Weight Watchers (WW), now known as WW International, has been a leading weight loss program for decades, providing support, resources, and community to millions of people worldwide. WW is adapting to changes in the weight loss industry by closing or relocating many in-person studios. In this post, we will explore the reasons behind this decision and the new ways WW will continue to support its members on their weight loss journeys.
Reasons Behind Weight Watchers Studio Closures and Changes
Decreased attendance at in-person studios: With the rise of virtual support options, there has been a decrease in attendance at in-person studios. Members are now looking for more flexible options to support their weight loss goals.
Transition to more virtual and remote support options: With the COVID-19 pandemic, many weight loss programs shifted to virtual support, and WW is no exception. Members can now attend workshops from the comfort of their own homes, which is convenient and offers greater flexibility.
Studio Changes and Adjustments
- Some studios remaining open with new meeting times: Despite the studio closures, some locations will remain open with new meeting times. Members can still attend in-person meetings at these studios.
- Relocation of meetings to churches, hotels, and VA halls: In some areas, meetings will be relocated to churches, hotels, and VA halls. This provides a safe and comfortable space for members to attend workshops.
- Complete closure of some locations, offering only virtual meetings: Some studios will close entirely and will only offer virtual meetings. Members can still attend these meetings through the WW app or website.
The Shift Towards Virtual Support
Closure of local virtual (Zoom) workshops led by local leaders: WW has decided to close local virtual workshops led by local leaders. This is to streamline and simplify the virtual meeting process, offering members more consistent support.
Continuation of national virtual workshops with multiple times available throughout the day: WW will continue to offer national virtual workshops with multiple times available throughout the day. This provides members with greater flexibility to attend meetings at a time that suits their schedule.
Checking the Status of Your WW Workshops
Step-by-step guide on how to check the status of in-person meetings in your area using the WW app: WW has created a step-by-step guide to help members check the status of in-person meetings in their area using the WW app. This ensures that members can easily find a workshop near them.
Lifetime Membership Changes
For Lifetime members without access to in-person meetings, WW will offer virtual meetings as an alternative. If they are not within a 50-mile radius of an in-person workshop, they will receive a one-year extension of their WW account.
WW's New Medical Weight Loss Program
Acquisition of Sequence, a telehealth program for prescription weight loss medications: WW has acquired Sequence, a telehealth program for prescription weight loss medications. This will provide members with additional tools to support their weight loss journey.
Overview of the WW Medication program and its benefits: The WW Medication program will be available to eligible members, offering access to prescription weight loss medications under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This program will complement the existing WW program and provide members with an additional tool to support their weight loss goals.
Weight Watchers Points Plan for 2022 and 2023
WW is adapting to changes in the weight loss industry by closing or relocating many in-person studios and shifting towards virtual support options. Despite these significant changes, WW remains committed to supporting its members' weight loss goals. With the introduction of the WW Medication program, the updated points program, and a continued focus on virtual support, WW is providing members with the tools and resources they need to succeed on their weight loss journey. The future of WW might look different, but its core mission of helping people lose weight and live healthier lives remains strong.
In the Champsign Co. You could have atleast left one available meeting open. I Cant afford to drive 54mi one way to a meeting. I think you should rethink keeping the meeting place at the Regency Hotel open in Urbana. There was over 50 people attending. Intjonk if you could reopen it. People even Rantoul @ Champaign would be very happy to go there. PLEASE!!!
These closing are definitely affecting a lot of people. I don’t have any affiliation with WW, I’m just here to show you some great recipes that are healthy and delicious! I want to support you no matter what diet plan you are following. It’s just about being healthy.
I missed two meetings back in December due to predicted weather here in Eau Claire Wisconsin. I did not receive a notice about the first closing until the next day. I did receive a notice for the second meeting being closed again due to weather. Apparently there was a meeting online. However I did not have a working computer at that time. I asked someone on connect and told her that since I didn’t have a working computer I had missed two meetings for reasons beyond my control. that was not an option. She just said I couldn’t get a credit because there was an online option. It was a snarky response. I did not have a working computer. I feel that I wasn’t heard. I find that I am having a hard time getting back into the groove with the program now and I’m gaining my weight back. I am still angry. And I had been paying full price for 4 years before the pandemic. Plus I became a lifetime member back in 1982. I now want to quit at the end of this month. I think asking for a credit was a reasonable request. Very disappointing.
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I can definitely understand the frustration. I’m not affiliated with Weight Watchers in any way, I just write recipes for healthier eating and make it friendly for those who are on the plan. I’m here to support you no matter what journey you’re on!!