|
Weight Watchers® Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan Total Care offering Weight Watchers services and products?
Weight Watchers incorporates healthful eating, physical activity, behavior modification, and for those who attend Weight Watchers meetings, a supportive atmosphere, and is based on the philosophy that successful weight loss is achieved through the attainment of a series of realistic goals. EHP Total Care has teamed with Weight Watchers to bring our members effective weight management offerings at no cost to you.
What is Weight Watchers?
Weight Watchers offers weight-loss services and products founded on a scientifically based approach to weight management. Based on the philosophy that successful weight loss is achieved through the attainment of a series of realistic goals, Weight Watchers offers multi-dimensional ways to learn how to achieve and then maintain a healthy body weight for the long term. Weight Watchers incorporates healthful eating, physical activity, behavior modification, and for those who attend our meetings, a supportive atmosphere. Weight Watchers affirms that to lose weight safely and sensibly, a person must learn to eat more healthfully, increase physical activity, and handle the challenges encountered in the process of changing behavior.
How long has Weight Watchers been around?
Weight Watchers International was founded in 1963. It is currently a public company and is listed on the NYSE as "WTW."
How many people, worldwide, are members of Weight Watchers?
Since its inception over 40 years ago, Weight Watchers has helped millions of members achieve sustainable weight loss. Currently, in any given week, members attend one of over 48,000 Weight Watchers meetings in 30 countries worldwide.
There are four Weight Watchers offerings. EHP Total Care will pay for three. Members will have access to the following Cleveland Clinic EHP Total Care covered services:
- At Work meetings*† bring the Weight Watchers experience right to your workplace where a trained Leader leads weekly meetings, and you benefit from the proven advantage of group support from fellow members and coworkers.
- Community meetings by presenting Local Meeting vouchers* paid for by the Clinic when ordered through the following number: 866-614-9130. Local Meeting vouchers will allow you to attend meetings in the local community at no charge. You must present for admission. You benefit from the proven advantage of group support from your fellow members.
- The web based Online subscription offers interactive resources to follow theWeight Watchers plan step-by-step online, for those of you who cannot or choose not to attend Weight Watchers meetings.
EHP Total Care is NOT covering the following service but it is available to you at your own expense
- The At Home kit - Corporate Edition* gives you information and resources to follow our plan step-by-step at home, along with access to a Toll-free Helpline with weekly progress reporting.
*Available only in participating areas in the U.S. †Minimum enrollment required.
Option 1: AT WORK MEETINGS - EXISTING
How do I find out if an At Work meeting is currently available at my workplace?
Log onto the Cleveland Clinic EHP Total Care web site: www.clevelandclinic.org/healthplan or the Cleveland Clinic Wellness site at: www.cchs.net/wellness
AT WORK MEETINGS*† - NEW
If you or someone you know is interested in getting an At Work meeting set up at your location contact Nancy Karikas via email at: karikan@ccf.org or call 216.448.0330
What Cleveland Clinic pays for employees:
- $155.35 ($11.95 per week) for 13 weekly meetings and basic membership materials, meeting participants also receive a FREE Weight Watchers cookbook upon joining, or
- $186.30 ($10.35 per week) for 18 meetings, meeting participants also receive 19 weeks of FREE e-tools at an additional value of $insert price here . There is no separate registration fee.
*Available only in participating areas in the U.S. No refunds for missed meetings.
†Minimum enrollment required.
§This special offer is available to employees only.
What is the minimum number of employees required to start an At Work meeting?
The minimum group size varies depending on series type. The preferred number is 20. For additional details, contact Nancy Karikas via email at: karikan@ccf.org or call 216.448.0330
How long is the typical At Work meeting?
At Work meetings are typically less than an hour.
What are the requirements to become a Weight Watchers At Work meetings member?
To become a Weight Watchers At Work meetings member, you must:
- Complete the Cleveland Clinic EHP Wellness Program Weight Management Application
- Turn in the completed application into Weight Watchers Leader at the first Information Meeting
- Weigh at least 5 pounds more than the minimum weight for your height, according to the Weight Watchers healthy weight ranges.
- Not be pregnant.
- Not have an active medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
- Sign a Health Release on the Weight Watchers Registration card.
Who is responsible for Weight Watchers At Work member materials?
The At Work member materials will be provided by a Weight Watchers leader who will have full responsibility for materials, and other supplies. In addition, the meeting attendance will be tracked by a Weight Watchers leader.
What is the role of my company's on-site coordinator?
The role of the on-site coordinator is to:
- Insure that the minimum number of participants are signed up in order to schedule a series
- Reserve the room for the meetings
- Make sure the room is set up appropriately
- Work with the Weight Watchers leader to organize the group
- Direct employees to the meeting location, answer questions about meeting times, and refer employees to the toll-free number if necessary.
- Provide regular updates to the Weight Watchers leader about meeting location change
What if we can not meet the minimum participation required to get an At Work meeting* started?
You can order Local Meeting vouchers by calling the dedicated Cleveland Clinic Weight Watchers toll-free number. 1-866-614-9130. Please see the Local Meeting voucher section Option #2 below
If you are not in a participating area, our toll-free number 1-866-614-9130 will direct you on how to find a Weight Watchers meeting in your area.
*Available only in participating areas in the U.S.
How do I get a refund for an At Work meeting series?
See your registration materials to learn more about our refund policy. (Not applicable for EHP Total Care members)
Can I quit an At Work meeting and join a Local Community meeting without having to go through the refund process?
Yes, if you are in a participating area since Cleveland Clinic has already paid for the series.
If I miss my At Work meeting, can I weigh in and attend a Local Community meeting?
Yes. You just need to bring your current Membership Book.
If I miss a meeting do I still get my member materials for that meeting?
Yes.
Option#2 LOCAL MEETING VOUCHERS*
Obtain Local Community Meeting vouchers through the dedicated Cleveland Clinic Weight Watchers toll-free number 1-866-614-9130 and receive vouchers to attend Weight Watchers meetings in your community.
What Cleveland Clinic pays for employees:
- $119.86 provides you with13 vouchers and a Weight Watchers exercise DVD (a retail value $15.00), or
- $165.96 provides you with 18 vouchers to attend weekly meetings in your community and a Weight Watchers walking kit ( retail value $25.00)
The vouchers and premium items will be mailed to your home. You will receive member materials when you attend meetings, your premium item and vouchers will be mailed to your home or the address you gave when ordering. There is no Registration fee.†
Phone: Call 1-866-614-9130 (toll-free).
Hours: Monday through Thursday 7am to 8pm (Central Time); Friday 7am to 7pm (Central Time); and Saturday 8am to 1pm (Central Time).
*Available only in participating areas in the U.S.
†This special offer is available to employees.
How are the vouchers used?
Upon receipt of the Local Community Meeting vouchers, you will select the meeting location of your choice. At the Registration desk, you should let the staff person know that you have already obtained vouchers, and hand in your completed Registration Card.
How much time should I plan on spending at a Weight Watchers meeting?
Your group meeting, led by a trained Weight Watchers leader, will last approximately 30-45 minutes. However, at the end of your first group meeting, there will be an orientation for new members called the "Getting Started Session." This session will last an additional 30 minutes and orient you to the basics of the Weight Watchers program.
What are the requirements for becoming a Weight Watchers meetings member?
To become a Weight Watchers meetings member, you must:
- Complete the Cleveland Clinic EHP Wellness Program Weight Management Application and return per instructions on the EHP form
- Present your Local Meeting voucher for admission
- Weigh at least 5 pounds more than the minimum healthy weight for your height, according to the Weight Watchers healthy weight ranges.
- Be at least 17 years old and covered under the Employee Health Plan.
- Not be pregnant.
- Not have an active medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
- Sign a Health Release on the Weight Watchers Registration Card.
Can I attend Weight Watchers meetings if I have diabetes or other medical conditions?
Medical monitoring is especially important for people with a known medical condition. Yes, you can attend Weight Watchers meetings, but we strongly urge you to consult with your physician or healthcare provider. Just be sure to show the member materials to your primary healthcare provider to make sure the necessary and appropriate adjustments are made to meal patterns, food choices, portioning, activity, and anything else required. It is your responsibility to adhere to modifications made by your healthcare professional.
Do I have to talk in the Weight Watchers meetings?
No. You can participate in the group discussion as much or as little as you want. If you don't feel like speaking in a group, you can simply listen. You will still learn from our 40-plus years of experience new ways to manage your weight and feel great about yourself.
What is Lifetime Membership?
Lifetime Membership is a privilege you receive after completing your weight-loss journey as a Weight Watchers meetings member. You receive a Lifetime Membership recognition award when you:
- Achieve a weight goal that is within the Weight Watchers healthy weight ranges (or a healthy weight determined by your physician) and are at least 5 pounds less than your initial weight, and
- Have been on the Weight Watchers maintenance phase for 6 consecutive weeks as a current, paid meetings member and are no more than 2 pounds above your weight goal at the end of that period.
As a Lifetime Member, we encourage you to attend Weight Watchers meetings in your local area and anywhere in the world. There is no charge as long as you weigh in once a month at the first meeting you attend and you're no more than 2 pounds above your weight goal. Don't forget to show your Lifetime Membership book.
I am a Lifetime Member who has gained weight back. Can I return to Weight Watchers as a Lifetime Member?
Yes. If you want to return to meetings as a Lifetime Member, simply show proof of Lifetime Membership by bringing your Lifetime Membership book or Lifetime Member number.
What if I have lost my Lifetime Member number?
If you have misplaced your Lifetime Member number and became a Lifetime Member in the area in which you still reside, you can call 1-866-614-9125. If you have moved out of the area in which you became a Lifetime Member, fill out our Lifetime Membership Information Request Form. You should receive a response within 14 days.
What fees apply to Lifetime Members?
Once you become a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member, you never have to pay a Registration fee at Weight Watchers again. And as a Lifetime Member, you are charged a meeting fee only if you are 2 pounds over your weight goal. In addition, you are not expected to pay a missed meeting fee unless you have not weighed in within a 1-month period.
What are the guidelines for remaining a Lifetime Member?
Once you are a Lifetime Member, you are always a Lifetime Member. Lifetime Members must weigh in at their first meeting of every month. If you weigh more than 2 pounds more than your weight goal at the first weigh-in of the month, you will be charged the weekly meeting fee for each meeting attended until you are within 2 pounds of your weight goal.
How can I become a Leader?
If you are interested in entering the Leader Training program, speak with your Leader.
Note: It is a prerequisite for all Leaders to be Lifetime Members at a weight goal within the Weight Watchers healthy weight ranges for their height.
Do I need to order Weight Watchers Local Community Meeting vouchers via the dedicated Cleveland Clinic Weight Watcher toll free number to attend a Weight Watchers meeting in my community?
Yes. If you decide to register and pay for a single meeting at any Weight Watchers meeting location or pay as you go, you will be doing so at your own expense and you will not receive the special offers provided to employees unless you purchase the vouchers through the toll-free number 1-866-614-9130
What can I do if when I call to obtain Local Community Meeting vouchers I'm told my local area is not participating?
Although Weight Watchers has approximately 4,800 meeting locations, there are some areas that do not participate in the Local Community Meeting vouchers offering. However, our Customer Service representative will direct you on how to find a meeting in your area. Please continue to check back as we continue to add participating areas.
How long does it take to receive the vouchers?
You should allow 7-10 business days to receive your Local Meeting vouchers. If they do not arrive within that time, call 1-866-614-9130. You can still go to a local meeting prior to receiving your voucher in the mail. Take the confirmation number given to you to the retail center and let them know your vouchers were purchased through the Cleveland Clinic toll free number, they will let you join the meeting. At week two remember to turn in two (2) vouchers instead of one (1)
Can I share vouchers with a friend?
No, the vouchers are nontransferable. Only you will be able to use your Local Community Meeting vouchers.
What happens if I lose the vouchers?
Vouchers are not replaceable if lost or stolen. Protect them as though they were cash and keep them in a secure place.
How can I find a Weight Watchers meeting location close to me and the times of the meetings?
To find the meeting location most convenient for you, check out our online Meetings Finder at WeightWatchers.com or call 1-866-614-9125 and our representative will use your zip code to determine the meeting nearest you. If you call after business hours, an automated system will help you locate meetings in your area. Local Community Meeting vouchers are available for use in participating areas only.
How soon do I have to start once I obtain the vouchers?
You should begin using your Local Meeting vouchers as soon as you receive them, and continue to attend your meetings regularly. The vouchers are designed for you to attend for consecutive weeks. Check the expiration date on your vouchers because they cannot be redeemed after the expiration date.
Option 3: ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION
You can follow Weight Watchers, step by step online, with interactive tools and resources like a weight tracker, progress charts, restaurant guides, and hundreds of recipes and meal ideas to help you stay on track. Plus, connect with our free online community, day or night, for inspiration and motivation.
What Cleveland Clinic pays for employees:
- 3 months at $55, or
- 12 months at $166.70.*
How do I access Weight Watchers Online?
There are several ways to access Weight Watchers Online - BUT prior to logging on you must call: 1-866-614-9130 to obtain your specific Cleveland Clinic promotion code that will eliminate payment for you at the time of sign up.
*This special offer is available to employees only.
How is payment for the Online subscription made?
Cleveland Clinic covers the cost for you. You will need to obtain a promotion code by calling the Weight Watchers dedicated Cleveland Clinic toll-free number at 1-866-614-9130. You will need this promotion code to register for the Online subscription
How do I get help for a Weight Watchers Online subscription?
Help is available in the upper right-hand corner of every page on WeightWatchers.com. Using this "help" button, you can e-mail your specific question to one of seven areas of inquiry: subscription process, tools and features, technical support, login help, start weight changes, cancellations, and Weight Watchers On-the-Go™. The typical response time is within 24 hours.
How do I cancel my Online subscription?
Log on to your account, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the "contact us" link. Choose "cancel my account" and follow the instructions.
Option 4: AT HOME KIT - CORPORATE EDITION*
The At Home kit - Corporate Edition gives you information and resources to follow our plan step-by-step at home. The kit includes weight-loss tools and bonus products that are conveniently delivered through the mail to your home, along with access to a Toll-free Helpline with weekly progress reporting.
PLEASE NOTE - EHP Total Care is NOT covering this service but it is available to you at your own expense - and a great resource if you are not able to make a meeting or have internet access.
Cost: $179 (less than $7 per week).†
Phone: 1-866-614-9125 (toll free).
Hours: Monday through Thursday 7am to 8pm (Central Time); Friday 7am to 7pm (Central Time); and Saturday 8am to 1pm (Central Time).
*Available only in participating areas in the U.S.
†This special offer is available to employees and spouses. When you sign up, give the customer service representative your company's name. Cleveland Clinic EHP Total Care is NOT covering this service but it is available to you at your own expense
What is the difference between the At Home kit and Weight Watchers Online subscription?
The At Home kit - Corporate Edition contains booklets and resources that are mailed to participants so they can follow the plan at home. Weight Watchers Online subscription provides interactive resources to follow our plan online, 24/7. It even includes the option to purchase and download Weight Watchers On-the-Go™, a program designed for PDA use, delivering many of the Web site's features in the palm of your hand. All of the features of the Weight Watchers Online subscription are accessed via WeightWatchers.com.
What are the contents of the At Home kit - Corporate Edition?
When you select this kit, you'll receive an easy-to-follow Guidebook that explains how the kit works, as well as booklets and other resources to help make your weight-loss efforts successful. Additionally, you'll have access to a Toll-free Helpline with weekly progress reporting. You can report your weight-loss progress and have 26 weeks of access to a helpful Weight Watchers representative. The Helpline can be reached Monday through Thursday 7am to 8pm (Central Time); Friday 7am to 7pm (Central Time); and Saturday 8am to 1pm (Central Time). PLEASE NOTE THE AT HOME KIT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BUT NOT INCLUDED IN OUR COST SHARING.
Can I attend Weight Watchers meetings if I am using the At Home kit - Corporate Edition?
Choosing the At Home kit - Corporate Edition allows you to follow the Weight Watchers weight-loss plan in the privacy of your home, but does not provide you the advantages of meetings membership. Of course, at any time, you can choose to attend a Weight Watchers meeting by registering and paying applicable meeting fees.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT WEIGHT WATCHERS
What can I expect at a Weight Watchers meeting?
At Weight Watchers, weight management is a partnership that combines our knowledge and experience with your efforts. We teach you about good nutrition, activity, and healthy behavior. Upon joining, you are weighed and choose an initial weight goal and ultimate goal. If your ultimate goal is within the Weight Watchers healthy weight ranges chart (which is based on Body Mass Index) or has been prescribed by your doctor, you will be eligible for Lifetime Membership when you achieve it and complete the maintenance phase of the Program. At the end of your first meeting (or the first At Work meeting), you should stay for the "Getting Started Session," where the Leader takes new members through the Week 1 materials. The Weight Watchers two food plans (the Flex Plan and the Core Plan) are explained, and you choose the one that suits you best initially. The POINTS® Food System is also explained. Members are also taught the 8 Good Health Guidelines and the four pillars of the Weight Watchers program, which include eating healthy, being active, optimizing healthy behaviors, and the importance of a supportive environment.
What is the Flex Plan?
The Flex Plan is based on the POINTS Weight-Loss System. It allows members to eat any food as long as they keep track of and control how much they eat. Foods are assigned POINTS values based on calorie, fat, and fiber content. Nutritious foods - lower in fat and higher in fiber- have lower POINTS values. Choosing them becomes a smart-eating strategy because the POINTS formula is designed to reward healthier food choices. On the Flex Plan, you can enjoy a full range of food options - everything from chicken marsala to the dinner buffet at a friend's house. This allows you to manage any eating occasion, whether it's at home, on the go, or when dining out.
What is the Core Plan®?
The Core Plan controls calories by focusing your food choices on a list of wholesome, nutritious foods without counting or tracking. The list is comprised of foods from all the food groups: vegetables and fruits; grains and starches; lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs; and milk products. The Core foods were specifically researched and tested to provide eating satisfaction without empty calories. They fill you up with fewer calories than other food choices. For that occasional treat, you may also eat foods outside the list in a controlled amount.
What is the Weight Watchers philosophy on exercising?
Weight Watchers recommendations about the types and amount of physical activity to be included are consistent with those of the scientific community. You are encouraged to reduce sedentary behavior and progressively increase activity. Based on a proprietary formula that includes body weight and duration and intensity of exercise, all types of physical activity can be assigned a POINTS value. A POINTSbooster® slide tool calculates activity POINTS values independently. There is guidance on how to move more, a firming and toning guide, and advice on how to add more activity when you're ready to do so.
What are Weight Watchers Tools For Living?
Weight Watchers believes in the need for behavioral change. Weight Watchers knows that there are personal challenges encountered throughout the weight-loss process. To meet this need, Weight Watchers Tools for Living were developed to teach specific skills that enhance your ability to meet and overcome these challenges. As part of the Weight Watchers meetings, discussions on real topics- such as staying motivated, acting as role models in our families, and managing stress-offer valuable insight and provide the reassurance that no one has to do it alone.
What is the Weight Watchers support system?
Weight Watchers offers a support system through meetings that is interactive, contemporary, and encourages hands-on learning through group activities and discussions. All meeting Leaders have learned how to lose and maintain their weight on the Weight Watchers program and are trained to respond to each member's needs. This support system continues throughout the maintenance phase of the Program, when members learn how to stay at their selected weight goal.
Whom should I call when I have questions about the Weight Watchers offerings?
If you'd like to learn more about the availability of Weight Watchers offerings, Weight Watchers customer services representatives can answer your questions. They can be reached toll-free at
1-866-614-9125 Monday through Thursday 7am to 8pm (Central Time); Friday 7am to 7pm (Central Time); and Saturday 8am to 1pm (Central Time).
What other Weight Watchers products are offered?
A number of products are offered under the Weight Watchers trademark, either by Weight Watchers International, Inc. or through its licensees. These include a broad line of food products, best-selling cook books, exercise DVDs, a variety of food scales, and a national magazine. Availability may vary depending on location.
Is there a discount for Weight Watchers products?
No, at this time you are expected to pay the price in effect at the time of your purchase.
Are member materials available in any language other than English in Weight Watchers meetings?
Yes. Member materials are available in Spanish, upon request.
What happens if a Spanish-speaking employee calls Weight Watchers? How are they able to help the caller?
Weight Watchers toll-free number does have Spanish-speaking representatives. If one is not available at the time of the call, the call will be transferred to voicemail where a message is taken. A Spanish-speaking representative will return the call as soon as possible during business hours.
What is the Weight Watchers Scientific Advisory Council?
The Weight Watchers Scientific Advisory Council is comprised of experts who provide
Weight Watchers with advice and counsel regarding scientific issues and trends. The board includes: Xavier Pi-Sunyer, M.D., St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, Chairperson; Claude Bouchard, Ph.D., Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Shiriki Kumanyika, Ph.D., RD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA; William McArdle, Ph.D., FACSM, Professor Emeritus at Queens College of the City University of New York; Judith Stern, Sc.D. RD., University of California-Davis; Michael Lowe, Ph.D., Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA; Stanley Heshka, Ph.D., Columbia University, NY; Raul A. Bastarrachea, M.D., Staff Scientist, Department of Genetics, Auxology & Metabolism Working Group, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX.
How is the effectiveness of Weight Watchers evaluated? Do you do satisfaction surveys?
Yes, Weight Watchers does satisfaction surveys periodically to understand the satisfaction levels among consumers.
Does Weight Watchers have evidence of its effectiveness in the long-term?
According to an independent review of commercial weight-loss programs that was published in the January 2005 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, Weight Watchers is the only weight-loss company with scientific research to demonstrate the efficacy of its program. While several studies on Weight Watchers have been conducted, the best known is a randomized, two-year, prospective, multi-center clinical trial (April 9, 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association) comparing people attending Weight Watchers meetings to people following a self help diet regimen. People who attended Weight Watchers meetings lost 3 times more weight than those who were trying to lose weight on their own.
What is the Weight Watchers policy regarding adolescents?
Children under 10 are not permitted to join Weight Watchers meetings, subscribe to Weight Watchers Online or eTools or purchase the At Home kit - Corporate Edition under any circumstances.
With respect to adolescents (children age 10-17), here's how the process works:
- Adolescents must submit written permission from their physician at the time of registration, and the physician note should include the ultimate weight goal (or range).
Weight ranges for adolescents must be reassigned in writing by the physician at least every 6-9 months, or more frequently if a growth spurt is experienced.
- The Health Release section on the Registration form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Weight Watchers Online subscription and Weight Watchers At Home kit are both limited to adults. If prospective subscribers or buyers are under 18, they're told that they cannot purchase the product.
WEIGHT WATCHERS, POINTS and POINTSbooster are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and are used under license. TurnAround and Weight Watchers On-The-Go are trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and are used under license.
|