If you follow my blog you know that I love to help my readers by providing Weight Watchers recipes and Weight Watchers Ideas and Motivation. I want to give you an update on the Weight Watchers changes for 2019 and how they will affect you!
Weight Watchers Changes for 2019
Every year (almost) it seems like Weight Watchers makes some changes. Some are BIG like Freestyle that happened last year. Some changes are small like the Weight Watchers changes for 2019.
Whether big or small Weight Watchers members want to know what is going on and how the changes will affect your plan!
Weight Watchers Name Change
One of the biggest change will be in the marketing department. The company is moving away from using the name “Weight Watchers” and will be branding the company as WW.
My biggest question is what do we actually call it? WW? Do we just say two W's? My understanding is that the WW stands for Wellness that Works…but I am not 100% sure!
I understand why they are pushing wellness, but calling the program WW sounds weird to me.
The company seems to want to leave the branding they have used for so many years so they can reach younger generations. They don't want this program to seem like your grandma's program.
Big Focus on Wellness
It is no secret that WW has been working hard to become a more wellness focused program. We may be there to lose weight, but they want us to think about other areas of our lives too.
They do not want to be seen as a DIET program. I think they finally realize that true dieting doesn't work and lifestyle changes do work.
Better Products
As soon as January, 2019 rolls around all the WW food products will have had a makeover. All of the WW products will be free of artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors and preservatives.
This is a BIG change and I know it will be very popular. I have heard from many member who do not like to buy the “artificial” foods that WW sells.
Connect Groups
Weight Watchers Connect is a great place to interact with members all over the world. Giving and getting encouragement is wonderful.
They are going to expand this concept into Connect Groups. Connect Groups will enable you to find groups of members you have something in common with. Maybe you have a food allergy then you can find a group with the same food allergy and share strategies for how you make it work.
This sounds like a wonderful addition to the program.
New Technology
We know that companies that don't stay up with new technology and continue to improve their current technology are not going to last long.
I am excited to see that WW is working to get their program to work with Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant. They are hoping to be able to use these technologies to help us track our food, find out how many points a food has, etc.
This could be a real game changer for some people who love tech!
Mindfulness
WW is also partnered with a mediation company called Headspace and will be providing content on the app.
This content will relate to meditation and mindfulness and will be customized for WW. I think this sounds like a positive addition to the program because if we are mindful of our eating…we will probably do better on the program.
Rewards
It is hard to find a person who doesn't like to be rewarded. I think Weight Watchers is recognizing that and will be starting the WellnessWins reward system.
Members can be rewarded for small everyday behaviors. These behaviors will probably include things like tracking food, exercise and even your weekly weight.
The information I can find says you can be rewarded with exclusive products or experiences.
FitPoints System Changes
FitPoints are not going away so don't worry. They are going to get a makeover and be a more custom fit for each member.
Instead of FitPoints being across the board they will now be personalized to each member based on height, weight, sex and age.
My Take on the Weight Watchers Changes for 2019
Overall I think the Weight Watchers changes for 2019 are positive. I think this will help them compete in a market that is focused on overall wellness more now then ever before.
I am really, really glad that Freestyle is not changing! It is still new to people and honestly…I don't want to recalculate all my recipes, LOL.
The only change that I am not totally sold on is the new name. I am not against a new name, but feel like WW is difficult to say, is confusing and kind of sounds dumb… There are a lot of organizations that start with WW….WWE (world wrestling entertainment), WWF (world wildlife fund), etc.
So what are your thoughts about these changes? While you are here be sure to check out my new Holiday Cookbook for Weight Watchers!! This will help you prepare the perfect Christmas dinner without any guilt!
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Totally agree with you! What’s in a name makes a big difference as to how people relate to it. I don’t relate to Wellness Works or Wellness Wins or WW. I go to a doctor for wellness.
Hi Marty, thanks so much for stopping by…I definitely get what you are saying! They have to balance attracting younger people but not losing the people who have been paying them all these years!
I live in IA and have to drive 1/2 hour to a meeting and when you work this can be tough. I think smaller towns should be able to have meetings. How can I try and set this up.
I am not sure Teresa. You would probably have to contact the corporate offices. They would want to make sure there were going to be enough people in attendance to justify paying a leader. If you had a list of people you know would go that might help your cause! I agree though…it is harder if you have to drive a long way to a meeting!
There is a meeting in my town but I choose to drive 30 minutes to another town so that I don’t go to meetings with people I know lol!
I think “WW”’sounds like a gang lol!
I have been a Weight Watcher for 43 years and I always refer to it as WW! Wellness Win or Wellness Worksis is great because changing the way eat and get activity in to get healthy is how it should be and weight loss is the benefit of that.
Judy Mertens
Spokane WA
I am a WW member since February and I attend meetings. This week the “Coach” aka our Leader will discuss the new “Wellness Wins” but the app and emails has already explained it. I’m excited that you now can earn points for doing, what you already should be doing, to be successful. You can earn up to 25 points a day I believe for tracking breakfast, lunch, dinner and activity. You also get 50 points a week for attending a “Workshop” aka Meeting. 😉 The points you accumulate over time from tracking etc can be redeemed for water bottles, bags, gift cards etc and get shipped to you for free as well. I don’t mind the name change to WW because my MIL and I have always used the term WW when speaking of it, instead of saying Weight Watchers when we may have not wanted people around us to know what we were saying. LoL I don’t know, it doesn’t bother me. BUT our “Coach” did say that WW does not stand for the Wellness that Works it doesn’t “really stand for anything” and Wellness that Works is the WW mantra??
**Side note: (which I think is dumb hahaha) The Leaders are now “Coach” the Receptionists are now “Guides” (I believe it is”) the meetings are now “Workshops” the store is now “Studio” and your weigh ins are called something else too but I can’t remember. ^_^
Thanks for all the info Kathryn! I read about the Wellness that Works on one of the big news pages…like Washington Post or something, LOL. It is funny to change the names of the basic stuff—Coach, Guides, Workshops, Studio…..same thing, new name. Really only confuses people who have been doing it a long time! I do love the rewards…but I have always liked to win stuff, LOL.
Change is good!! I’m looking forward to embracing the same program with new upgrades and perks. The jury is still out on the name change to WW. I am so happy they will be redoing their products. I found some of them very salty so I refrained from purchasing. So I patiently wait for 2019.
I have been a member of WW since 1997. It works.. If you work with it. I love it. The name change in my group of friends is making us laugh! We have been calling it WW for at least 8 years now. I feel we should have claimed it back then!! hahaha. Whatever it is called, it works! Thanks for your post and all the updates.
So true about the name..I have always abbreviated it! Yes you guys should have gotten the credit for that!
Good day, can anyone please tell me why there is not a WW in South Africa anymore?
Every thing changes companies change there ne logis all the time. The perks are nice earning things as long as it doesn’t raise the price of joining, meetings and online services. Remember nothing is really free the money has to come from some where.
I had the same thought…they could have skipped the ‘prizes’ and made the program more affordable, perhaps giving people who can’t afford the monthly fees the opportunity to join. Besides, I definitely don’t need more ‘stuff’…not interested in the rewards at all.
I totally agree . Do away with the freebees . I definitely do not need anything and decrease the price so others can also enjoy this program.
I agree with Marty. Leave the name as us. I also go to my Dr. for wellness. I’ve with weight watchers since its beginning. I’m 75. I love the new FreeStyle. Change the plans BUT leave the name alone. Good grief.
I myself would like to see more diabetes friendly recipes .
That is a great idea Connie! I hope WW will bring more recipes like that our way!!
If you go to Pinterest, it will give you a bunch of diabetic recipes
Please leave the names the same. I’ve noticed stores aren’t carrying the meals as much. Why?
I don’t see much of a selection anymore either. Maybe because they will be coming out with the new updated ones?
I hear there are more 0 point foods (but no one can confirm that, but I’m hoping for avocado!!!). Also that Simply FIlling will be going away and there’s talk about Lifetime status being over. As a Lifetime member, if Lifetime goes away, I probably will do or maybe become a coach or guide, so I don’t have to pay. I don’t really care about Simply Filling. I know some people love it, but cheese is my downfall and in Canada, the only fat free cheese is the processed slices. All my extra points would go to cheese and bread. lol If Simply Filling goes away and there are more 0 point foods, I think they might combine the two ways of tracking even more. That it might be more of a Simply Filling technique across the board. Just my guess though! My coach/leader said they’ll find out more in November at their big meeting.
The name change doesn’t bother me either way. lol I called it WW for awhile too.
I haven’t heard about more zero point foods…that would definitely make people happy!
They are removing artificial flavors and colors but leaving natural flavors and colors. Same animal with a different name. It’s a marking ploy. With such a push for “wellness” you would think they would provide healthier options. Perhaps even NON GMO. So that chemicals normally found in natural flavors and colors wouldn’t be permitted.
I’ve been going to weight watchers on and off for 20 years so the name change will be hard for people like me .Right now there are some people who go to my meetings who are not reaping the benefits of tracking and meetings because you have to have a I phone, droid etc. it can’t be done on a computer yet. I feel bad for them because the meetings are based around “the app”. One person actually quit because she is a “paper only” person. Hope this changes so they can benefit too! Love free styling though I’ve lost 35 lbs since February!
I totally agree! AWESOME weight loss!
I’ve been able to track my food both on the computer and on my phone since I started in May…I wonder why those that were attending meetings could not access it online on a computer if they didn’t have a smart phone? Maybe they only signed up for meetings only and not online?? Is there a difference? I choose not to go to meetings myself and only use the online.
Have belonged to WW off and on for years. The only problem I have with the new program is for people that do not have the phone or internet they are left out on the new points system
They need to work on a program that feet’s all.
Yes…many companies forget that not everyone carries a smart phone with them everywhere they go.
I have been doin WW online for about 2 1/2 years, I just switched to going to the “workshops”… I really like it (close to my goal weight). One of my daughters is a WW Ambassador, she keeps me in the loop about any changes. I am very fortunate to have both my daughters ( who are successful in their goals) & my daughter-in-law who is on the program as awesome support. I think choices are important, including what works for you and I support each person on their adventures🙂
Wow Peggy,what a wonderful support network! I bet family functions are full of healthy options!!
Yes, our family times are built around activities and healthy eating. We compete against each other which is soooooo much fun and rewarding🙂
I have been a lifetime member of Weight Watchers since 2004. The program works really well for me and helped keep my weight in check. Let’s face it- we all fluctuate a few pounds. I could always count on WW to help me get back down to my goal weight. Most of the time that meant losing 8-12 pounds. However, since WW moves to freestyle, I have not lost one ounce of weight. I do cardio 5 days a week and lift weights. I am very phyaically fit. I am so disappointed in what Weight watchers has become. The program does not work for me, and I cancelled my membership this month. I’m now using a free app, which is working wonderfully for me.
I am so sorry to hear that! I have heard so many mixed reviews from people….good and bad. I am glad that you have found something that works for you. There isn’t a one size fits all for weight loss unfortunately.
Keep the name. It is well known, but WW has been used already to refer to it. I like the no artificial sweeteners. I already substitute stevia for most recipes. Would be nice if WW would too.
Our “coach” told us that the prizes for wellness wins points do not cost WW any money. The suppliers provide the stuff for the marketing exposure. It’s an even trade agreement. I’ve abbreviated Weight Watchers as WW since I first joined in 1978, but only in writing. Saying WW is harder than saying Weight Watchers because it has twice as many syllables, unless you pronounce it as “dub-yah dub-yah”.
Thanks for the info! I agree saying…writing it is easy…saying it is harder, LOL
I hear people saying Dub-Dub
I hope the lifetime membership doesn’t go away. I been trying to lifetime for several months. I would not want to continue of it doesn’t.
I hope it doesn’t either…people who hit lifetime deserve that!
I have been a lifetime member and I do not think this change your name I think that’s horrible I think they should keep doing good with the doing and stay under weight watches it’s still includes healthy lifestyle exercise and everything we need I’m so disappointed if you change the name it’s enough to even try to make me quit
Hi. I have been a WW member since 1975 a lifetime member for over 25 years. Following the programs are a way of life you need to change your way slightly to reap the benefits. Out of all the the programs I have followed this is by far the hardest to adjust to. Believe me I have eaten my share of liver once a week. Glad they are removing the garbage from some of there foods, lowering the salt would be a terrific change. WW not so great. Jacquie
WW is going away from just losing weight. That want anybody who needs/wants healthy habits to join. Being called weight watchers is a turn off for those that don’t need to watch their weight just get into healthy habits. So WW is a name change but not a drastic one.
If they are taking out all the artificially sweetner, won’t the points be higher? That’s a bummer
I have been a member since Feb. and have now made lifetime. I don’t care what they call it if it works and it is working for me. Thanks “Weight Watchers” or W.W.
I’ve been a member since the early 70’s and have gone through so many changes you would not believe it. Change is good! Just roll with it people and stay on program. If, you do – it definitely works.🙂
I have been a weight watcher member since late 70’s. I’m a Lifetime member and I depended on weight watchers when I get out of control.Weight Watchers has never done much for their lifetime members but I would be very unhappy with WW if I loose my status it took time and commitment to get there.
The name is just WW. It is not an abbreviation of anything. Wellness that works is the tagline.
I would like to get your holiday cookbook and planner. Do you still have planners available?
Sue
Sure Sue…just click here to access my products. Thanks and happy new year! https://www.lifeissweeterbydesign.com/shop/
Maybe they could nickname it Dub-Dub!
Hey doll! So glad to come across this post via Pinterest. Have read it and pinned it and will be using it as a reference now that I am back to WW again to lose my holiday “5”. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2019.
WW Freestyle has also partnered with Blue Apron. My biggest issue with WW is we tend to get in a rut, eating the same meals over and over. I have found for means my husband that boredom leads to binging. Most dinners on the menu are between 6 and 12 points and I am excited to try new recipes. I won’t have to search for new ideas or buy ingredients that will go bad before I can use them.
I didn’t realize this and it sounds like a great idea! Let me know how you like the meals!!
So is lifetime membership still FREE????
Well Buffalo Wild Wings is BWW and we call them B Dubs so we could call WW Dubs. Hence Dub is short for W and there are 2 so Dubs… lol , who are we kidding we are still gonna say Weight Watchers 🙂
How about WWL Weight Watchers Lifestyle
I love that!
I am so against the point system- I feel the world does NOT exist on points- I have been in
Weight Watchers Life Time for about 40 some years and use the free MY FITNESS PAL on the
computer but use weight watchers to weigh in once a week and love the SERMONS!! HA HA
DIANA
I don’t think an abbreviation of a name should have more syllables than the name itself. 6 syllables for WW vs. 3 for Weight Watchers or 4 for Wellness that Works
I think calling it Dubya Dubya is STOOPIDD STOOPIDD! 🙂
What is this about getting rid of lifetime? They might loose a lot of members. Granted they are unpaying, so they would only be losing a group of loyal supporters if this is true.
Have always called it Tubby Club for myself 😂
Bring back Simply Filing for us that used it as an alternative program. I got to goal after 5 tries and find current program difficult