OXFORD – Due to popular demand among Oxford Academy staff, Weight Watchers will once again be available after a year-long hiatus, with the first meeting taking place on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in the primary school’s multipurpose room.

The program will be open to both the public as well as to the student body. Students are strongly encouraged to attend, but will need to get a doctor’s permission to participate in the dietary portion of the program.

Weight Watchers provides participants with education on healthy eating as well as important support from people who understand what it feels like to struggle with weight loss. Education on healthy eating in Chenango County is necessary. According to data compiled by the New York State Department of Health, 34.8 percent of 7th and 10th graders are overweight or obese.

The 17-week Weight Watchers program was last implemented in 2011, and many participants saw marked success in reaching their weight loss goals.

“Oh, it helped me alright, but I’ve just been naughty,” said Liz O’Rourke, a member of the Academy staff who participated in the program. According to O’Rourke, while many of participants were helped by the program, interest waned as people met their goals. But after going for a year without group support, some of the participants have gained back the weight they lost.