Weight Watchers Targets the Atkins-Weary

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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

Jeff

"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.

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

Jeff

"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.