Weight Watchers is targeting teens with a new free program. That's a problem.

Weight Watchers this week has announced its plans to offer free six-week memberships to kids as young as 13, beginning mid this year in the US.

The company's move is part of a bigger plan to grow revenue and a loyal customer base for life. (Start 'em young, right?)

In a statement to Fairfax Media, Weight Watchers Australia confirmed the rollout – which made headlines in the US – would be extending to our shores.

"Our goal is to help those who need healthy habits to develop them at this critical life-stage; this is not about dieting," the statement read, adding that children will "be required to go to one of our meeting locations for their parent/guardian to provide consent, as we know a family-based approach is critical at this age".

"We think there's a real opportunity to make an impact on a problem that is not currently being addressed effectively," the statement concluded.

With celebrity names such as Oprah Winfrey, who is on the board of directors, and DJ Khaled, the latest spokesperson for Weight Watchers in the US, the company is on track to exert powerful influence on people far and wide. Kids will undoubtedly pay a heavy price for this "free" membership, in the form of body shame.

It will not only affect those who participate, but also every other teen who is exposed to the message that some bodies are "problems," and if you're at a higher weight, your body needs to be fixed. Thus, kids of all sizes will have something to fear.

Source: smh