Business Wars Encore: Diet Wars | Reaching for the Stars | 3
Apr 5, 2023
Dive into the chaotic world of diet brands in the 90s as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and Nutri/System scramble to revive their fortunes. Celebrity endorsements become the new secret weapon in a saturated market, bringing both fame and controversy. Explore the rise and fall of weight loss fads, including the notorious Fenfen scandal. Examine how strategic marketing and personal stories challenge the industry's norms, alongside the pressure of celebrity spokespersons. This battle for weight loss dominance showcases the ever-shifting landscape of dieting.
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O'Reilly's Defense of Weight Watchers
- In 1994, Heinz chairman Tony O'Reilly faced skeptical Wall Street analysts worried about Weight Watchers' declining performance.
- O'Reilly defended the brand, citing its past success and the growing obesity epidemic.
Nutrisystem's Gamble on Fen-Fen
- Nutrisystem, struggling after lawsuits, introduced Fen-Fen, a weight loss drug combination.
- While popular, Fen-Fen carried potential side effects, including the rare but serious pulmonary hypertension.
Weight Watchers and the Duchess
- Weight Watchers partnered with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, to launch their 123 Success program.
- The program used a points system to simplify dieting, allowing flexibility in food choices.
