The Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC) and Weight Watchers have issued a recall of more than 400,000 plush "Hungry" toys because Weight Watchers employees found sewing needles inside two of the toys.
The "Hungry" character is part of Weight Watchers' new ad campaign, which features the orange, plush monster following workers around the office, reminding them that they're hungry.
I have to wonder why Weight Watchers clients would buy a stuffed toy that reminds them that they've only eaten a carrot stick today. When I'm trying to lose weight, I certainly never need anything to remind me that I'm hungry! I even went on a tirade because the Food Network was always playing in my gym's locker room. For me, strapping on my heart monitor while watching Paula Deen slather two sticks of butter over her bacon was a bit too much to take.
Toy safety and careless manufacturing practices are very serious issues, and fortunately no injuries have been reported, but I had to chuckle when I pictured that nagging little monster actually inflicting pain on dieters. I'll leave that job to my trainer.
Photo © CPSC
“I have to wonder why Weight Watchers clients would buy a stuffed toy that reminds them that they’ve only eaten a carrot stick today.”
Oh, please! First of all, the little guy is adorable. More importantly, though, Weight Watchers is a fantastic guide for healthy eating for those who may have struggled to develop good habits. It’s not about starving yourself and living on carrot sticks – it’s about eating healthy portions of real food and learning how to have an occasional treat without overeating!