Weight Watchers is Recognized as Best Diet for Weight Loss and Best Commercial Diet Plan in First-Ever U.S. News & World Report Rankings

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) is proud to have been recognized as the Best Diet Plan for Weight Loss and the Best Commercial Diet Plan in the U.S. News & World Report first-ever Best Diets rankings, published online today. A panel of 22 leading, independent scientific experts convened by U.S. News & World Report ranked Weight Watchers No. 1 among weight loss programs. The experts conducted a six-month assessment of 20 diets and diet programs, ranking them in seven categories: short-term weight loss, long-term weight loss, ease of compliance, nutritional completeness, health risks, and ability to prevent or manage diabetes and heart disease.

“This acknowledgment by U.S. News and World Report underscores what numerous clinical studies have already shown about the efficacy of our approach to weight loss”

“This acknowledgment by U.S. News and World Report underscores what numerous clinical studies have already shown about the efficacy of our approach to weight loss,” said David Kirchhoff, president and chief executive officer, Weight Watchers International, Inc. “One of the reasons our program is successful is because it helps guide people to delicious, nutrient-rich foods. It’s a simple and affordable answer to achieving a healthy weight and living a healthier life. Weight Watchers is committed to helping consumers achieve long-term, and sustainable weight loss that in turn can help prevent obesity, reduce healthcare costs, and most importantly, keep Americans healthy.”

An ever growing body of clinical research supports Weight Watchers’ approach to weight loss, which is built on healthful eating, physical activity, behavior modification and support. Based on the rankings, the experts recognized the efficacy of the Weight Watchers approach in helping consumers achieve short- and long-term weight loss. The Weight Watchers PointsPlus® program emphasizes the need for a healthful, balanced diet made up of nutrient-dense foods including fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains – essential nutrients to help consumers achieve healthy, long-term weight loss. In fact, the new USDA nutrition icon, unveiled last week, is consistent with the Weight Watchers PointsPlus® Program, which guides Americans to eat more fruit and vegetables.

With two-thirds of adults in the U.S. either overweight or obese, eating foods rich in essential nutrients is beneficial not only for weight loss but also to help prevent obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. PointsPlus® emphasizes the need for a healthful, balanced diet made up of nutrient-dense foods including fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains – essential nutrients to help consumers achieve healthy, long-term weight loss.

The U.S. News and World Report Best Diets rankings are intended to address the difficulties many Americans face in maintaining a healthy weight and in reducing their risk of weight-related conditions. The Weight Watchers program is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and some types of cancer.

About Weight Watchers International, Inc.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchers holds over 45,000 meetings each week where members receive group support and learn about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity. WeightWatchers.com provides innovative, subscription weight management products over the Internet and is the leading Internet-based weight management provider in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control.