Outraged WeightWatchers customers are up in arms after the weight loss giant decided to abandon in-person meetings in favor of online development.
WeightWatchers informed its Western Australian customers last week that in-person workshops in Australia and New Zealand will end within weeks.
Customers received an email saying the company will eliminate workshops starting Nov. 2, according to PerthNow.
“After careful and significant consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our Weight Watchers in-person workshop experience in Australia and New Zealand on February 11, 2024,” the email said.
“We recognize that this news may be disappointing and we apologize for any negative impact it may have on you.”
The news sparked a furious response from customers, with one Perth woman creating an online petition on change.org in the hope that Weight Watchers will reconsider its decision.
“I have found solace in the weekly meetings that serve as my main motivation and source of encouragement,” wrote Rhiannon McConnon.
WeightWatchers to eliminate in-person workshops starting next month despite pushback from Australian customers
“I’m not a morning person, but I make it a point to wake up and attend these sessions for some lively interaction and impactful community banter.”
He feared the move could “completely derail” his progress and the camaraderie of the meetings.
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 greatly influenced by social interaction and mutual support,” he continued.
She also feared that a completely online program would eliminate the “element of human connection” that she said is “crucial” to the effort.
Mrs. McConnon request has already received almost 250 signatures online.
Oprah Winfrey retired from the company in February, donating her shares and leaving the board of directors.
She revealed that she had struggled with anxiety and depression and said the workshops helped her “stay on track when everything seemed overwhelming.”
“I am terrified of losing this support, especially around mental health,” Ms McConnon said. PerthNow.
The decision comes just weeks after WeightWatchers confirmed it will cut positions in Australia.
The company has 150 employees on payroll in Australia and revealed the cuts were the result of a decision to end in-person meetings.
‘While we will be suspending in-person Weight Watchers studio workshops, as well as virtual personal training in Australia and New Zealand, effective November 2, we will continue to offer virtual workshops and full digital access through the WeightWatchers app, offering local members the option to move to a digital-only subscription,” a spokesperson said in a statement obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Western Australian client said weekly in-person meetings were ‘crucial’ to her progress (file image)
‘Unfortunately, with these changes, there are employees who will be affected. “We are fully committed to supporting them during this transition period and thank them for their loyalty and dedication to serving our members at the highest level.”
WeightWatchers first moved to online workshops in the US last year.
The business model has also included weight loss medications, including producing programs for clients using medications such as Ozempic.
Oprah Winfrey left the company in February, resigning from the board of directors and donating her 10 percent of the business to charity.
