Weight Watchers Shoots And Scores With Men

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Weight Watchers International, Inc. today introduced National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer and current "NBA on TNT" studio analyst Charles Barkley as the ambassador of its new Weight Watchers for Men campaign. The dominant and outspoken former power forward and current television personality will appear in print, broadcast, and online marketing beginning December 25, 2011, as part of the new "Lose Like a Man" advertising platform. Losing will be a new role for someone who has focused for so long on winning, but Barkley is confident he can make the change.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 72.3% of U.S. men and 64.1% of women are overweight or obese[1]. Despite the high prevalence of obesity among men, they are often overlooked by the weight loss industry. As an organization, Weight Watchers is making a strong commitment to help men lose weight and think about weight loss differently.

"Diet is not a man's word because we don't like to diet—we like to eat," said Barkley. "Like a lot of athletes, I've gained weight since I've retired. But, I don't want to be a fat, old man taking lots of pills. Weight Watchers is helping me change my lifestyle and learn how to make smarter eating choices anywhere I am."

Barkley has lost 27 pounds and is committed to reaching his personal goals. Given his success already, his broadcast buddies may have to start thinking of a new nickname, as "the round mound of rebound" might not fit much longer. With a travel schedule as busy as Barkley's, other diets or meal plans were too restrictive and unrealistic. Weight Watchers teaches Barkley and other men how to live and eat real food in the real world.

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