Health & Fitness
How WW (Formerly Weight Watchers) Helped A Local Lose 89 Pounds‡
"My favorite thing is that no food is off-limits. The program gives you the tools and knowledge to handle everyday and special occasions."
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.
Scott Felber is a WW member at the WW Studio Greendale. Learn more about his weight-loss journey and get inspired!
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How did you get started with WW?
Scott: Twelve years ago, I was at a point in my life where I needed to make some serious changes to lose weight. I was over 300 pounds and didn't feel good about myself. So I joined WW and lost 89 pounds.
The biggest key to my success has been doing the program with my best friend, my wife. She lost 65 pounds with WW. We help keep each other in focus, and that makes the journey a lot easier.
What is your favorite thing about WW?
Scott: My favorite thing is that no food is off-limits. The program gives you the tools and knowledge to handle everyday and special occasions. Having the SmartPoints™ system helps me be able to eat the foods I want while still losing weight. (WW's proprietary SmartPoints system simplifies complex nutritional information into a simple number to easily guide your eating decisions to support weight loss.)
What excites you the most about the new customized myWW program?
Scott: I like the fact that it's customized to my lifestyle and where I am right now. One of the biggest things I've learned is that if you follow the program, the program works.
How has your local WW Studio helped you in your weight-loss and wellness journey?
Scott: Showing up at the WW Studio keeps me accountable. I know that every time I show up, I will see the results of how my week went. I've also met so many great people at the WW Workshops. It helps you understand that you are not the only one who struggles with their weight. Everyone is very supportive and knowledgeable.
Do you have any favorite Workshops or Coaches?
Scott: The entire team that works Saturdays is great. They really care about your success and can help you get over the tougher times during the journey.
I love to hear other members' success stories, too. I really like it when the group can help a member and lift their spirits if they have been having a tough time.
What is your favorite local hot spot for a healthy meal? Or to indulge?
Scott: Since I live in Wisconsin, one of my favorite things to do for a healthy meal is to have the traditional Friday Fish Fry, but to have my fish baked instead of fried. There are a lot of places that have great baked fish, but Matty's in New Berlin is one of my favorites.
Beyond the weight loss, how has WW affected your lifestyle and your approach to wellness?
Scott: When I started WW, I was very inactive. As I lost weight, though, I found myself beginning to enjoy fitness. Now I love to run, and I've even completed multiple half-marathons.
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What is your advice to others who want to lose weight but don’t know how to get started?
Scott: The long journey starts with a single step. Find a friend who is on WW and ask them to bring you along to a WW Studio to get a feel for the program. Even if you don’t know someone on WW, don't be afraid to come to a meeting. The staff and members are so welcoming and will answer all your questions to help get you started.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Scott: Over time, your reasons for losing weight change. In the beginning for me, it was all about losing the extra pounds that held me back. But as I lost the weight, it started to be more about my health. Health to me means doing everything I can to have a long life so I can be there for my wife and children.
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 Milwaukee-Area Studio!
‡ People following the WW plan can expect to lose 1-2 lbs/wk.
