Nation Hits the Scales for the First American Cancer Society Great American Weigh In

American Cancer Society
Friday, 28 February 2003

Weight Watchers Founding Sponsor of National Event to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

On March 5, 2003, Americans from coast to coast will hit the scales to take part in the inaugural American Cancer Society Great American Weigh In^SM.

The American Cancer Society is launching the event working with founding sponsor Weight Watchers International, Inc. to help spread the word on the important role that eating well, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight have on reducing the risk of cancer. Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is this year's Great American Weigh In spokesperson.

In 2002, the Society conducted a survey to gauge awareness of the connection between cancer risk, nutrition and physical activity. The survey showed that only one percent of Americans knew that maintaining a healthy weight could reduce their cancer risk.

This year's Great American Weigh In will focus on creating awareness of one of the best ways to assess healthy body weight: Body Mass Index (BMI). Americans will be encouraged to learn their BMI to help determine if they are within a healthy weight range.

"We know that up to a third of cancer deaths are related to diet and physical activity, and that an important means of reducing cancer risk is maintaining a healthy weight," said Mary A. Simmonds, MD, FACP, the Society's president. "Meanwhile, the number of overweight Americans continues to rise. Part of changing that begins with knowing your BMI."

"Weight Watchers is committed to helping Americans achieve and maintain a healthy BMI," said Karen Miller-Kovach, chief scientist at Weight Watchers International. "Maintaining a healthy weight is something everyone can do to help reduce their risk of serious diseases such as cancer," said campaign spokesperson Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York. "It's no longer enough just to know your weight according to a bathroom scale. Knowing your BMI is a better way to gauge whether your weight is putting your health at risk," she said.

Activities celebrating the Great American Weigh In on March 5th include:

• Free weigh ins all day at participating Weight Watchers centers to help people learn their BMI and determine if their weight is healthy or not. They will also receive a FREE "Healthy BMI, Healthy Weight" brochure.
• The American Cancer Society and Weight Watchers will co-sponsor a Congressional briefing with Dr. Simmonds, Harmon J. Eyre, MD, the Society's chief medical officer, and The Duchess of York to educate Congress about the impact that nutrition and physical activity have on cancer risk and other chronic diseases and to encourage the support of members for prevention efforts.
• Local Great American Weigh In events around the country throughout the year.
• Web-based Great American Weigh In activities at www.cancer.org or WeightWatchers.com.

The Great American Weigh In on March 5th is the kick off event to a long-term public health campaign to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Throughout the year Weight Watchers will continue to disseminate the Society's prevention messages to their members.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 17 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Weight Watchers offers safe and sensible weight loss and weight maintenance programs in over 30 countries worldwide. Weight Watchers is committed to helping people achieve and maintain a healthy BMI and to live healthier lives. Weight Watchers contact info: WeightWatchers.com and 1-800-651-6000.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org