Get your flex point calculators and food scales! This week, Mike and Aubrey are talking about one of America's most iconic diet programs: Weight Watchers. Along the way, we encounter The Rock, the mating habits of straight people and a new James Bond villain.
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Links!
- Jean Nidetch, a Founder of Weight Watchers, Dies at 91
- Mass Firing on Zoom Is Latest Sign of Weight Watchers Unrest
- Weight Watcher's Kurbo app slammed for targeting kids. Makers defend it
- What's gone wrong at Weight Watchers?
- Weight Watchers Is Offering Teens Free Memberships and People Aren't Happy
- Americans’ new way of losing weight has left Weight Watchers behind
- How the Oprah effect helped Weight Watchers regain Americans' trust
- Deal Master Debbane
- The Population Cost‐Effectiveness of Weight Watchers with General Practitioner Referral Compared with Standard Care
- Weight Watchers on prescription: An observational study of weight change among adults referred to Weight Watchers by the NHS
- The Problem With 'Fat Talk'
- 'Fat Talk' Compels but Carries a Cost
Thanks to Ashley Smith for editing assistance and Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!
03/16/21 • 50 min
13 Listeners
Maintenance Phase - Weight Watchers
Transcript Summary
In this intriguing episode titled "Weight Watchers," we explore the evolution and controversies surrounding the well-known weight loss support group. Originally a municipal program in New York City, Weight Watchers grew into a successful business under founder Jean Nidetch, promoting low-fat, low-calorie diets and operating fat camps for kids. The program later shifted its focus to eating skills and tailored plans, adapting to popular diet trends but still reinforcing weight loss as the ultimate goal. Criticisms arise as the support group model may lead to negative body image and fat talk, impacting mental health and relationships. Additionally, the acquisition of an app targeted towards children sparked controversy, while Weight Watchers' changing programs make long-term effectiveness difficult to study. Despite its ability to engage consumers, Weight Watchers may not be effective for long-term weight management, perpetuating body dissatisfaction and restrictive eating habits. With a rich history and insights into the downsides of weight-centric approaches, this episode sheds light on the complexities of the weight loss industry and its impact on individuals' well-being.
Transcript
Mike: Hello, welcome to Maintenance Phase. The show where we sit in a circle and make you feel bad about yourself.
[laughter]
Aubrey: I really thought you're going to be like, “The show that you don't need like a food scale for.”
Mike: Ooh.
Aubrey: Or, “The show that's points free. [crosstalk]
[laughter]
Mike: These are all better than mine. Do we want to do t
Weight Watchers Top Questions Answered
Who is the founder of Weight Watchers and when did they become famous?
Jean Nidetch founded Weight Watchers and became a celebrity in the 60s and 70s.
When did Weight Watchers experience financial troubles and face competition?
Weight Watchers faced financial troubles in the 1990s and struggled with competition from other diets and fitness apps.
Has Weight Watchers made unethical choices regarding its memberships?
Weight Watchers targeted teenagers with free memberships, despite concerns raised by the National Eating Disorders Association, which has been criticized as an unethical choice.
What criticisms has Weight Watchers faced regarding perpetuating body image issues?
Weight Watchers has been criticized for promoting dieting and perpetuating body image issues, despite rebranding as WW and positioning themselves as champions of wellness for all.
What are the negative effects of Weight Watchers' support group model?
Weight Watchers' support group model has been linked to negative effects on body image and overall satisfaction. Engaging in "fat talk" and expressing dissatisfaction with one's body can lead to lower body satisfaction rates and an increased risk of disordered eating.
What are the benefits of positive body image and talk?
Positive body image and talk are linked to greater optimism, self-esteem, and stronger relationships.
Do straight women have lower rates of orgasms compared to lesbians and bisexual women?
Yes, studies have found that straight women have lower rates of orgasms compared to lesbians and bisexual women.
What happens during Weight Watchers meetings?
Weight Watchers meetings involve sharing experiences, strategies, and discussions about body dissatisfaction and weight loss efforts.
Are weight loss efforts often prioritized by women over societal issues?
Yes, women often prioritize weight loss over fighting for their rights and expecting better from society.
What changes did Weight Watchers make in its advertising approach?
Weight Watchers stopped using before and after photos in their ads and shifted focus to how people feel rather than how they look. They rebranded to WW with a focus on wellness, but still promote weight loss.
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