company to narrow its profit
forecast
for
the
year.

In the face of such membership declines, Weight Watchers
hopes
its
new
initiative will boost attendance by attracting dieters who are
weary
of
shunning foods like bread and pasta.

Atkins Chief Marketing Officer Matt Wiant said because of
its
meetings
format, Weight Watchers will always be a haven for dieters who
need
social
reinforcement to lose weight. He added that Atkins' own
research
showed
that
Weight Watchers' plan was not seen by consumers as being as
effective
as
low-carb.

"They are not turning to Weight Watchers for their
nutritional
brilliance," Wiant said.

With Weight Watchers stock down nearly 30 percent since
hitting
an
all-time high of $50.39 in 2002, Wall Street is eager to see
results.
One
analyst expressed frustration that the company did not give
specifics
on
the
new plan during Thursday's quarterly conference call.

"We were disappointed with the minimal level of detail
provided
on
the
conference call with respect to the new program," J.P. Morgan
analyst
Dina
D'Amore said in a note to clients. "We would have liked to have
heard
more
about the program to assess the potential opportunity."

NPD Group's Balzer said he expects the low-carb craze to
ease
just
as
other weight loss plans have in a country where an estimated 60
percent
of
the population is overweight, according to government data.

But even if the trend has peaked, Weight Watchers has said
the
popularity
of low- and no-carb packaged food products have led to an
increase
in
self-styled weight loss regimens that threaten the company's
own
line
of
branded food products.

Lets see, you put on the pants issued at your first meeting, the "cleavage"
is measured in length when you bend over, and you are considered to have
made improvement when the measurer records a measurement of more cleavage..
Lee, grossing herself out
Lesanne wrote in message
...
I want to be the butt crack judge...

--
Les
"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I think that WW has been around a long time, and probably started as all
women who liked the "girly" stuff. Just slow to change with the times.
My
wife did Mary Kay Cosmetics for awhile and though there are no men in
it,
it
was geared for the girlie girl types... like all women want to drive a
pink
car.

Maybe us met should start a Male WW. Lite Beer, lite pizza... progress
can
be measured by how much of your butt crack is exposed when you bend
over,
and licking your sleeve after you have wiped your face with it is 0 pts.
(how is that for stereotypes )

Jeff
"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
Or maybe only women are so weak as to need the support of others. hah
(with a nod to our troller)

I have to say that the overemphasis on the stereotypical woman is
partly what turns me off to the meetings. I'm not one for charms and
manicures and pedicures.

On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 13:46:57 -0700, "Jeff Stuart"
wrote:

oh, I get it... maybe only women become overweight, hah

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in message
om...
You know what though ? most changes at WW comes from the members..
call
the
1-800 line.. and complain.. that's what's rule the world ;o) You
guys
start
a campain.. that would be fun !
--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Laura" wrote in message
...
Even the rewards that they give at meetings-charms and key chains
have
women
in mind.

"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I am doing WW totally online, but find it is really geared
toward
women.
The site seems to refer a lot to "your husband" in sections.
When
they
talk
about rewarding yourself they talk about facials, manicures,
pedicures,
bubble baths... now I have nothing against those, but would
rather
go
shop
for tools . If they want to attract men to WW they need to
change
their
marketing a bit.

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in
message
m...
I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun
to
have
in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying
there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just
take
the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve
itself?


"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
With all the low-carb foods on the market, the restaurants
that
are
adding low-carb items to their menus, and even WW putting
out
low-carb
frozen dinners, it wouldn't surprise me that the new plan
will
target
low-carbers. Even here on ASDWW, we get Atkins refugees,
people
looking for a way to have their potatoes and bread and
fruit
and
the
occasional indulgence. IMO, where WW miscalculated is in
discounting
the popularity of low-carb programs and not changing their
image
fast
enough to keep up with the changing market.

I wonder what would happen if WW found a man to be a
spokesperson,
along with Princess What's-her-name. Low carb diets appeal
to
men,
I
think.

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 21:57:52 GMT, "Laura"

wrote:

Got to wonder if the new plan will be aimed at
low-carbers.


http://money.excite.com/ht/nw/bus/20...n15562788.html

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Weight Watchers
International
Inc.
(WTW) is hoping to reel in U.S. dieters disillusioned with
low-carb
plans
like Atkins, though it remains to be seen if its new program
will
help
revitalize battered profits and membership rolls.
Missouri resident Camille McClean, who said she lost 20
pounds
in
three
months on the Atkins diet but believes the plan put her in
the
hospital
with
a kidney infection, is precisely the kind of person Weight
Watchers
is
looking for.

McClean deserted Atkins for Weight Watchers and said in an
interview
she
lost 95 pounds on the company's reduced-calorie "points"
system,
which
does
not forbid certain foods.

Atkins Nutritionals said there was no evidence to suggest
following
the
Atkins diet might cause a kidney infection.

Weight Watchers is looking to capture the attention of
what
it
hopes
is
a large number of consumers with experiences similar to
McClean's
and
will
roll out a new weight loss program later this month.

"We are seeing all sorts of people, and more and more of
them
are
people
who have tried one low-carb diet or another," Eliot Glazer,
Weight
Watchers
vice president of marketing, said in an interview. "People
are
prone
to
trying new things when it comes to weight loss."

Yet whether more of these so-called low-carb refugees find
a
home
at
Weight Watchers is another question.

The Woodbury, New York, company on Thursday said profit
fell
in
the
second quarter while acknowledging the low-carb craze may not
be
ebbing
as
quickly as it had forecast.

Chief Executive Linda Huett told investors during a
conference
call
on
May 11 that she expected to see a growing number of low-carb
refugees.
Two
days later Weight Watchers stock hit a two-year low of
$31.83.

MEETING ATTENDANCE STILL DOWN

High-protein, low-carbohydrate regimens like the Atkins
and
South
Beach
diets have generated a massive following among
weight-conscious
U.S.
consumers, though the craze has leveled off after peaking in
January,
said
Harry Balzer, vice president at market research firm The NPD
Group.

About 7 percent of adult Americans now follow some kind of
low-carb
diet,
down from a high of 9 percent, Balzer said.

Yet attendance at Weight Watchers meetings in North
America
declined
in
the past quarter, spurring the company to narrow its profit
forecast
for
the
year.

In the face of such membership declines, Weight Watchers
hopes
its
new
initiative will boost attendance by attracting dieters who
are
weary
of
shunning foods like bread and pasta.

Atkins Chief Marketing Officer Matt Wiant said because of
its
meetings
format, Weight Watchers will always be a haven for dieters
who
need
social
reinforcement to lose weight. He added that Atkins' own
research
showed
that
Weight Watchers' plan was not seen by consumers as being as
effective
as
low-carb.

"They are not turning to Weight Watchers for their
nutritional
brilliance," Wiant said.

With Weight Watchers stock down nearly 30 percent since
hitting
an
all-time high of $50.39 in 2002, Wall Street is eager to see
results.
One
analyst expressed frustration that the company did not give
specifics
on
the
new plan during Thursday's quarterly conference call.

"We were disappointed with the minimal level of detail
provided
on
the
conference call with respect to the new program," J.P. Morgan
analyst
Dina
D'Amore said in a note to clients. "We would have liked to
have
heard
more
about the program to assess the potential opportunity."

NPD Group's Balzer said he expects the low-carb craze to
ease
just
as
other weight loss plans have in a country where an estimated
60
percent
of
the population is overweight, according to government data.

But even if the trend has peaked, Weight Watchers has said
the
popularity
of low- and no-carb packaged food products have led to an
increase
in
self-styled weight loss regimens that threaten the company's
own
line
of
branded food products.

NONONONO must be used as a means of measuring weight, but I bet LA wouldn't
want to take the before and after shots, Lee
Jeff Stuart wrote in message
...
okay, lets see.... butt crack judge... we need some categories. How
about,
hairiest, most vertical, cutest mole, and the ever so popular... looks
like
its talking when he moves.

J.

"Lesanne" wrote in message
...
I want to be the butt crack judge...

--
Les
"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I think that WW has been around a long time, and probably started as
all
women who liked the "girly" stuff. Just slow to change with the
times.
My
wife did Mary Kay Cosmetics for awhile and though there are no men in
it,
it
was geared for the girlie girl types... like all women want to drive a
pink
car.

Maybe us met should start a Male WW. Lite Beer, lite pizza...
progress
can
be measured by how much of your butt crack is exposed when you bend
over,
and licking your sleeve after you have wiped your face with it is 0
pts.
(how is that for stereotypes )

Jeff
"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
Or maybe only women are so weak as to need the support of others.
hah
(with a nod to our troller)

I have to say that the overemphasis on the stereotypical woman is
partly what turns me off to the meetings. I'm not one for charms and
manicures and pedicures.

On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 13:46:57 -0700, "Jeff Stuart"
wrote:

oh, I get it... maybe only women become overweight, hah

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in message
om...
You know what though ? most changes at WW comes from the
members..
call
the
1-800 line.. and complain.. that's what's rule the world ;o) You
guys
start
a campain.. that would be fun !
--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying
there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take
the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Laura" wrote in message

...
Even the rewards that they give at meetings-charms and key
chains
have
women
in mind.

"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I am doing WW totally online, but find it is really geared
toward
women.
The site seems to refer a lot to "your husband" in sections.
When
they
talk
about rewarding yourself they talk about facials, manicures,
pedicures,
bubble baths... now I have nothing against those, but would
rather
go
shop
for tools . If they want to attract men to WW they need to
change
their
marketing a bit.

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in
message
m...
I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are
fun
to
have
in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not
saying
there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just
take
the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve
itself?


"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
With all the low-carb foods on the market, the
restaurants
that
are
adding low-carb items to their menus, and even WW putting
out
low-carb
frozen dinners, it wouldn't surprise me that the new plan
will
target
low-carbers. Even here on ASDWW, we get Atkins refugees,
people
looking for a way to have their potatoes and bread and
fruit
and
the
occasional indulgence. IMO, where WW miscalculated is in
discounting
the popularity of low-carb programs and not changing
their
image
fast
enough to keep up with the changing market.

I wonder what would happen if WW found a man to be a
spokesperson,
along with Princess What's-her-name. Low carb diets
appeal
to
men,
I
think.

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 21:57:52 GMT, "Laura"

wrote:

Got to wonder if the new plan will be aimed at
low-carbers.


http://money.excite.com/ht/nw/bus/20...n15562788.html

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Weight Watchers
International
Inc.
(WTW) is hoping to reel in U.S. dieters disillusioned with
low-carb
plans
like Atkins, though it remains to be seen if its new
program
will
help
revitalize battered profits and membership rolls.
Missouri resident Camille McClean, who said she lost 20
pounds
in
three
months on the Atkins diet but believes the plan put her in
the
hospital
with
a kidney infection, is precisely the kind of person Weight
Watchers
is
looking for.

McClean deserted Atkins for Weight Watchers and said in
an
interview
she
lost 95 pounds on the company's reduced-calorie "points"
system,
which
does
not forbid certain foods.

Atkins Nutritionals said there was no evidence to
suggest
following
the
Atkins diet might cause a kidney infection.

Weight Watchers is looking to capture the attention of
what
it
hopes
is
a large number of consumers with experiences similar to
McClean's
and
will
roll out a new weight loss program later this month.

"We are seeing all sorts of people, and more and more of
them
are
people
who have tried one low-carb diet or another," Eliot Glazer,
Weight
Watchers
vice president of marketing, said in an interview. "People
are
prone
to
trying new things when it comes to weight loss."

Yet whether more of these so-called low-carb refugees
find
a
home
at
Weight Watchers is another question.

The Woodbury, New York, company on Thursday said profit
fell
in
the
second quarter while acknowledging the low-carb craze may
not
be
ebbing
as
quickly as it had forecast.

Chief Executive Linda Huett told investors during a
conference
call
on
May 11 that she expected to see a growing number of
low-carb
refugees.
Two
days later Weight Watchers stock hit a two-year low of
$31.83.

MEETING ATTENDANCE STILL DOWN

High-protein, low-carbohydrate regimens like the Atkins
and
South
Beach
diets have generated a massive following among
weight-conscious
U.S.
consumers, though the craze has leveled off after peaking
in
January,
said
Harry Balzer, vice president at market research firm The
NPD
Group.

About 7 percent of adult Americans now follow some kind
of
low-carb
diet,
down from a high of 9 percent, Balzer said.

Yet attendance at Weight Watchers meetings in North
America
declined
in
the past quarter, spurring the company to narrow its profit
forecast
for
the
year.

In the face of such membership declines, Weight Watchers
hopes
its
new
initiative will boost attendance by attracting dieters who
are
weary
of
shunning foods like bread and pasta.

Atkins Chief Marketing Officer Matt Wiant said because
of
its
meetings
format, Weight Watchers will always be a haven for dieters
who
need
social
reinforcement to lose weight. He added that Atkins' own
research
showed
that
Weight Watchers' plan was not seen by consumers as being as
effective
as
low-carb.

"They are not turning to Weight Watchers for their
nutritional
brilliance," Wiant said.

With Weight Watchers stock down nearly 30 percent since
hitting
an
all-time high of $50.39 in 2002, Wall Street is eager to
see
results.
One
analyst expressed frustration that the company did not give
specifics
on
the
new plan during Thursday's quarterly conference call.

"We were disappointed with the minimal level of detail
provided
on
the
conference call with respect to the new program," J.P.
Morgan
analyst
Dina
D'Amore said in a note to clients. "We would have liked to
have
heard
more
about the program to assess the potential opportunity."

NPD Group's Balzer said he expects the low-carb craze to
ease
just
as
other weight loss plans have in a country where an
estimated
60
percent
of
the population is overweight, according to government data.

But even if the trend has peaked, Weight Watchers has
said
the
popularity
of low- and no-carb packaged food products have led to an
increase
in
self-styled weight loss regimens that threaten the
company's
own
line
of
branded food products.

That I know of they are very rare.. here in the Bay area I don't know of any
(except that one that was mainly males.. but that wasn't "official" it was
more a group that evolved that way...)

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Miss Violette" wrote in message
...
I think some centers also have men only meetings?? Lee
Willow wrote in message
m...
It's sad really.. anyting that works for you is the right way I think..
but
have you tried going to another leader ? talking to the leader about
your
concern ?

As for not being welcome... unfortunately sometimes it is true.. I don't
know any leader (or staff) that wouldn't have guys around (as I said,
they
are an asset in a group).. but sometimes a FEW female members don't like
to
see men around.. like the guys are intruding or something..

I'd say for this.. as I'd say for anything else.. look up different
meetings.. if one group doesn't work for you.. there's gonna be another
that
does !

But again.. whatever works for you is the best for you ) and of
course..
you're most welcome in HERE !! ;o)

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Count" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 17:47:39 GMT, "Willow"
wrote:

I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are fun to have
in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

As a guy I was very uncomfortable at the meetings and felt like I
wasn't welcome. Also I didn't like the complete lack of privacy.
Talking with the leader, before or after the meeting, even for a
minute was impossible. I stopped going. I'm hoping to find success
by reading the posts here.
--
Count

It's not even 9am yet.. eeeeeeeeeew
LOL

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying there should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Miss Violette" wrote in message
...
Lets see, you put on the pants issued at your first meeting, the
"cleavage"
is measured in length when you bend over, and you are considered to have
made improvement when the measurer records a measurement of more
cleavage..
Lee, grossing herself out
Lesanne wrote in message
...
I want to be the butt crack judge...

--
Les
"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I think that WW has been around a long time, and probably started as
all
women who liked the "girly" stuff. Just slow to change with the
times.
My
wife did Mary Kay Cosmetics for awhile and though there are no men in
it,
it
was geared for the girlie girl types... like all women want to drive a
pink
car.

Maybe us met should start a Male WW. Lite Beer, lite pizza...
progress
can
be measured by how much of your butt crack is exposed when you bend
over,
and licking your sleeve after you have wiped your face with it is 0
pts.
(how is that for stereotypes )

Jeff
"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
Or maybe only women are so weak as to need the support of others.
hah
(with a nod to our troller)

I have to say that the overemphasis on the stereotypical woman is
partly what turns me off to the meetings. I'm not one for charms and
manicures and pedicures.

On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 13:46:57 -0700, "Jeff Stuart"
wrote:

oh, I get it... maybe only women become overweight, hah

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in message
om...
You know what though ? most changes at WW comes from the
members..
call
the
1-800 line.. and complain.. that's what's rule the world ;o) You
guys
start
a campain.. that would be fun !
--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not saying
there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take
the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?


"Laura" wrote in message

...
Even the rewards that they give at meetings-charms and key
chains
have
women
in mind.

"Jeff Stuart" wrote in message
...
I am doing WW totally online, but find it is really geared
toward
women.
The site seems to refer a lot to "your husband" in sections.
When
they
talk
about rewarding yourself they talk about facials, manicures,
pedicures,
bubble baths... now I have nothing against those, but would
rather
go
shop
for tools . If they want to attract men to WW they need to
change
their
marketing a bit.

Jeff

"Willow" wrote in
message
m...
I sure hope they DO some marketing toward men.. Guys are
fun
to
have
in
the
meeting room.. they bring a new perspective..

--
Will~

The problem with this world is stupidity, now I'm not
saying
there
should
be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just
take
the
safety labels off everything and let the problem solve
itself?


"Prairie Roots" wrote in message
...
With all the low-carb foods on the market, the
restaurants
that
are
adding low-carb items to their menus, and even WW putting
out
low-carb
frozen dinners, it wouldn't surprise me that the new plan
will
target
low-carbers. Even here on ASDWW, we get Atkins refugees,
people
looking for a way to have their potatoes and bread and
fruit
and
the
occasional indulgence. IMO, where WW miscalculated is in
discounting
the popularity of low-carb programs and not changing
their
image
fast
enough to keep up with the changing market.

I wonder what would happen if WW found a man to be a
spokesperson,
along with Princess What's-her-name. Low carb diets
appeal
to
men,
I
think.

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 21:57:52 GMT, "Laura"

wrote:

Got to wonder if the new plan will be aimed at
low-carbers.


http://money.excite.com/ht/nw/bus/20...n15562788.html

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Weight Watchers
International
Inc.
(WTW) is hoping to reel in U.S. dieters disillusioned with
low-carb
plans
like Atkins, though it remains to be seen if its new
program
will
help
revitalize battered profits and membership rolls.
Missouri resident Camille McClean, who said she lost 20
pounds
in
three
months on the Atkins diet but believes the plan put her in
the
hospital
with
a kidney infection, is precisely the kind of person Weight
Watchers
is
looking for.

McClean deserted Atkins for Weight Watchers and said in
an
interview
she
lost 95 pounds on the company's reduced-calorie "points"
system,
which
does
not forbid certain foods.

Atkins Nutritionals said there was no evidence to
suggest
following
the
Atkins diet might cause a kidney infection.

Weight Watchers is looking to capture the attention of
what
it
hopes
is
a large number of consumers with experiences similar to
McClean's
and
will
roll out a new weight loss program later this month.

"We are seeing all sorts of people, and more and more of
them
are
people
who have tried one low-carb diet or another," Eliot Glazer,
Weight
Watchers
vice president of marketing, said in an interview. "People
are
prone
to
trying new things when it comes to weight loss."

Yet whether more of these so-called low-carb refugees
find
a
home
at
Weight Watchers is another question.

The Woodbury, New York, company on Thursday said profit
fell
in
the
second quarter while acknowledging the low-carb craze may
not
be
ebbing
as
quickly as it had forecast.

Chief Executive Linda Huett told investors during a
conference
call
on
May 11 that she expected to see a growing number of
low-carb
refugees.
Two
days later Weight Watchers stock hit a two-year low of
$31.83.

MEETING ATTENDANCE STILL DOWN

High-protein, low-carbohydrate regimens like the Atkins
and
South
Beach
diets have generated a massive following among
weight-conscious
U.S.
consumers, though the craze has leveled off after peaking
in
January,
said
Harry Balzer, vice president at market research firm The
NPD
Group.

About 7 percent of adult Americans now follow some kind
of
low-carb
diet,
down from a high of 9 percent, Balzer said.

Yet attendance at Weight Watchers meetings in North
America
declined
in
the past quarter, spurring the company to narrow its profit
forecast
for
the
year.

In the face of such membership declines, Weight Watchers
hopes
its
new
initiative will boost attendance by attracting dieters who
are
weary
of
shunning foods like bread and pasta.

Atkins Chief Marketing Officer Matt Wiant said because
of
its
meetings
format, Weight Watchers will always be a haven for dieters
who
need
social
reinforcement to lose weight. He added that Atkins' own
research
showed
that
Weight Watchers' plan was not seen by consumers as being as
effective
as
low-carb.

"They are not turning to Weight Watchers for their
nutritional
brilliance," Wiant said.

With Weight Watchers stock down nearly 30 percent since
hitting
an
all-time high of $50.39 in 2002, Wall Street is eager to
see
results.
One
analyst expressed frustration that the company did not give
specifics
on
the
new plan during Thursday's quarterly conference call.

"We were disappointed with the minimal level of detail
provided
on
the
conference call with respect to the new program," J.P.
Morgan
analyst
Dina
D'Amore said in a note to clients. "We would have liked to
have
heard
more
about the program to assess the potential opportunity."

NPD Group's Balzer said he expects the low-carb craze to
ease
just
as
other weight loss plans have in a country where an
estimated
60
percent
of
the population is overweight, according to government data.

But even if the trend has peaked, Weight Watchers has
said
the
popularity
of low- and no-carb packaged food products have led to an
increase
in
self-styled weight loss regimens that threaten the
company's
own
line
of
branded food products.