The Library of Congress and Weight Watchers(R) Host Discussion on Weight Loss - Past, Present and Future

-- Experts From The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention,The Obesity Society And Academia Examine Weight Loss PracticesThrough The Ages To Find Lessons In The Fight Against Obesity --

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Libraryof Congress Science, Technology and Business Division and WeightWatchers International today convened an expert panel to discussdieting practices spanning more than 150 years to find lessons toaddress the 21st century obesity epidemic.

"By looking at weight loss efforts that stretch back to the 19thcentury, we can see what has not worked well and what has beeneffective in helping people shed pounds and keep them off for good,"said Karen Miller-Kovach, MBA, MS, RD, Chief Scientific Officer,Weight Watchers International, Inc. "Weight Watchers is proud tojoin with the Library of Congress to address these issues, as manyweight-related chronic diseases, including high blood pressure,heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer,increase in the United States and fuel the nation's healthcarecosts."

Entitled "Weight Loss Through the Ages: Where We've Been, WhatWe've Learned and Where We're Going," the Library of Congress eventfeatured experts from the federal Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC), The Obesity Society and Clemson University.

"We must continue to adopt new and innovative weight losssolutions," said Dr. Patrick O'Neil, Director, Weight ManagementCenter, Medical University of South Carolina; President-Elect, TheObesity Society. "One of The Obesity Society's top priorities isworking to reduce the prevalence of obesity and obesity-relatedconditions through research, strategic partnerships and innovativeprograms. To make progress in the fight against obesity, we must allwork together to share and implement new and innovative ideas."

The panel will feature:

Constance Carter - Head, Science Reference Section; Science,Technology and Business Division, Library of Congress

Ann Albright, PhD, RD - Director, Division of DiabetesTranslation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

David Kirchhoff - President and CEO, Weight WatchersInternational

Patrick M. O'Neil, PhD - Director, Weight Management Center,Medical University of South Carolina; President-Elect, The ObesitySociety

Ellen Granberg, PhD - Associate Professor of Sociology, ClemsonUniversity

Karen Miller-Kovach, MBA, MS, RD - Chief Scientific Officer,Weight Watchers International

"We are pleased to foster a discussion with such an esteemedpanel of experts," said David Kirchhoff, President and CEO of WeightWatchers International, Inc. "Weight Watchers is committed tohelping Americans achieve a healthy weight, which is why we continueto study and develop new programs and strategies - such as ourrevolutionary new PointsPlus(TM) program - to help transformAmerica's eating habits and improve long-term health."

The PointsPlus program, the biggest innovation from WeightWatchers in more than a decade, uses the latest scientific researchto create a program that goes far beyond traditional caloriecounting to give people the edge they need to lose weight and keepit off in a fundamentally healthier way. The program is designed toeducate and encourage people to make choices that:

Favor foods the body works harder to convert into energy,resulting in fewer net calories absorbed;

Focus on foods that create a sense of fullness and satisfactionand are more healthful;

Nudge toward natural foods rather than foods with excess addedsugars and fats; and

Still allow flexibility for indulgences, special occasions andeating out.

The PointsPlus program aims to provide people with a way toincorporate healthier, more satisfying habits into their life insmall, manageable steps.

About Weight Watchers International, Inc.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world's leadingprovider of weight management services, operating globally through anetwork of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchersholds almost 50,000 meetings each week where members receive groupsupport and learn about healthy eating patterns, behaviormodification and physical activity. WeightWatchers.com providesinnovative, subscription weight management products over theInternet and is the leading Internet-based weight managementprovider in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a widerange of products, publications and programs for those interested inweight loss and weight control.

SOURCE Weight Watchers International, Inc.