MEDIA RELEASE JANUARY 2013

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTRODUCES NEW AMBASSADOR FOR 2013 – SINGER, MAHALIA BARNES

Weight Watchers Australasia proudly announces its first local weight-loss ambassador in more than 10 years – Mahalia Barnes . The singer, songwriter whose soulful blues sound captivated audiences of Channel Nine’s juggernaut The Voice , has joined Watchers family and launches today (7 January 2013) as the face of a new marketing campaign, which aims to empower and inspire women who want to lose weight.

Mahalia – mother of 3-year-old, Ruby, and daughter of Aussie rock legend, – will appear in Weight Watchers television and print ads. She has been candid about her reasons for wanting to lose weight and why she is working with Weight Watchers:

“I hadn’t weighed myself for a long time and I was pretty shocked when I did. I knew I’d gained some weight after I had my daughter Ruby, but she’s three now, the baby-weight excuse was getting a bit tired .

“I decided I wanted to lose weight to feel better and to have more energy for my daughter. I also want to set a good example for her. Weight Watchers is great for me because I am still eating the foods I love, and I can cook and prepare my own meals – which I am passionate about! I am learning to control my portions and make healthier choices. The great news is I have been losing weight consistently, every week since I started. I feel good. I have more energy. I am having fun and everyone is benefitting!”

Mahalia, is following the Weight Watchers 360˚ program just as any member would and attends a weekly meeting with her Weight Watchers Leader for full support. As an avid home cook, she uses the Weight Watchers App for tracking, meal planning and recipe tips. She began her Weight Watchers weight-loss journey in October 2012 and is totally on track, losing around a kilo a week since she started.

“Mahalia has shared with us that she wants to make a positive change in her life and introduce healthy habits and routines that will help her to achieve and maintain a healthy weight,” said Kate Russo, Mahalia’s Weight Watchers Leader.

She continued: “Weight Watchers 360˚ offers a sensible and sustainable approach to weight loss, through healthy eating patterns, changing behavior and increased physical activity. Mahalia is extremely focused, and that combined with the strength and support of Weight Watchers leaves me in no doubt she will continue make the healthy changes she is looking for.”

As a busy, working mother, with a hectic personal and professional life, including tours, appearances and interstate travel, together with the juggle of family life, the Weight Watchers 360˚ Program, is perfect for Mahalia as it completely works with her schedule. She can still eat the foods she loves, cook and enjoy her family’s favourite meals or dine out.

Upon fully discovering the Weight Watchers 360˚ philosophy, Mahalia also recommended a song she had written - Counting On You 2013 - and has produced and recorded it as part of the ad campaign. The single can be found on the TVC via Shazam and is available to download via iTunes.

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For further information, high-res images and/or to arrange an interview with Weight Watchers Australasia ambassador, Mahalia Barnes, please contact: Sally Burleigh, SBPR Michelle Durham, Weight Watchers Tel: 612 9281 1692 Tel: Mob: 0419 516 889 Mob: 0404 666 298 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Note to editors: Weight Watchers is Australasia's largest and most effective weight management support system, with one in three Australian women having taken part in the program since its introduction almost 50 years ago. Weight Watchers is a member of the Weight Management Council Australia and a signatory to the Weight Management Code of Practice, providing a healthy and sustainable weight-loss approach with proven efficacy.

Recent recognition of Weight Watchers efficacy includes ranking #1 program for ‘Best Weight-Loss Diet’, ‘Easiest Diet to Follow’ and ‘Best Commercial Diet Plan’ in the 2012 ‘Best Diet’ ranking by US News & World Report. Medical journal recognition includes The Lancet, following a trial whereby overweight and obese adults referred to Weight Watchers by their GP lost more than twice as much weight as those who followed a standard care program run by their GP. Additionally, a trial published in the British Medical Journal found that overweight and obese adults referred to Weight Watchers achieved significantly greater weight loss one year after the trial than those in a control group.

The ongoing success of the Weight Watchers program is based on its flexible approach to weight loss and lifestyle change. Members can follow the ProPoints Plan in a multitude of convenient ways including community meetings, online, one-on-one consultations at Myer (Australia only), at work or at home right across Australasia. The system also includes Weight Watchers extensive supermarket foods range and monthly magazine, which ranks among the leading health and lifestyle titles in Australia.