NEW YORK, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Weight Watchers International announced the launch of its third annual Walk-It Challenge, an initiative that encourages people to incorporate physical activity, in conjunction with healthier eating habits, into their weight loss goals. Kicking off this month, Weight Watchers members and Online subscribers will have access to an easy-to-use six-week training guide to help them get moving toward walking a 5K, while making regular physical activity a part of their lifestyle.
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Weight Watchers International's commitment to promoting physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle aligns with the recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Guidelines advise reducing calorie consumption, focusing on nutrient dense foods, and increasing physical activity can reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity and reduce the risk of weight-related chronic diseases.
Another component of this year's Walk-It Challenge is Weight Watchers donation of $100,000 to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to support the organization's work to reverse the trend of childhood obesity in America and inspire young people to develop healthy habits for life. The Alliance's Healthy Schools Program supports more than 11,000 U.S. schools as they implement positive changes in physical activity, school meals, and health education to create healthier places for students to learn and staff to work.
"The Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge adds another dimension to achieving weight loss success, and we're thrilled to offer our members and Online subscribers the training tools that will help them reach their goals," said Dave Burwick, President, Weight Watchers North America. "We are also excited to support Alliance for a Healthier Generation and strongly believe that encouraging physical activity at an early age is paramount to helping individuals lead healthy lives."
Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jennifer Hudson is a strong supporter of the Walk-It Challenge, as walking was one of the first steps she took to achieve a healthier lifestyle. "After the birth of my son, I made walking a priority in my life," said Jennifer Hudson. "I knew I wanted to establish an environment for my son that encouraged healthy eating and physical activity. Walking was such a natural and easy way for me to get active. That's why I'm so excited to support the Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge and encourage everyone to take the first step towards achieving their weight loss goals!"
Weight Watchers has declared May 22, 2011 "Walk-It Day," and encourages walkers to join one of over 50 official Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge 5K walking events being hosted across the country by local member clubs of the Road Runners Club of America. Individuals may also explore other walks taking place in their area or map a route for their own 5K. People can visit www.weightwatchers.com/walkit to learn how to participate, find a 5K event and for tools to find a walking team in their area.
To learn more about Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge, Walk-It Day, or to find a 5K walking event close to you, visit www.weightwatchers.com/walkit.
About Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world's leading provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchers holds over 45,000 meetings each week where members receive group support and learn about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity. WeightWatchers.com provides innovative, subscription weight management products over the Internet and is the leading Internet-based weight management provider in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control.
About Alliance for a Healthier Generation
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to address one of the nation's leading public health threats – childhood obesity. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices. Founded in 2005 by the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation, the Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference to a child's health: homes, schools, doctors' offices and communities. To learn more about the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, visit www.HealthierGeneration.org
About Road Runners Club of America
Founded in 1958, the RRCA is the oldest and largest national association of running clubs, running events, and runners. The mission of the RRCA is to promote running and walking as a competitive sport and a healthy physical activity. The RRCA achieves their mission by promoting the common interests of its members through educational opportunities, programs, and services. The organization's membership consists of over 1,100 running clubs and over 5,000 events nationwide.
SOURCE Weight Watchers International, Inc.
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