Weight Watchers® Ranked "Best Weight-Loss Diet" And "Easiest Diet To Follow" By U.S. News & World Report

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The experts have spoken, and Weight Watchers once again reigns supreme in the 2014 Best Diets rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report, earning the top spot in three categories. Weight Watchers is ranked #1 for "Best Weight Loss Diet" and "Best Commercial Diet Plan" – each for the fourth consecutive year – as well as for "Easiest Diet to Follow," holding this title since the category was added three years ago. Weight Watchers was also the highest-ranked commercial diet in the "Best Diets for Healthy Eating" category.

U.S. News' panel of health experts, including nutritionists and physicians specializing in diabetes, heart health and weight loss, scored each diet for short- and long-term weight loss, ease of compliance, safety and nutrition. Diets were ranked in eight categories, including diabetes and heart disease prevention and control, as well as easiness to follow and likelihood of weight loss. For more information about the rankings, visit Best Diets 2014. The repeated top rankings are consistent with the clinical evidence of the effectiveness of the Weight Watchers approach, which is based on more than 80 peer reviewed studies that establish the program's efficacy.

"We're very proud to receive top recognition from a trusted resource such as U.S. News and World Report and it only furthers our desire to continue providing the 'best' and 'easiest' program out there," said Lesya Lysyj, President, North America, Weight Watchers. "Weight Watchers has helped millions of people to lose weight and achieve their goals for more than 50 years, yet we recognize and understand that getting started can often be the hardest part. So, while we venture forward with our successful PointsPlus^® approach, we're also excited to introduce the new Simple Start plan because we believe it will help members to jumpstart their New Year goals and discover a new beginning with Weight Watchers by their side."

Although too new to be included as part of this most recent U.S. News and World Report ranking, Simple Start is designed to provide a successful on-ramp to weight loss success with the Weight Watchers PointsPlus program. Research shows that a strong start in the initial phase of a weight-loss program has proven to be an important indicator of short and long-term success¹. Whether by attending meetings or following the plan completely online, new Simple Start from Weight Watchers is a straightforward, 2-week starter plan supported by a helpful companion mobile app available to Weight Watchers Online and eTools subscribers.  For two weeks, members and subscribers can choose from a suggested menu of no-brainer meals built on a foundation of satisfying Power Foods, which are the healthiest and most filling food choices within categories, including whole grains, lean proteins, non-fat dairy and fresh fruits and vegetables.

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 40,000 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 provider of these products 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.

1. Nackers, L. et al. (2010) The Association Between Rate of Initial Weight Loss and Long-Term Success in Obesity Treatment: Does Slow and Steady Win the Race?. Int.J. Behav. Med. 17:161–167.

SOURCE Weight Watchers International, Inc.