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Reputable ‘diet program’

changes name

weight watchers reimagined.jpg

Photo by  wnep.com

Carlie Bright, Lifestyles Editor

10-2-18

As healthy living becomes more of a hot topic around the world, a popular “diet company” is now shifting its focus to fit that idea, specifically through a name change.

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Weight Watchers, a prominent American company previously offering numerous lifestyle products and services to assist in weight loss, announced last week that it will be changing its recognizable name to WW. According to CNN Money, this transition reflects the company’s focus on overall health and wellness in individuals – not just on the shedding of pounds.

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While the brand is still committed to “being the best weight management program on the planet,” according to its CEO Mindy Grossman, it wants people to now also focus on eating healthier and having a more positive mindset. This insight might take a little bit more of a push than just a name change, but WW’s board members – including Oprah Winfrey – are determined to implement this overall focus shift.

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In a statement, Winfrey shared, “As Weight Watchers becomes WW, I believe we will continue to inspire people not only to eat well, but to move more, connect with others and continue to experience the joys of a healthy life.”

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The New York-based company was started in 1963 by Jean Nidetch who hosted weekly meetings with fellow overweight friends, according to TIME. Her intention was to meet and share their struggles with weight and dieting. Since then, the company has become widely used across the world – especially since going public in 1968, just a few years after its start.

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But ever since the company has gained so much time in the spotlight, it was apparent to the brand’s executives that times were changing for the former Weight Watchers. Since Grossman landed her CEO position in 2017, the company has added more programs to reach a broader base of people. More males have also joined since her takeover. With the push of a modernising company, it only made sense to update the name.

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With actor Kevin Smith, music star DJ Khaled, and celebrity chef Eric Greenspan as ambassadors for WW, organizers hope that new outreach will also speak to a broader group of people. Also partnering with meditation company, Headspace, exclusive mindset content will now also be available on the new WW app set to launch this Thursday, October 4th. The app will also go international in the beginning of 2019.

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But that is not the only good news for the company. Since this announcement, the stock has risen 4%. This news comes after the stock initially rose 65% in the past year with some of these newly implemented changes.  So, although change may not work out well for some companies, WW has been embraced by the nation as they continue on their road of alterations to meet the constantly changing view of health and wellness.

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