While Jean’s original eating plan has changed over the years, the philosophy that she founded her Meetings remains the same. In Jean’s words, Weight Watchers is, “A little bit of talking, a little bit of listening and a program that works”.

In 2005, Weight Watchers joined the NBCF in their endeavor to end breast cancer. With a workforce and membership of predominately females, Weight Watchers felt that a partnership with the NBCF, and its network organisations, would help to ensure that it’s Members, employees and their families and friends are aware of the most up to date breast cancer prevention research and strategies. Looking to the future, Weight Watchers is passionate about supporting the Australian effort to find a cure in the hope of reducing the risk for future generations.

Weight Watchers continuously review scientific studies and supports research in an effort to improve their program and help people successfully achieve their weight-loss goals. The research into breast cancer prevention and cure that the NBCF supports is a natural extension of Weight Watchers commitment to research which can improve the health and quality of life for both men and women.

“Weight Watchers is dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier lives by educating them to eat well, exercise more and manage the feelings that cause them to over eat. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of many diseases, including breast cancer, and we believe the NBCF is an ideal partner to help us communicate this message to our Members and the Australian community. In turn, we will encourage our Members and employees to support the effort to raise funds for ongoing research”. Russell Burke, Managing Director Weight Watchers Australasia.

Real Life Story

Margaret Dade of Healesville (VIC) was alerted of a lump in her breast during a regular mammogram. The lump was identified as breast cancer and Margaret endured radiation therapy every day for six weeks to try and combat the disease.

During one session her radiologist explained to her that the radiation process would be much easier on her if she wasn’t overweight. After speaking with her Doctor further Margaret learned that being overweight not only put her in a higher risk category but also meant that she had to undergo stronger radiation treatment.

So Margaret joined Weight Watchers with her sister in May of 2003 at 113.1kg. In just under two years Margaret was successful in shedding 44.3kg and reaching her goal of 68.8kg and says she feels fabulous!

As a part of maintaining a healthier lifestyle Margaret also started exercising. She now walks for half an hour every day with her husband (and their dog), and also does low impact aerobics classes.

Margaret said she couldn’t have reached her goal of 68.8kg without the support from her Meetings and in particular from her Leader Jenny Pullen. She said she loves the Meetings because everyone is interested to hear how each other are going and they all support each other. Margaret says she enjoys the meetings so much she treats them like a social club rather than a weight loss program and has now become a recorder at her Meeting!