Big change coming to WeightWatchers – and Aussie clients AREN’T happy

Outraged WeightWatchers customers are in uproar after the weight-loss giant decided to ditch in-person meetings in favor of online development.

WeightWatchers informed Western Australian customers last week that its face-to-face workshops in Australia and New Zealand will end within weeks.

Customers received an email stating that the company would be discontinuing workshops starting November 2 PerthNow.

“After careful and important consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our in-person Weight Watchers workshop in Australia and New Zealand on 2/11/2024,” the email said.

‘We recognize that this news may be disappointing and apologize for any negative impact it may have on you.’

The news sparked an angry response from customers, with one Perth woman setting up an online petition on change.org in the hope that Weight Watchers would reconsider its decision.

“I have found comfort in the weekly meetings that serve as my main motivation and source of encouragement,” wrote Rhiannon McConnon.

“I’m not a morning person, but I make it a point to wake up and attend these sessions for the lively interaction and impactful communal banter.”

She feared the move would “completely derail” her progress and the camaraderie of the meetings.

Ms McConnon added that clients who attend in-person sessions lose more weight than those who participate online, citing a study on the matter.

‘Weight management is more than just a numbers game. It is a psychological and emotional journey that is heavily influenced by social interaction and mutual support,” she continued.

She also feared that a fully online program would take away the “element of human connection,” which she said is “critical” to the endeavor.

Mrs. McConnon petition has already received almost 250 signatures online.

Oprah Winfrey stepped down from the company in February, donated her shares and left the board

She revealed that she struggled with anxiety and depression and said the workshops helped her “stay on track when everything felt overwhelming.”

“I am terrified of losing this support, especially when it comes to mental health care,” Ms McConnon said. PerthNow.

The decision comes just weeks after WeightWatchers confirmed it would be axing the roles in Australia.

The company has 150 employees on its payroll in Australia and revealed the cuts were the result of a move to end in-person gatherings.

‘While we will be discontinuing Weight Watchers in-person studio workshops and virtual personal coaching in Australia and New Zealand effective November 2, we will continue to offer virtual workshops and full digital access through the WeightWatchers app, giving local members the option to to switch to a digital-only subscription,” a spokesperson said in a statement obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald.

A Western Australian client said weekly face-to-face meetings were ‘critical’ to her progress (stock image)

“Unfortunately, there are employees who will be impacted by these changes. We are fully committed to supporting them during this transition period and thank them for their loyalty and commitment to serving our members at the highest level.”

WeightWatchers made the switch to online workshops in the US for the first time last year.

The business model has also embraced weight-loss medications, including producing programs for customers taking medications such as Ozempic.

Oprah Winfrey left the company in February, stepped down from the board of directors and donated her 10 percent stake in the company to charity.