A Supplement for Weight Watchers Followers

Many, many years ago, well Ok maybe not THAT many years ago, but I would say about 3-4 years ago I had a free subscription to Weight Watchers magazine. I was not on the program then, nor did I really know much about it other than it was some sort of a "diet" that people followed. I did enjoy the magazine. There were some good tips, general articles not related to food, and some nice recipes. But, I was in my early 20's at that time, and those types of things did not hold my interest for long. At that time I was more into fashion, love, advice, things like that. My magazine collection included things like People, Glamour, Cosmo, and Marie Claire. My subscription ran out and I never gave it much thought.

Flash forward to 2002. I am not in my late 20's. Ok 27 to be exact. Earlier this year my employer brought in the Weight Watchers at Work Program. At first I was a little skeptical about it. But, I had surgery a few months prior to that which left me with a huge weight gain. The employer offered a health benefit meant for gym memberships, but allowed us this one time to use it on WW if we decided to join their at work. That was all the incentive I needed. Joined for less than half price was a great motivational tool. I went to my first meeting, and I was so excited. I was going to make this work for me if it was the last thing I ever did.

I came home that night, hungry for more information. I had to get more. Where was I going to get it? I looked on eBay. Boy, there was a TON of stuff. Then, there it was, right there in front of me. My old friend had called out to me. The first line: Weight Watchers Magazine 3 year subscription. I began to remember my days flipping through the older issues. Boy had those pages changed. So, I bid. I waited.

Few days later, I was informed I had WON!! I got this magazine for less than $7!!!!!! How could you go wrong with that? Time went by, and no magazine. I thought for sure I had just had my first dealings with a scam artist. But, a few days later, there it was. I picked it up, feeling its nice glossy cover. I read that issue at LEAST 6 times. Hungry for all of that new information that would help push me along.

Now, I can't wait for each issue to arrive. It has been about 6 months since I joined Weight Watchers. Although the work program is over, I still enjoy traditional weekly meetings. I have lost 39 pounds, and if it were not for the support, tips, and motivation I get from the magazine, I may have given up a long time ago.

I feel that the magazine SHOULD be published every month as we only get it every other. This magazine is not for someone who is looking for fashion, beauty, or other "female" type articles. There is usually less than 2 pages on that type of information. The articles are more based on health, weight, and the issues that can arise as a result of these things.

It is possible for someone who is not on Weight Watchers to enjoy the magazine. The tips for weight loss, articles on member losses, and recipes provide lots of inspiration and motivation. Recipes provide healthy nutrition for your body. However, I feel that a person not on Weight Watchers may find all the articles and advertisements a little boring, as it ALL relates to WW and their products. Few other products are mentioned, and if they are there is sure to be a related POINT value printed on it. There are POINT values and related material throughout the entire magazine.

For someone who is on Weight Watchers, you have to get the magazine. Whether you are like me, and searched out a good bargain on eBay, or you buy it directly from the Weight Watchers web site, this magazine supplements your meetings. When you need a new recipe, it is there. If you are going through some physical or mental pain with exercise and weight loss, it is there. Motivation, Inspiration, Tips, Tricks, it is all there too!

UPDATE: 2009
As I look back on many things in life, one thing I regret the most – letting the weight creep back on until it became a huge problem. We all know life gets in the way and we face challenges. I am now back on the Weight Watchers program for guidance and support.

Going back on the program for me means I need my trusty friend. I will be searching for the best deal on the magazine so that I am able to have that trusted friend back by my side.

Weight Watchers magazine is very easy to read. The layout is pretty much the same as any other magazine; although I am sure things have changed since I have read an issue. Every month there are success stories from other members and often times there is a one for extreme motivation from a meeting leader. Every issue also included MANY great recipes, motivational stories, relationship advice (although not a lot like other woman’s magazines), advice on how to dress while losing weight, and generally a personal story from members. The only drawback to the magazine was the advertisements. There are a lot of them and 90% of them are Weight Watcher product related. I guess that is to be expected, but it would be nice if the magazine had more substance and less advertising.