"Success stories" - Does it bother anyone else that every single success story printed in Weight Watchers Magazine carries the words "results not typical." I was all set to be inspired by these stories until I kept reading those words. Now they make me believe that I have about as much chance of losing weight as I do of becoming a Hollywood star. What is up with this

I believe they're required to do that, or that liability issues force them to do that. Every diet commercial on TV says that, too, as well as magazine ads when they show someone who has lost a lot of weight. It's been statistically shown that most people fail at diets, or fail to keep the weight off. Weight Watchers is one of the few programs that can claim a higher percentage of people succeeding and keeping it off, but it's still a minority of people.

Don't use that as an excuse to quit! Tell yourself that you will be one of the winners! A good book to read is "Thin for Life" by, I think, Anne Fletcher. She's interviewed people who have lost weight and successfully kept it off for years.

I have to agree, the Results Not Typical deal ticks me off too!!! I sit and wonder why bother but with the sue-crazy world we are in, I think they practically have to. Could you imagine the amount of people suing because they didn't lose weight (even though they weren't following the program).

I am sure if WW didn't have those liability issues they wouldn't be putting "results not typical" next to Success stories. In reality though, I remember the first meeting after New Year's in January 2001 (I was already a member who'd dropped about 60lbs by then) and our usual meeting of 15 people was about 40 people. By February it was about 15 people at the meetings (I do realize some people then just come to weigh in). The reality is, a lot of people start, but drop out. But if you work it and embrace the process (I never followed WW 100% to the program BTW and I still lost weight) it does work.

Cheers!

Ali

Ok, thanks. I appreciate the feedback. I knew it was some kind of legal thing, but seeing it over and over again really got to me. I am going to start back at meetings today; I am hoping to find that inspiration that will spark the "can do" feeling. At 47, with over 100 pounds to lose (I know, I know, think 10 percent), and an extreme reliance on Mt. Dew, the whole thing is kind of daunting...

Matchets: I saw my mom lose more than 100lbs at the age of 51 on WW! It is possible

Ali

The WW program is great. However, I have not bought their magazine for awhile for the same reason(results are not normal) . I am a lifetime member of WW but find the meetings and support I get on 3FC much more inspiring than the magaizine itself. I would rather see the positive results of friends and acquaintances at the WW meetings than some unknown person in their magazine.
Have a great day-
CAROL

Ali- Wow, your mom lost 110 pounds at 51?! That is so cool. That is the level of weight loss success I've been searching for.

Carol - I am trying the meetings again. I went back for the first time yesterday. The leader is one we had when we had an at-work program. She does much better at staying on topic in these community meetings. I am also going to try a couple other meetings on different days to see how I like those leaders.

I did notice at the meeting that they were not giving out trackers and there were none of the multi-tracker booklets for sale. Are they going to be getting rid of these things when they roll out the program changes (or new program) in two weeks, I wonder? Maybe their stock was just down. I had to ask for the "magazine" (not the real one, the regional one that's free) also, so ....

WriterChick,
I have missed the last couple WW meetings, however, I know how easy it is to NOT go when you get to goal, such as I have. However, when I do go and stay, I constantly ask myself just why I haven't been attending more often. The meetings are soooo informative and helpful, esp. when you listen to what others are doing to lose or maintain. We also have a great leader here, which sure does make a difference!

BTW, where are you from in Michigan? My hubby is from Cadillac,MI. I have been there many times with him. Do you know where this is?

CAROL