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How WW (Formerly Weight Watchers) Helped A Local Lose 72 Pounds‡
"My cousin had success losing weight with WW and encouraged me to attend a workshop with her … I was hooked almost immediately."
Losing weight — and keeping it off — is a lot easier when you have expert guidance from the leader in weight loss and its supportive community. WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) just rolled out its most customized program ever, and it's poised to continue to help millions of members around the world accomplish their weight-loss and wellness goals in 2020. With myWW™, each new member takes a personal assessment which matches them with a customized program that can make losing weight easier.
While many members follow and succeed on the WW program using the WW app, those who would like a little extra expert guidance and consistent support swear by the weekly WW Workshops to keep them accountable and help them stay on track. WW Coaches host weekly 30-minute Workshops at over 800 studios nationwide.
Kathy Forte is a WW Coach at the WW Studio Johnston, WW Studio Woonsocket and WW Studio Warwick. (WW Coaches are all previous members who have lost weight with WW and now share their knowledge and support with WW members at weekly Workshops.) Learn more about her weight-loss journey and get inspired!
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How did you get started with WW?
Kathy: My cousin had success losing weight with WW and encouraged me to attend a Workshop with her back in January of 2000. I was hooked almost immediately by the camaraderie of the group and the "real life" advice that the Coach provided. I lost 72 pounds with the program and became a WW Coach myself 18 years ago. I'm still working on my wellness daily while inspiring others to do the same.
What do you enjoy most about the WW community?
Kathy: The openness and willingness of members and staff to help others!
What is your favorite thing about the new customized myWW program?
Kathy: With myWW, members take a personal assessment, and then WW's smart algorithm matches them with their very own proven weight-loss plan. This gives members what they need to make their weight-loss journey successful and easier!
How would you describe your local WW Studio to someone who’s never visited?
Kathy: It's a warm and caring space where you will be welcomed, accepted and helped no matter where you are in your journey.
Can you share some of the topics that are discussed in a WW Workshop?
Kathy: At our Workshops, we talk about mindful eating, portion control, holiday strategies, making time for yourself and more.
What is your tip/technique for trying to eat healthfully around the holidays?
Kathy: Decide on a realistic plan, and then put together some steps so that you can make it happen. Don’t deprive yourself of that favorite holiday treat — factor that into your plan. Enjoy the holiday ON the holiday and then get back to your regular eating pattern the next day.
What's your advice for people who have a New Year’s resolution to lose weight?
Kathy: Take it slow. Change one behavior at a time and don’t make any drastic changes. Realize that to lose weight and keep it off, it will require a lifestyle change.
Why is it important to focus on your health and wellness year-round?
Kathy: When you create a healthy lifestyle that includes focusing on your wellness year-round, you feel better physically, have more energy, and you have a stronger mindset to handle the ups and downs that come.
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How do you stay motivated? How do you incorporate activity in your WW lifestyle?
Kathy: I have accountability partners who I check in with regularly, and I keep reminders about why I want to be healthy all around me. I remind myself often how far I have come. Activity happens when I plan for it. I schedule it in my calendar, and I have a variety of things that I like to do to keep me interested. I also fit extra steps in whenever possible.
What motivates you as a WW Coach?
My members are superheroes and motivate me daily! The Workshops are motivating places that are as unique as the members who walk through the door. I see incredible courage and resilience in my Workshops every day.
What is your advice for someone who wants to become healthier but doesn’t know where to start?
Kathy: Think about why you want to be healthier and what the benefits will be. Keep that information close by, and then start slowly. Focus on making one small change until that feels ingrained, and then add something else. Most importantly, find a support system that will cheer you on and also help you with the challenges that will come up. The WW community is a great place to get that support.
How WW Can Help You Find Success
WW is a weight-loss program that takes a people-focused, science-backed approach to promoting weight loss and healthy living. Its new program, myWW, is fully customized to make losing weight easier for you.
When you join myWW, you'll start with a personal assessment that asks a range of questions about your unique food preferences, activity level, lifestyle and approach to weight loss. Based on your responses, WW will scientifically match you with a customized, proven weight-loss plan that can make losing weight easier.
Get Started Losing Weight With WW Today!
Why Visit a WW Studio?
Every person in the WW Studio is on your side! The friendly guides and expert Coaches will quickly become your greatest motivators and sources of support to make 2020 the year you reach your weight-loss goals!
Workshops held at WW Studio locations cover topics that are relevant to weight loss, health and wellness. You can participate as much or as little as you want. There are WW Workshops during the morning, afternoon and evening, seven days a week. This gives you flexibility to attend the Workshop time/day/location that works for during any particular week and ensure your accountability network is always accessible.
Based on years of research, the WW Workshop curriculum is always evolving to bring the best science-backed techniques to help you lose weight and build healthy habits for life.
Find Your Nearest Providence-Area Studio!
‡ People following the WW plan can expect to lose 1-2 lbs/wk.
