Health Notices
The WW weight loss and wellness plan is developed by respected health professionals. However, WW isn't a medical organisation and we can't give you medical advice. We strongly urge you to consult with your GP before starting any plan that could result in weight loss, even if weight loss is not your goal. We encourage you to maintain your weight within the healthy weight guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation, equivalent to a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5-25.0. However, we recognise that BMI is an imperfect measure of an individual’s health and that other factors such as waist circumference, a value not collected by WW, may be a more robust predictor of certain health outcomes. You can calculate your BMI here.
We also urge you to get periodic medical checkups. Weight loss can create physical changes that should be medically monitored. Studies have shown, for example, that weight loss can aggravate gall bladder illness. Medical monitoring is especially important for people with a known medical condition. The program encourages a healthier pattern of eating and the development of healthy lifestyle habits, however it isn't intended to treat any illness or disease. In addition:
WW does not accept any individual under the age of 18 for membership or participation in WW’s offerings.
If you are being treated for a health condition or illness, taking prescription medication, or following a therapeutic diet to treat a disease, it's especially important to show the WW weight loss plan to your GP. Any modifications made to the plan by your GP should be followed.
The WW weight loss program is designed for a safe rate of weight loss - up to 1 kilogram per week (after the first three weeks). If you lose at a greater rate, you must review the program guidelines and adapt them, if necessary, to avoid rapid weight loss. Not following the program as designed may pose the risk of developing health complications associated with rapid weight loss. If you continue to lose weight at a greater rate after the first couple of weeks, you must review the guidelines to ensure that you are eating the appropriate amount of food.
You are not required to set a weight loss goal to join WW. You may opt to maintain your current weight while developing healthy habits.
We recommend that you monitor your weight once per week. If your weight falls below guidelines for a healthy weight, WW recommends that you discuss your goals for participating in WW with your GP. WW will provide a dietary intake target that promotes a healthy weight. Not following the program as designed may pose the risk of developing health complications associated with low body weight.
Individual weight loss varies, therefore we can’t predict how long it will take you to lose your weight.