Jean Nidetch dead: Weight Watchers founder dies aged 91

Nidetch became a celebrity after hosting small meetings in her New York apartment

Jean Nidetch tackled her own obesity problem, then shared her guiding principles with others in meetings that became known as Weight Watchers (AP)

Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch has died at the age of 91, a company spokeswoman has said.

Nidetch, who struggled with weight throughout her life, began the popular programme in the early 60s from her apartment in Queens, New York.

By 1963, the meetings, which emphasized personal responsibility and physical activity along with a fish-heavy diet, outgrew the apartment and she became a celebrity, opening franchises around the world and appearing on national television.

She sold the company to H.J Heinz Co. for around $71 million in 1978.

In 2015, more than 36,000 Weight Watchers meetings take place through franchises across the world, according to spokeswoman Jenny Zimmerman.

Jean Nidetch has died at the age of 91 (Rex)

Singer Jennifer Hudson and former basketball player Charles Barkley were among the millions of members who shed pounds through the programme, and both went on to star in television campaigns for the company.

"Nidetch's philosophy: 'It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny,' became the Weight Watchers credo, inspiring millions to achieve weightloss," the company said in a statement announcing her death.

Additional reporting by AP