=Weight Watchers (WTW) to change name to 'WW'

Weight Watchers International Inc. (WTW) said Monday it will change its name to WW, as it looks to better reflect its broader role as a consumer health company. The company said its new tagline will be "Wellness that Works," and starting in January 2019, every product sold by WW will have not artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors and preservatives. "We are committed to always being the best weight management program on the planet, but now we're putting our decades of knowledge and expertise in behavioral science to work for an even greater mission," said Chief Executive Mindy Grossman.

Oprah Winfrey, who owns a about an 8% stake in the company according to FactSet, said: "From the moment I chose to invest in the company and join the board, I have believed that the role WW can play in people's lives goes far beyond a number on the scale." The stock has run up 63% over the past 12 months through Friday,

***

People no longer need a weight loss goal to join up, for one. And starting Oct. 4, the company's app will be updated: A new program, WellnessWins (there's that double W again), will reward WW members for things like tracking their meals and attending wellness workshops; the FitPoints algorithm will be more personalized and encourage high-intensity and strength-training exercises; and new groups are being added for people with common interests (think: vegetarians, new moms, yoga fans). WW is also partnering with meditation app company Headspace on customized content that comes out later this fall (first in English only, and later German and French).