Over the last 40 years, generations of dieters have experienced the weekly weigh-ins and mutual support found at group Weight Watchers meetings. But the diet of today is quite different from that of years past. Weight Watchers International is continually honing its program to stay relevant with dieters in more than 30 countries.
For example, the company recently announced its new TurnAround program, which offers two approaches to shedding pounds. The first, the Flex Plan, uses the existing weight-loss system in which dieters count Points. The new addition, called the Core Plan, controls calories by focusing on a basic list of foods without counting or tracking. Also new is Weight Watchers On-the-Go, software that lets WeightWatchers.com subscribers track Points and other diet details on their own Palm OS-based digital assistants.
Tell people that no food is off-limits and add the camaraderie of other dieters, and it’s easy to see why Weight Watchers is so successful. Even counting Points, once you get the hang of it, is pretty much a no-brainer. Sure, there may be other ways to lose weight without plunking down so much money, but the plan does seem to work.
Basic principles:
No fads or quick weight-loss schemes here. Weight Watchers takes a sane approach to dieting. The philosophy, in a nutshell, is that physical activity, combined with healthy eating habits, can promote weight loss. It’s also the same approach that can keep weight off. Dieters may attend local meetings or sign up for an online program.
How the diet works:
On the Flex Plan, you receive a daily Points budget based solely on your current weight (gender and age don’t fit into the equation). You also receive “flexible” bonus Points to use throughout the week. These can be spent on any food, but the system naturally steers dieters toward high-fiber, low-fat choices since these foods have the lowest Points values. The Core Plan provides a list of foods with a low number of calories per a given volume, but you can also go off the list for occasional treats like a chocolate bar for dessert. In both cases, the diet is essentially a low-calorie, high-fiber eating plan.
What you can eat:
Everything, within limits. From White Castle burgers to broccoli to candy corn, you choose what you want within well-delineated guidelines.
Does the diet take and keep weight off?
Yes. A study published in the April 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association found that dieters randomly assigned to the program lost three times as much weight as those who used a do-it-yourself approach. Though supported by Weight Watchers, the 2-year study was conducted at six different independent research centers around the country. In addition, a company tracking study has found that dieters who attend meetings for 10 weeks lose an average of 11 pounds.
Is the diet healthy?
Yes. Provided you spend your Points wisely, the plan is well-balanced. A stellar medical advisory board, with some real heavy hitters from the diet and exercise arenas, keeps the company on the cutting edge of weight-loss research. And the headquarters staff-the people who develop diet strategies-includes registered dietitians and scientists.
What do the experts say?
“Of all the diet programs out there, this one is probably the best,” says John Foreyt, PhD, a recognized expert in the field of obesity and weight control and a professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “The group support the program provides is one of their strongest features.” Without that support, many people have trouble sticking with a diet, Foreyt says. Chris Rosenbloom, PhD, RD, a professor at Georgia State University, likes the fact that dieters learn how to set realistic weight-loss goals and that they can choose from a huge variety of foods with assigned Points values. “The downside is that the Points system can be abused,” she says. “Someone could potentially spend a whole day’s Points on ice cream or junk food.” That’s not what the plan encourages, of course, but you do have the freedom to choose the foods you like.
Who should consider the diet?
Loner types won’t be keen on the group environment. And people with a lot of weight to lose (100 or more pounds) could be easily discouraged by the slow-and-steady approach. Still, what other weight-loss plan lets you have Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Dairy Queen shakes-and works?
Bottom line:
This is probably the best plan on the block. Weight Watchers’ real unsung heroes are the team leaders who direct meetings. They hold the program together, and their encouragement prods dieters to success. Find a good leader and the weight will come off.
Lead writer: Maureen Callahan, M.S., R.D.
Comments (32)
I know that weight watchers works. I have been going to meetings for 6 months and have lost 23 pounds. I am now within 4 pounds of my goal weight. I also walk 5 miles a day and do water arobics one hour a day. I have more energy and in general feel better than I have in years. My colestral has dropped 77 points from last years doctors exam and my blood sugars are now in the normal range. Yes weight watchers works.
Weight watchers does take into account your age, gender and activity level as well as your current weight when determining your points. I have not been very successful on the program because I don’t follow directions very well where food is concerned. I know I can be successful.
I did W.W. over 30 yrs. ago and if I could do it then with soooooooo many limitations, this new plan is a breeze. It is slowly coming off this time again. Not like before, but it is a sure-fire program. It is a breeze IF you follow it. Meetings are essential. I will be successfull again. With many more choices than before.
I’ve been on WW for 16 weeks and have lost 22 lbs. This program works because you eat real everyday foods. The meetings are essential because members share their tips and also their strugles. I’ve tried many other diets, but this is a lifestyle for me. It really works!!!
Weight Watchers DOES work!!! About 5 years ago I lost 40 pounds, made Lifetime, and kept it off for about 2 years. During a family crisis, I got off course, and gained back 30 of it. UGH!!! Now I’m counting points again, and have lost 7 pounds in the last 3 weeks. If you count those points, make wise choices, it will work. But it has to be a lifetime lifestyle, not just “a diet.” GOOD LUCK to all of you. WE CAN DO IT!!!!
I’ve been following the Weight Watchers plan for approx. 12 years. When I began, while in college, I had reached 193#! I currently weigh 145#! I tend to fluctuate about 10#s, from 140 to 150. I have successfully kept off the first 43#s with significant dietary changes/habits. I still have hopes to lose the last 10#s; maybe in another 12 years!
Weight Watchers works! I am like Faithe. I lost 30 pounds on weight watchers and maintained that weight loss for 4 years. Then I had a death in the family and have gained 13 back. I am back on track this week and know that I can loose these unwanted pounds and keep them off. I love this diet!! I plan on doing it for life :)
On the ww/program I am wondering/ if there
is a guideline identifying choices of foods that are compliant with a “balanced
program” or are the “points” the only pre-requisite?
Do you ever put coupons on the net to help with buying Smart Ones or weight Watchers meals and desserts. Thanks Your plan is GREAT!
Do you ever put coupons on your website for Smart Ones or any Weight Watchers desserts. Your plan is GREAT! I have lost l8 pounds in 8 weeks and I love the plan.
Weight Watchers works if you have a lot to lose, but if you only need to lose 10 to 15 pounds, it may take you forever. I tried the program twice, with exercise, and lost 4 pounds in 6 months both times!
Too slow for me.
I joined WW 23 years ago and lost 27 pounds. I found that the meetings are the magic. I’ve maintained my weight and have lost a few more as the plan has changed over the years.
To answer Helene’s question regarding “guidelines” the basics of nutrition (fruits, veggies, whole grains, milk, protein, Omega 3 oils) are called the Good Health Guidlines in WW lingo. These are to be part of your daily foods. Activity is also part of the program.
I have lost 87 pounds being on Weight Watchers, and am on the six week maintenance portion of the plan. I have quit and gone back to WW three times since the fall of 2005, it does work if you work it! Like any other plan out there, there are times i’ve been discouraged but being able to eat ‘real’ food and snacks, coupled with the motivation and inspiration i get from other meeting members, and on their website…i wouldn’t do anything else!
How much does WW cost per week?
anyone who claims w/w doesn’t consider age, weight,gender and activity hasn’t read page 18 and 19 in the eat wisely book
I am trying to go to the web site to see posting for meetings in my area? Having problems finding this information? Would someone help?
pt7634@yahoo.com
i need a diet that wont cost a lot…wich is hard any one know of one that works to??
I am diabetic will the weight watcher diet be good for me.
I have been with weight watchers sense May of this year and I have lost 33 pounds. I have tried other diets and this is the only one that has worked for me. Going to the meetings is the best part.
please i need a diet ,can you help me?
I first joined Weight Watchers when the program tenant was 5 fish servings and a liver. We’ve come a long way. Now you have two plans to choose from and can go back and forth depending on your life style. All staff have successfully lost and kept the weight off. They are not sales people as other programs have. We live, eat and breath it. In order to be successful you must change your mind. It is not a diet but a lifestyle and unless your willing to make the necessary changes within yourself, your dieting. I myself have been a member since I was 12 (I’m now 51). I myself have lost 55 lbs. and have kept it off for 9 years. Does that mean I don’t still face challenges….I do. But Weight Watchers afforded me the tools and strategies to make sure the weight never comes back. What does it matter how long it takes to lose? It’s not a race and there is no finish line. Your success depends on what you focus on. If you focus on quick weight loss, you’re not in it for the long term, you’re in it for a quick fix. Thus you will not sustain the loss. Throughout the years, I have heard members complain that the program doesn’t work and yet when you ask if they are writing down their points faithfully, doing daily activity, etc., they aren’t. All I know is if you work the program, it works. Surrender is key.
When on weight watcher about 10yrs ago I only needed to loose about 14 to 20lbs. I started in January and by March I had reached my goal. It really is the best diet. I kept the weight off for 7yrs. I have gained 20 lbs back over the past 3 yrs. I need to go back. It is so hard to get back on track. I am 67 yrs. old.
I was on the original WW program back in the 1970s. I lost 70 pounds then and became a Lifetime Member after going through six weeks of maintenance. When I stopped going to meetings, I gained all the weight back plus some. I am attending meetings again and have lost 12.4 pounds. This program is so much easier to follow than the original one. I know I can get the weight off again and keep it off. The key is to keep going to meetings. The lecturers are people who lost weight on the WW program just like we’re trying to do. As a matter of fact, all of the WW staff have lost weight on the program. They are just like all other Lifetime Members; they have to attend at least one meeting a week and stay within two pounds of your goal weight.
The information above about WW programs is actually out of date. they just released in December a new program called Momentum.
There is now 1 plan. The plan focuses on eating filling foods and getting your 9 Good Health Guidelines in each day and supplementing with non-filling foods. Starting with Week 1 you should be choosing filling foods when planning your day so that most of your points each day come from those since they keep you full longer and they are generally healthier options that are low in points. You still track and calculate points as before for anything you eat or drink. In Week 6 a book will be presented to discuss options for those that want to try eating to satisfaction instead of tracking.
Filling foods are whole grains, lean meats, fruits, veggies and fat-free dairy. They are items that have a low energy density so they fill you up longer with less calories and are generally the most nutritional options. The program was changed based on the most recent research and to help enable members to use their points in the healthiest way possible. This change improves areas discussed in the article above where WW was described to be a little lacking.
Find a Meeting near you: on the WW website top right hand side has a Find A Meeting link. Click there to find a meeting near you. Or check your local yellow pages.
You need to invest in yourself…it is worth it. I have lost over 35lbs in a year on WW and am over 1/2way to my weight goal. to me that is priceless. You need to go to a center or to WW online but the average cost is between $8-12 per week with a registration fee. Right now (Jan09) there is no registration fee. there are also monthly passes available that make the fee less and provide free online tools for meeting attendees.
I started on WW 3 years ago and lost 38 pounds. I have been at or near (10 pounds range) that weight ever since. When my weight creeps up, I make sure I count and tally all food and exercise and I lose weight again. When my weight maintains, I am basically behaving well with food and exercise choices but can get away with not tallying. It is a great program and one that I find has a lot of inherent balance to it. I do not think having less to lose slows the process at all. I had some weight gain over the fall/holidays and now have lost 5.5 pounds in a month. I think that is quite reasonable! It is so worth it to be healthy and fit – everything in life seems brighter.
Igoined ww oct 08 and have lost 16lbs I have reached my target weight DEFO ww is the only way to loose weight
regards PATSY
goined ww in oct 08 HAVR REACHED MY TARGET WEIGHT
WW DEFO THE BEST WEIGHT PLAN TO FOLLOW
REGARDS PATSY
help me to lose some kg
I weighed 225 and I didn’t realize I was obese. It
worked wonders for my cousin – but I was afraid to
join because I thought you would have to weigh in
with all the members watching. You weigh in privately. My husband said I could never do it,
but I went from 225 to 141!!!!!! in about a year.
I made Lifetime member and WW changed my life.
I’m on the Flex plan and it’s so easy to count points. Their SMART ONES are really good and so
are all of their desserts. If you get on a COMMUNITY
BOARD, you will meet a lot of other WWs who encourage and support you!
I also use my treadmill – because I have diabetes.
The WW JOURNEY made my blood normal. I had a fatty
liver and it disappeared.
DON’t TRY ANYTHING ELSE BUT WW!!!!!!!!!!!
I might try this Weight Watchers coz it might be the most healthy way to lose weight.
I started Ww a month ago and have lost 10 lbs and want to lose more. Sometimes I fail and stay the same weight (ugh) but at least I’m not gaining! I weighed 209 when I started and weigh 198 now and feel better and more confident that I can do this. I will get out of the 190’s by next month.