Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Cash-Strapped Dieters Drop Weight Loss Programs

Millions drop Weight Watchers

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 30, 2008 3:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Millions of Americans are getting fat on the economic downturn—but not in a good way. As prices for essentials like gas and food spiral, the 20% of the population on a diet are turning away from highly structured weight loss programs like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers in search of less expensive—and likely less effective—solutions, reports Advertising Age.

Dieters are more likely to buy a book or follow an ad hoc program. "They will shift toward less expensive do-it-yourself methods instead of a structured program like Jenny Craig that might cost up to $1,200 over three to four months," said a market research analyst.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Anytime Selections The downturn in the economy is turning dieters off structured expensive diets like Weight watchers and Jenny Craig.
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Anytime Selections The downturn in the economy is turning dieters off structured expensive diets like Weight watchers and Jenny Craig.   (AP Photo)
Diet programs that charge fees are reporting declining demand as rising fuel and food prices put new pressures on the pockebooks of overweight Americans.
Diet programs that charge fees are reporting declining demand as rising fuel and food prices put new pressures on the pockebooks of overweight Americans.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Former Jenny Craig spokesperson Kirstie Alley has reportedly regained much of the weight she lost.
Former Jenny Craig spokesperson Kirstie Alley has reportedly regained much of the weight she lost.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Fatty Foods Scar the Brain

14 Celebs Who've Been Paid to Lose Weight

Weight Watchers Actually Works

Weight Watchers Revamps Points System

Jenny Craig Bets French Women Do Get Fat


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne