WW isn't "legal" or "illegal" anymore and their pep talks are very sensible and sensitive--depending on the leader. I 've been fortunate to have some really good leaders. I've stopped going to meetings because me and the "hub" have to cut some costs because we're on a limited income but I still keep my journal and cook the WW/IBS foods. I'll never stop because I don't ever want to be plugged up again, nor do I want to gain all the weight back that I struggled so hard to lose. Besides, I like the way I look (in clothes, that is) now!
I also was a skinny minnie when I was in school and even when I got married the first time. I've seen some pictures of me at my shower, and boy, was I thin! But age and body changes sure don't help. I think as long as we like ourselves, who gives a crap what other people think...right? They have no idea about our lives and the rocks and boulders we run into on the way.
We had one leader at WW that was about 70 years old and she had a pretty nice body. She used to tell the story to all the newbies that she lost 400 lbs on WW--the same 10 lbs a year for 40 years. Every year she would gain 10 lbs and then lose it only to gain it back the following year--usually around holiday time. The leaders don't make you feel bad about being fat--they tell you about the choices you have to make--either eat the deep fried fish and chips and gain weight or eat the grilled fish with rice and feel better about the choice you made. I think they decided that their scare tactics were bad for business! I think you're right about WW being in it for the money--corporate-wise, but the leaders really want to help because they've been there. Most of them show you pictures of themselves before they lost weight. And, you have to have lost weight and maintained keeping it off to be a leader. Of course, the money doesn't hurt either!
Keep up the good work, girlie!
-------------------- Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!