Weight Watchers International is an American company that offers various products and services to assist weight loss and maintenance. Founded in 1963 by Queens, New York, homemaker Jean Nidetch, it now operates in about 30 countries around the world, generally under names that are local translations of "Weight Watchers". The core philosophy behind Weight Watchers programs is to use a science-driven approach to help participants lose weight by forming helpful habits, eating smarter, getting more exercise, and providing support.
At 12 months Weight Watchers is associated with 2.6% more weight loss than those who were in a control group.
The term weight-watcher, in the same sense, had circulated publicly for several years before the company was formed.
Weight Watchers claims that members who both use Weight Watchers’ Web-based eTools and attend meetings lose half again as much weight as those who only attend meetings.