My dad is morbidly obese (5'3" and 263 lbs) and must get his weight down because he is also a cancer patient and his doctors are concerned about his heart. So, his doctor recommended doing weight watchers because they don't want it off to fast, and the faster lost the faster gained.
So, my dad enlisted my mom, who does not have a weight problem to support him, go to meetings, etc. She did so happily because he eating habits have never been good anyway. So, they went to a meeting. After the meeting these two women approached my mother in the parking lot, and told her that people "like her" were not welcome to them at the meetings because she's not really supporting any body, just making herself feel good being around "fatties". This is my dad's account so I'm not sure of the exact language used. My mom was shocked, and now doesn't know if she can continue to go where people have so obviously not wanting her there.
She is willing to try another meeting place, but is worried, despite my godparents who do weight watchers in a different city reassuring her that not all are like this.
I thought that only people who actually need WW were allowed to attend meetings, though...or does your Mom have enough extra weight on her to justify losing a little of it? I am not what most people would consider "fat" either. I am 5'4" and weigh between 145 and 150 lbs. But I know that this weight is not good for me personally, so I don't care if someone else thinks I don't belong at WW meetings. I would, however, speak with the person in charge at that location, and if I got no satisfaction there, I would go to the regional office. There is no excuse for that sort of behavior toward someone who is doing something loving for her husband.
It was incredibly rude of those other women to tell your mom that she was not welcome--what do they know? For instance, mom could've been a lifetime member and was there for maintenance. I don't understand their snippiness. Everyone at the meeting is there for the same reason--support. I would definitely talk to the center director and let them know about these 2 unwelcoming, interfering biddies, their opinion is definitely not a normal one in my experience.
You know, at my meetings, there are several "thin" women who you would not ever think had a weight problem. Only, you can't judge people by how they look on the outside--this goes for both thin and heavy people. One skinny-minnie (as I call her) had her doctor refer her to WW due to her bloodwork. She told me she was one of those people who could eat whatever she wanted without gaining weight. Only, she started having a cholesterol problem and then even though her weight was within a normal healthy range, she was borderline diabetic. So, even though her outward appearance was physically healthy, her insides were telling otherwise. After learning about portion control and a healthy diet, and dropping maybe 10 lbs, her bloodwork then returned to within normal limits.
I on the other hand, despite being 60 lbs (and previously more!) overweight have just had bloodwork done and everything was just perfectly normal.
Unfortunately the leaders and staff can't control what members say outside the meeting
I find that those two women's behaviour completely rude and unacceptable but it is their problem not your mom's.
I'm not sure what the leaders could do about it but maybe next time during the Q & A session your mom could ask a question about the program or say " I'm here with my husband who has been told to lose weight by his doctors because of health problems. I'm trying to support him and am trying to learn how to eat better and cook healthier meals for both of us. I'm interested in what kind of oils, bread (whatever) that some of the members here would recommend." It might break the ice with people get people to be a bit more approachable.
This is not typical - I have been to meetings in 3 different areas and I've never had any problems.
While the leaders cannot control what is said they can say something in general to the whole group. I would bring it up to the leader of the meeting and if she does nothing calling the region.
Secondly you need only be 5 pounds above the minimum for your height to become a member...so they have no right.
Those B*tch#s (Please excuse my language 3FatChicks) had better not let me hear them say somethng like that because I would. They are the ones who aren't being supportive.
Tell her go back, speak up to the leader and ignore rude and inconsiderate people.
Should my parents go elsewhere?
Wow! Way out of line
