Are you tired of nutritional misinformation and confusing fad diets? Dive into a science-backed discussion with Dr. Michelle Cardel, the Chief Nutrition Officer at Weight Watchers, who reveals the rigorous research driving the brand’s evolution into a holistic health program. Discover the startling truth about health inequities in multilingual resources, learn why culturally tailored nutrition is crucial for success, and understand WW’s progressive strategy for supporting members using GLP-1 medications. Learn more about evidence-based weight loss strategies needed for sustainable well-being for yourself and your family.
Key Areas We Discuss
Dr. Cardel’s career evolution from academia to Weight Watchers
Behavioral weight management interventions for medically underserved groups
Solving health inequities in non-English nutrition resources
The necessity of culturally relevant and tailored nutrition education
Parenting strategies: modeling healthy behaviors and discussing health, not weight
Weight Watchers’ program evolution to a holistic four-pillar approach
The science-backed approach to supporting members on GLP-1 medications
Strategies for navigating and combating nutritional misinformation and fad diets
The scientific rationale behind the selection of ZeroPoint foods
The future of personalized nutrition and digital behavior change
About Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD:
Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD is an obesity and nutrition scientist and registered dietitian with a focus on the development and implementation of evidence-based healthy lifestyle strategies, particularly for those from medically-underserved backgrounds. She serves as the Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers and is an adjunct professor and co-Director of the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
Throughout her career, Michelle has authored over 125 scientific publications and received numerous honors including the Excellence in Emerging Outcomes Research award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Superior Accomplishment Award for Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of Florida Health Sciences Center, and the Outstanding Woman Award from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was also awarded Fellow Status for The Obesity Society and Practitioner of the Year, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of obesity.
At WeightWatchers, Michelle oversees clinical research, program innovation, and the food and nutrition database teams. In collaboration with fellow scientists and teams across the organization, she plans and executes research studies, then implements and disseminates the findings for WeightWatchers members, the scientific community and the greater community at large. She also leads the organization’s nutrition point of view using the latest in nutritional science and collaborates across the organization to translate the evidence in member content, programs, and beyond.
