Making the decision to join a group like Weight Watchers can be intimidating. You don't know what to expect, how the meetings are run, or whether or not it will work for you. While it may take you some time to find a meeting and a leader you are comfortable with, there are certain common factors that you can expect to find at any Weight Watchers meeting you attend.
Registration
When you arrive at your Weight Watchers meeting, you will be asked to fill out registration information. It is a good idea to arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled meeting time to give you enough time to fill out the information, as well as ask any questions you may have. You will also have to pay during this time. Fees may vary from area to area, so it is best to call ahead.
Weigh In
Those scales may look scary, but they are not as intimidating as they seem. No one will call out your weight or even say it out loud. Weight Watcher leaders are discreet and careful--your weight is always a secret. They will ask you to step on the scale with your shoes on, but they do subtract 2 lbs. for the weight of your clothing and shoes.
Your Weight Range and 10 Percent
During your first weigh-in, you will be shown a chart known as the Body Mass Index. This will show you the ideal weight range for your height. Although you do not have to select a goal weight your first night, it is a good idea to understand what range your ideal weight may fall in, so you will have an idea of what you are shooting for. Additionally, you will learn your "10 Percent" goal--how much weight you must lose to have gotten rid of 10 percent of your body weight.
The Meeting
The meeting itself takes about 30 minutes. It usually begins with rewards--everything from losing 5 lbs. to drinking all your water for the week is celebrated at Weight Watchers. After that, your leader will begin that week's program, which usually focuses on one of the Weight Watchers guidelines. Members are encouraged to participate, so feel free to put your hand up if you're confused, or share a story about a difficulty or triumph that you may have faced recently.
Programming Review
After the meeting, your leader will take a few minutes to meet with new members and go over the program with them. This usually takes no more than 15 minutes. All the questions you may have will be answered here, from portion sizes to exercise.
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