According to the American Cancer

Society, about 35 percent of cancer deaths in the U.S. annually are attributable

to poor nutrition and excess body weight, and could have been prevented

through a combination of healthier eating habits, regular physical activity,

and weight control.

Throughout today, free BMI

screening and information on cancer prevention will be available to the

public at participating Weight Watchers locations nationwide. In addition,

this year the American Cancer Society Great American Weigh In will be

expanded into the workplace to include many of the U.S. companies who

offer Weight Watchers At Work meetings on site. During the first week

of March, these participating companies will offer their employees weigh

ins and provide information on how to reduce their cancer risk through

healthy eating and exercise.

"Most working Americans

spend the majority of their day at the office, so it makes sense to focus

people's attention on what they can do to improve their health both

during the workday and after it," said Ralph B. Vance, MD, FACP,

the American Cancer Society's national volunteer president. "We

also want companies to become more aware of how they can help their employees

and by offering their workers on-site health promotion programs and opportunities

to participate in community-based physical activity events."

"Healthy weight is the

result of a healthy lifestyle that encompasses home, work, and leisure,"

said Karen Miller-Kovach, MS, RD, chief scientific officer, Weight Watchers

International, Inc. "Healthy weight not only improves a person's

quality of life, it is vital to preserving health and preventing illness."

In addition to the American

Cancer Society Great American Weigh In, the Society and Weight Watchers

have a continuing commitment to promoting healthy weight as part of a

healthy lifestyle. Throughout the year, Weight Watchers disseminates the

Society's cancer prevention messages to its staff and members nationally.

The American Cancer Society

is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving

lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research,

education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters

in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in

3,300 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United

States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or

visit www.cancer.org.

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