The River Group is set to unveil a redesigned look in the March issue of Weight Watchers Magazine, which hits the shops this week.

According to River, it is the first time in over a decade that the magazine has a male cover star in the form of Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace, and in a first for the title a reader as guest editor.

Hairdresser Sophie James, who lost 7 stone with Weight Watchers, won a competition to be on the cover and interview Gregg Wallace. She also helped the team put the magazine together and wrote some copy.

The magazine has also launched its first national campaign which is aimed at persuading cinemas to offer a choice of portion sizes and healthier snacks.

Editorial director Mary Frances says: “The shocking truth is that you consume what should be your daily calorie intake just by having a large popcorn and Pepsi at the cinema. And because there is little choice, our readers tell us they find the cinema the most challenging environment for weight control. We are simply asking for a choice of smaller portions and healthier snacks such as fruit and low-fat crisps.”

2013 is a big year for Weight Watchers magazine as along with the redesign, the title has a top-to-toe content refresh to reflect Weight Watchers new approach which focuses on issues arising from the overloaded food environment.

Frances says: “We have taken down the traditional barriers between success stories, food and wellbeing to make it a more holistic offering where readers are part of every section of the magazine: cooking and trying out recipes, modelling fashion, demonstrating fitness techniques and so on. The response from readers and the client has been fantastic and we have more innovations in store for the rest of the year.”