Australians furious after WeightWatchers’ drastic change

The weight-loss giant has made a huge change to one of its key services, leaving thousands of Australian customers unhappy.

WeightWatchers Australia has announced an enormous change to its service, leaving thousands of customers feeling blindsided and furious.

The weight-loss company confirmed in an email to its customers on October 1 that it would be ending its in-person workshops across Australia and New Zealand, with the final face-to-face meeting taking place in a few weeks.

In its place, the weight-loss giant confirmed it would offer digital-only services, including virtual workshops.

“After careful and significant consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our WeightWatchers in-person workshop experience in Australia and New Zealand on 2/11/2024,” the email read, per PerthNow.

“We recognise that this news may be disappointing and apologise for any negative impact this may have on you.”

The change came as a surprise to Australian customers, who felt blindsided by the cancellation.

Perth woman, Rhiannon McConnon, launched an online petition following the news with the hope the weight-loss company would reconsider its decision.

WeightWatchers is moving towards a digital-only platform, but not everyone is happy.

“As a dedicated member of the WeightWatchers community, I have found solace in weekly meetings that serve as my primary motivation and source of encouragement,” Ms McConnon said.

“I am not a morning person, but I make it a point to wake up and attend these sessions for the lively interaction and impressive, inspirational communal banter.”

She said the change to the weight-loss giant’s workshops “threatens to derail” the progress she and others had made.

“Weight loss is more than a numerical game,” she continued. “It is a psychological and emotional journey that is greatly influenced by social interaction and mutual support.”

The online petition has gained more than 340 signatures, with others furious at the cancellation of in-person meetings, saying the in-person workshops helped them lose weight and kept them accountable throughout the process.

A WeightWatchers spokesperson confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald last month that the shift to digital-only services would also affect job roles across the country.

“While we will be discontinuing WeightWatchers’ in-person studio workshops as well as virtual personal coaching in Australia and New Zealand, effective November 2, we are continuing to offer virtual workshops and full digital access through the WeightWatchers app, offering local members the option to move to a digital-only subscription,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, with these changes, there are employees who will be impacted.”

The Australian leg of the weight-loss business has about 150 staff under its payroll, though the company did not confirm how may roles would be impacted by its recent changes.

NewsWire has contacted WeightWatchers for comment.

Originally published as Australians furious after WeightWatchers’ drastic change