Latest news with #WW


Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Has James Gunn Cast Adria Arjona in Wonder Woman? DC Co-Head Says ‘I'd Never in a Million Years…'
James Gunn has reacted to the rumors about the casting of Wonder Woman. While there has been no official announcement about locking any actress in for the lead role, fans believe that Adria Arjona would be perfect for the role. However, the DC co-head took to his Threads account and shared that no casting for the role of Wonder Woman has been done yet. Moreover, he also revealed that the actors for the new movie will be locked in only after the script is complete. Further on his social media, the Superman director claimed that he, along with the team, has marked Wonder Woman a priority. With the David Corenswet starrer garnering good reviews, the upcoming film has been fast-paced. James Gunn on casting of Wonder Woman The DC boss, on Threads, responded to the queries about the casting of Wonder Woman. Gunn shared, "...We're also not casting WW, nor even discussing it, until a script is finished.' Furthermore, the director went on to talk about Milly Alcock's casting in Supergirl. After dropping the first poster of the film, the co-head of DCU replied to a post claiming that the actress was roped in based on her previous roles. Gunn stated, "Nope. And I'd never in a million years look for a major role based on whether they did TV, films, or whatever. It's all about the casting. I didn't cast Milly because of her past, but because she was the best one for the role." He went on to explain that Alcock was perfect to play the character and hence was cast in the film. Another one of the users asked if Wonder Woman was fast-paced at the studios, considering the success of Superman. To this, the DC head shared, 'It's a priority but I wouldn't call that fast-tracked. Nothing is going to be shot unless we're as sure as we can be that the script is good.' Speaking about Arjona's casting, Gunn clarified that just because he follows the actress on Instagram does not mean that she has got the role in his film. Details about DC's Wonder Woman will be rolled out soon.


Metro
11-07-2025
- Health
- Metro
Inside the slimming clubs fighting for survival against Ozempic and AI
Are slimming clubs still as relevant in 2025? (Picture: Getty) 'I've gone through Emma's* diet plan and we're going to cut back on the bananas at breakfast,' the weight loss consultant explains to a room of women, aged between 40 and 80. I am one of them in the £5.95 session, ready to have my eating habits analysed by consultant Sandra*, who previously lost 10st on the programme. However, before me, there's Cheryl*. At the Slimming World meeting in a London community hall, Sandra points out that her daily lattes and brandy nightcaps could be delaying progress. When the room's reaction becomes a bit too lively, she quickly reminds them that Cheryl has been through a difficult time and shouldn't be too hard on herself. With natural warmth, Sandra continues to easily recall everyone's individual circumstances (from upcoming holidays to their previous week's loss) and names, including mine. 'Why are you here, Josie?' she asks, as all eyes lock in on me. I explain that it would be nice to feel more at ease in my body. 'You want to live your best life,' Sandra quickly responds. As someone who used to accompany their mum to slimming clubs in the early 00s, I am also here to understand where they fit in today's weight loss landscape, especially after it was reported earlier this year that WW (formerly Weight Watchers) is planning to file for bankruptcy. I've seen the power slimming clubs can wield. I can remember being around eight, sitting next to my mum, a committed member, who would take me along when my dad was working late. I'd see her mood flatten if she didn't have the week she'd hoped, or her happiness increasing if she'd been 'lucky' by managing to still lose despite breaking some guidelines. I would attend clubs with my mum when I was younger (Picture: Supplied) In a recent honest conversation, my mum expressed regret at ever taking me. 'In hindsight, you probably shouldn't have listened to so much weight talk at a young age, as it's not something you should have been concerned about at all. You have to remember that this was before the body positivity movement, and we weren't fully aware of what could harm self-esteem,' she explained. I did manage to get through pretty unscathed, as I always saw my mum's participation as her thing and not something I should necessarily worry about. I also witnessed, back then — and still here, in 2025 — people creating a safe space to share struggles. At the London slimming club, there's friendly applause celebrating losses, and hands placed gently on backs if someone is talking about any difficulties. Where it all began Jean Nidetch is the founder of WW (Picture: Susan Farley/Newsday RM via Getty Images) It was in 1961 when New Yorker Jean Nidetch began gathering other housewives at her home each week to share the weight loss advice she'd been following from the New York City Board of Health. Sensing an appetite, savvy Jean licensed her speeches, trained others to be leaders and launched Weight Watchers, which saw membership peak in around 2018 with nearly five million subscribers worldwide. The UK's Slimming World franchise wasn't far behind, launching in 1969, with around 700,000 members per week at its most popular. Explaining the allure of slimming clubs, registered dietitian and Diets Debunked founder, Kate Hilton, tells Metro: 'Some believe, particularly women, that losing weight is the miracle cure for all issues and will lead to happiness, which slimming clubs very much market themselves at. They spiked in the 90s and 00s as society made people feel being overweight was a personal failing, and groups were seen as the solution.' Lisa, 55, knows this all too well. 'When I was nine, I weighed 8 stone, so my mother took me to the doctor who said I was obese,' she remembers. 'Mum went to Weight Watchers, so she decided to bring me along with her. I remember them saying that I couldn't officially be part of the programme because of my age, but I still went on the scales.' Lisa began thinking about her weight when she was just nine (Picture: Supplied) How do the slimming club diets work? Slimming World Slimming World puts food into three categories – Free Foods, Healthy Extras, and Syns. Free Foods are unlimited and naturally lower in calories for their weight, such as lean meat, eggs, fish, pasta, potatoes, fruit and vegetables. Healthy Extras are divided into A) milk and cheese, and B) wholemeal bread, breakfast cereals, nuts and seeds. Members can have two Healthy Extra 'A' choices and one Healthy Extra 'B' choice per day. Syns are foods higher in calories, like biscuits, sweets and alcohol. Each has a value, and members choose how to use their 5-15 Syns. WW Members receive a daily SmartPoints budget based on their weight, height, age, sex, and activity level. SmartPoints are assigned in relation to the nutritional value of food and drink. Calories are the baseline; saturated fat and sugar increase the SmartPoints, while protein drives it down. Certain nutrient-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, have zero SmartPoints attached. Since then, learning support assistant Lisa has been in and out of slimming groups. Her stints have ranged from a couple of weeks to two years, and in adulthood, her weight has fluctuated between 11st 10lbs and 19st 5lbs. 'You think you're the only one having a tough time with weight, but the groups are great for showing you're not,' she explains. 'I remember one woman who couldn't stop putting cream on her cornflakes, and we'd all have a laugh over that, rather than judge her as others might. I've had some great times and made close friends.' Lisa lost weight for her wedding in 2001 (Picture: Supplied) Former primary school teacher Kim, 54, has been a Slimming World consultant for 25 years after losing four and a half stone on the programme. 'All consultants understand what it's like to lose weight because we've been there,' she tells Metro. 'Before slimmers arrive, they can sometimes carry a lot of guilt, but we're all human beings, and losing weight, and then maintaining it, isn't easy. Once people walk through the doors of a Slimming World group, though, they see they're not alone. It gives me goosebumps when I think about members who are 18 and 80 supporting each other. There will always be merit in getting that human contact when losing weight.' Kim won a Gold Award for her dedication to supporting members (Picture: Supplied) While Dietitian Kate agrees that the community aspect can motivate people and offer structure, she also points out that many weight loss groups sometimes have 'rules that don't make sense'. 'On Slimming World, mashed bananas are counted as [five] Syns, but unmashed bananas are zero, despite them having the same nutritional value,' she explains. 'The rules can be contradictory, which builds upon the feeling of shame when it comes to certain eating choices.' Lisa admits that she is doubtful about returning to a slimming club for the ninth time. 'It is a struggle to maintain the mindset needed,' she says. 'I turn to food for everything. I reward myself and drown my sorrows with food — that can't be fixed with weekly weigh-ins.' The competition The decline of real-life slimming clubs is down to a variety of factors, says Kate. 'Diets come in fads — at the moment, carnivore diets [a diet of meat, eggs, fish, and some dairy products] are all the rage. Slimming groups kept with the same old, and it got boring.' The rise of the internet also allowed people to access workouts and detailed diet plans from fitness influencers and apps, often at no cost. And, of course, AI is changing things too. 'We live online more, so people are using AI, which is free, to help them plan their meals,' adds Kate. Kitty felt embarrassed to attend weight-loss clubs (Picture: Supplied) Trainee nurse Kitty, 22, tells Metro that she can't remember a time she wasn't insecure about her weight, and although she tried WW as a teenager after seeing her mum and nan have success with it, she used the app as she was embarrassed for anyone to know. 'I felt like it was weird that I was trying to lose this weight when my friends were just living,' the Gen Zer recalls. Over 18 months, Kitty went from 18st 7lbs to 12st 7lbs by sticking to the regime and through personal training sessions at a local gym, but then ended up losing a further stone on the low-carb high-fat Keto diet. 'Weight Watchers and Slimming World are associated with slower weight loss, but there are other diets that are advertised as having super quick results,' she explains. 'When you're younger, you don't care about how healthy the weight loss methods are, you want the quick results.' Asked if she felt any better, Kitty admits: 'When I wore clothes that I wanted to wear, I felt good — but I was still comparing myself to other girls my age and models with 'perfect' bodies on social media.' Slimming clubs are also facing serious competition from injectable prescription medication for weight loss, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, originally used to treat diabetes. An estimated 1.5 million Brits** are now using the drugs, which work by suppressing appetite and lengthening the amount of time food stays in the stomach. Both Lisa and Kitty are considering them. 'When I was at my biggest, I hadn't even heard of weight-loss injections, but I probably would have considered them if I had,' says Kitty. 'Back then, I couldn't just go out and enjoy food with friends without thinking about it, but the jabs could have made that part a bit easier.' However, she adds, she'd want to do more research first, especially as there have been so many varying stories of their success and side effects. While one US study reported that half of the weight lost during traditional diets is regained within two years, and more than 80% in five years, recent research from the University of Oxford has found it is similar for semaglutides, with most weight returning within a year after stopping weight loss jabs. Can clubs survive? WW, which once had Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, as an ambassador, is going through a change (Picture: Bob Levey/WireImage for Ketchum Entertainment Marketing) In a telling business move, WW is now working with CheqUp, a provider of weight-loss drugs. James Hunt, Deputy CEO of CheqUp, said in a statement: 'There is no doubt that the addition of WeightWatchers' breakthrough GLP-1 companion programme will add enormously to our patients' ability to achieve sustainable weight loss through its science-backed and proven programmes, together with their global community of like-minded individuals.' Kim, whose sessions on the Isle of Wight can attract up to 120 people, insists that 'injections are not a silver bullet'. She adds: 'People need wraparound care because they don't work for everybody. Even when medication is effective, the weight can come back on once they stop taking it. We welcome people who take weight loss jabs to take part in Slimming World and get that extra support around sustainable changes.' After my session, I know I won't be signing up for Slimming World membership anytime soon. I am not in a place where I want to follow a diet plan, but that's not to say I never will be. I can see how they can help people get healthier, as long as they also keep the perspective that weight is probably the least interesting thing about humans. As for banana Syn-gate… Kim says to me, 'Shall we address the elephant in the room? If I were to give you a couple of bananas right now, Josie, it would be quite filling, but if we were to mash them in a bowl, there's less chewing involved, that banana is going to slide down more easily, and it may not fill you up so you'd reach for something else as well. We are ultimately a weight loss company, and we're going to protect members' losses. It's not because we're being awkward.' Bananas aside, dietitian Kate has her own advice: 'Ultimately, there are hundreds of reasons why we eat the way we eat, and if we're not tackling them – whether it be emotional, comfort, financial or social – then eventually the diet is going to fail.' *Names have been changed **IVQO ***Medical Clinics of North America Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below.


Geek Feed
30-05-2025
- Business
- Geek Feed
Sorry Marvel Fans, Black Panther Game Cancelled
It was back in 2023 when it was announced that a Black Panther game was in the works, but it looks like that won't be happening at EA anymore. According to IGN, a recent round of layoffs at EA has led to the cancellation of the Black Panther game, and the closing down of the studio that was working on it, Cliffhanger Games. Not much has been known about the game, but it does come from developers who had worked at Monolith Games while they were making the also-cancelled Wonder Woman game. I even speculated that they were retooling their WW title for BP , but it looks like both projects went down the drain. As far as we know, Black Panther was supposed to be a single-player, open-world, action game. Though this Panther may not be able to get his title, the character is playable in Marvel Rivals as well as the upcoming game Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra which is expected to come out sometime next year. Despite the closing of Cliffhanger, EA is still adamant that its partnership with Marvel will continue. Panther was one of a three-game deal which also includes Iron Man as well as another unannounced title. As far as their deal with Marvel goes, the e-mail from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele read, 'Our partnership with Marvel remains strong and our multi-title, long-term collaboration continues.' No specific release date has been announced for Rise of Hydra , but fans can expect it to come out sometime next year. Marvel Rivals is now playable for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5.


The Guardian
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
WeightWatchers scraps business model to team up with anti-obesity drugs provider
WeightWatchers is teaming up with a provider of weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, in a seismic shift for the brand away from a focus on dieting as it tries to turn around its struggling business. WeightWatchers, which has promoted a non-medical, points-based approach to food intake since its creation in the 1960s, has announced a strategic partnership in the UK with CheqUp, a provider of GLP-1 weight-loss medication and accompanying clinical support and health coaching. The partnership comes weeks after WeightWatchers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US, as it tries to cut its debt after the popularity of anti-obesity injections upended its model. All CheqUp members will be able to access a WeightWatchers app, which has been specifically designed for people on weight-loss injections, with guidance from experts on food recommendations to minimise the side effects of the medication, such as nausea, while supporting healthy weight loss. The two companies said the tie-up would help patients who are 'seeking sustainable weight loss through GLP-1 medication and behavioural support', with their 'complementary offerings' allowing patients to achieve better results than with medication alone. Known for its trademark points-based programme, WeightWatchers – which rebranded as WW in 2018 – has had millions of followers worldwide, who bought branded cookbooks and ready meals, used its food-tracking app and attended local meetings with weekly weigh-ins. But demand for its services has fallen in recent years, as people hoping to lose weight increasingly turning to injections such as Wegovy, which contains the drug semaglutide, and Mounjaro, which contains the drug tirzepatide. Trials showed the drugs can help people lose significant amounts of weight, with many seeking private prescriptions. US-listed WeightWatchers, which once boasted TV talkshow host Oprah Winfrey as one of its top shareholders, has seen its shares lose 82% of their value so far this year. Winfrey, who had been the public face for the diet company since 2015, announced in February last year she was leaving WW and giving away all her shares, shortly after she revealed that her recent weight-loss was due to taking anti-obesity drugs. Obesity experts have called on the NHS to accelerate the use of weight-loss jabs to tackle the obesity crisis, which is linked to numerous long-term conditions including cancer, heart disease, dementia and diabetes, and also puts a huge strain on the health service. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion However, WeightWatchers may be banking on other recent findings that have shown that people taking weight-loss drugs regain all the weight they have lost within a year of stopping the medication if they do not make any changes to their lifestyle. 'The data is clear – we see in the US, that our members on obesity medications who also participate in our nutritional and behavioural lifestyle programme, lose 11% more weight on average than those using the medication alone,' said Scott Honken, chief commercial officer at WeightWatchers. 'At WeightWatchers, we recognise the demand for GLP-1 medications in the UK is growing as more people seek effective weight management solutions,' he added. James Hunt, deputy chief executive of CheqUp said: 'There is no doubt that the addition of WeightWatchers' breakthrough GLP-1 companion programme will add enormously to our patients' ability to achieve sustainable weight loss through its science-backed and proven programmes, together with their global community of like-minded individuals.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WW Q4 Earnings Call: Product Integration, Subscriber Challenges, and Strategic Reset
Personal wellness company WeightWatchers (NASDAQ:WW) reported Q4 CY2024 results topping the market's revenue expectations , but sales fell by 10.5% year on year to $184.4 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.32 per share was significantly above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy WW? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $184.4 million vs analyst estimates of $175.7 million (10.5% year-on-year decline, 5% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.32 vs analyst estimates of $0.07 (significant beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $49.74 million vs analyst estimates of $46.36 million (27% margin, 7.3% beat) Operating Margin: 19.6%, up from -2.9% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow Margin: 2.4%, down from 3.6% in the same quarter last year Members: 3.34 million, down 462,000 year on year Market Capitalization: $22.56 million WeightWatchers' Q4 results reflected the ongoing transformation in the weight management industry, as the company navigates both subscriber declines and rapid changes in consumer preferences. Management attributed the quarter's performance to continued headwinds in its traditional behavioral business, partially offset by robust growth in its clinical segment, which benefited from new offerings and improved access to weight loss medications. CEO Tara Comonte noted, 'We're focused on stabilizing and rebuilding for long-term sustainable growth,' highlighting recent product updates and operational changes as leading indicators of future momentum. Looking ahead, management's forward guidance centers on stabilizing the subscriber base, integrating clinical and behavioral programs, and addressing challenges related to medication supply and competitive marketing. The company emphasized the need for disciplined investment given high interest expenses and signaled that 2025 will be a year of resetting expectations. Comonte acknowledged, 'Transformations take time and they take investments,' while CFO Felicia DellaFortuna stated that ongoing cost controls and product enhancements are expected to help position WeightWatchers for gradual recovery. WeightWatchers' leadership focused on the dual challenge of declining traditional subscribers and growing clinical offerings. The company's fourth quarter was shaped by new product features, deeper integration of its clinical business, and ongoing cost restructuring as it adapts to a changing competitive landscape and evolving consumer demand. Clinical segment momentum: Clinical subscriber growth accelerated, driven by improved access to weight loss medication and the addition of generic and compounded options. Management highlighted that clinical members deliver higher lifetime value and retention rates, and that expanding this business remains a top priority. Product innovation deployment: Several new features were launched, including an AI-powered food scanner, a recipe importer, and macro nutrient tracking. Management reported these updates have led to higher member engagement and reactivation, particularly among previously inactive users. Behavioral business pressure: The traditional behavioral business continued to experience recruitment and retention challenges, with management citing ongoing competitive pressures and shifting consumer preferences toward medication-assisted solutions. Cost reduction efforts: The company has actioned the majority of its $100 million run-rate cost savings target, resulting in increased operating margins and a leaner cost structure. Further operational reviews and AI-driven automation are planned to unlock additional efficiencies. Capital structure constraints: High debt levels and annual interest obligations are limiting the ability to invest aggressively in growth initiatives. Management has engaged advisors to explore options for improving financial flexibility and noted that the balance sheet will remain a key constraint in the near term. Management's outlook for 2025 is centered on stabilizing the core business, expanding clinical offerings, and balancing growth investments with ongoing financial constraints amid a highly competitive environment. Integration of clinical and behavioral: Deeper integration of clinical (medication) and behavioral (lifestyle change) programs is expected to improve member outcomes and engagement, which management believes will support a gradual return to growth. Product experience enhancements: Ongoing product innovation—including AI-driven personalization and new digital tools—aims to increase engagement and retention, but immediate impacts on subscriber growth may be limited by market dynamics. Marketing and capital discipline: Continued high customer acquisition costs, combined with heavy debt obligations, require careful allocation of resources. Management plans to shift spending toward higher-impact initiatives while maintaining strict cost controls, but acknowledges this may limit near-term subscriber acquisition. Nathan Feather (Morgan Stanley): Asked about early signs of improved member acquisition and retention following product changes. Management cited higher activation rates but said it is too early to see direct financial impacts. Nathan Feather (Morgan Stanley): Inquired about the role of generic and compounded medications in clinic growth. Donna Boyer, Chief Product Officer, explained that broader access—especially through compounding—drove subscriber gains despite ongoing branded medication shortages. Michael Lasser (UBS): Pressed on how WeightWatchers can avoid a downward spiral of declining subscribers and constrained resources. CEO Tara Comonte emphasized leveraging the brand's legacy, ongoing product innovation, and careful capital allocation. Michael Lasser (UBS): Asked about the sustainability of clinical subscriber growth and the cash needed to service debt. CFO Felicia DellaFortuna stated that a higher mix of clinical subscribers supports stronger margins, but volume challenges remain in the behavioral segment. Alex Fuhrman (Craig-Hallum): Sought clarity on strategies if compounded medication access is lost. Management said it will pivot to branded and alternative medications where possible and closely monitor developments in supply and regulation. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will watch (1) the pace of clinical subscriber growth and the impact of expanded medication access, (2) execution on integrating clinical and behavioral offerings to boost engagement and retention, and (3) management's ability to further reduce costs and improve capital flexibility. Developments in medication supply, regulatory changes, and the effectiveness of new digital features will also be important to track. WeightWatchers currently trades at a forward EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 0.2×. At this valuation, is it a buy or sell post earnings? Find out in our free research report. Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. 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