Basically the 'training' a leader gets is based all around the ww food programs and their own weight loss experiences (we all have to have lost weight with WW and are all supposed to be at goal within our healthy BMI, although I am aware some are not for various reasons like pg). We get taught all about the program (which is created by nutrionists) and about addressing weight problem that may be faced by others - but keep in mind we are all very different people with very different personalities, and even us leader disagree on some of the finer points, and the truth is what works for one, may not work for another, which would be one of the reasons that you get the vague answers. Alot of successful weight loss is trial and error - figuring what works and is maintainable for each individual person.

In regards to personalised advice, most leaders try to address each members concern, but when you only have 1hr, with lots of things to do, and maybe 30 odd members, it can be hard to address everyone's concerns individually (although we do try and I would usually try and stay for an extra 15min after the meeting to talk to those people who needed extra help). For a more personalised experience I am aware that in sydney and I think melbourne, there is now WW in Myres stores (not sure if they have started being set up elsewhere, they haven't made their way to ACT yet.) This is a one-on-one consultation, between leader and member.

As for meal replacements, My personal veiw is that they are not sustainable and therefore not the best way to loose weight, we are trying to teach lifestyle changes here, not just loose weight. Having said that I have had members who have been determined to incorporate these into the plan, they have simply had to calculate how many points the replacement is worth and fit it into their points allowance. The offical stance from Weight Watchers is that Leaders are not allowed to talk specifically about any other weightloss program, but that we do not endorse the use of meal replacements.

personally, I am aware places like jenny craig and such offer personalised one on one support, but the price you pay reflects the increased involvement. IMO and from personal experience, Jenny Craig is a good one which uses healthy eating sustainable methods, whereas my personal opinion is that something like Tony ferguson does not. A nutrionist isn't a bad place to go - they actually go to uni and stuy for their degrees. I know quite a few members who use WW and their dr or a nutrionist in conjunction and that seems to work really well. It is about finding what will suit you and your lifstyle.

Good luck