The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program replaced the Momentum program in late 2010, making this the biggest change in their innovative weight loss program in 13 years. The PointsPlus program combines the latest nutritional science with the proven Weight Watchers approach to develop an effective method for making healthy, satisfying choices. All this gives you an edge that can help you reach your weight loss goals.
With Weight Watchers, every food has a PointsPlus value, which takes into account a food’s protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. The goal with the PointsPlus program is to encourage you to eat more nutrient-dense foods, like veggies, fruits and lean proteins. PointsPlus also features Power Foods, select foods that have exceptional nutritional value and satiating power. Power Foods include such healthy noshes as a banana or low-fat Greek yogurt with berries. There are plenty of Power Food ideas and recipes on the Weight Watchers website.
As a Weight Watchers member, you’ll get a daily personalized PointsPlus values goal, so you know how much to eat to lose weight safely while feeling satisfied. On the PointsPlus program you can eat anything you like as long as you stick to your daily PointsPlus values goal. And true to the Weight Watchers unrestricted food plan, there’s plenty of room for treats and extras as long as you stay within your PointsPlus values range.
If you’re a Weight Watchers Online or Weight Watchers eTools subscriber, you can use the PointsPlus values calculator tool to find the PointsPlus values of restaurant foods, and you can also consult the Eating Out Guide. Weight Watchers Meetings members can also use the A-Z food list found in the Pocket Guide, or purchase the Complete Food Companion, and the Dining Out Companion to help them plan for their night out.
As a quick history lesson, here is how the previous POINTS system worked:
At the end of 2010, Weight Watchers expired the POINTS program, and replaced with the PointsPlus program, a significant overhaul based on Weight Watchers expertise and nutritional science findings.
The POINTS System helped you understand the role food plays in your weight loss, much like the new PointsPlus program does. Every food has a POINTS value (now called PointsPlus values), and each individual had a daily POINTS target that varies (as the current PointsPlus program does). You and your counselor, or via Weight Watchers Online determined the healthy target POINTS range (this is still done with PointsPlus) based on gender, height, weight, activity level and other factors including whether or not you are a nursing mother.
There is no set eating plan, you have the flexibility to choose any foods you like, so long as you don’t meet and do not exceed your daily POINTS (this is still true). You can use the handy tracker given to you at meetings or available in your online account (or via eTools) to keep track of your POINTS (and now PointsPlus) consumption each day. If you want more POINTS, simply introduce more activity into your lifestyle (these are called activity points).
The POINTS were based on a proprietary calculation of the fiber, fat and calories in a food. The higher in fiber, lower in calories and lower in fat a food is, the lower POINTS value it receives. Just like in golf, you want to maintain a lower score.
See how it all works for yourself by joining Weight Watchers today.
DietsInReview.com is a paid affiliate of Weight Watchers. This article is in no way sponsored.
February 27th, 2008
), ive had the usual ups and downs, the feeling it wasnt happening fast enough, the reversals, giving into temptations (like french fries!), but when you falter, just remember its a lifetime journey…the best part about weight watchers, is other than the first week or so ( when i was so hungry there were days i felt like eating my hands!), i really havent felt like im on a diet.
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 1, 40 total comments)Aissatou
This is the message i got from Weight Watchers when i decided to cancel service after two days of use. They charged me $53.85 and refunded me $ 5.95 that i still have not seen in my credit card. Basically, customer service wrote me the email below.
posted Jul 3rd, 2011 10:03 pm"In keeping with the refund policy outlined in our subscription agreement, we have cancelled your subscription and you will be credited $5.95. This amount should show up on your next credit card statement. Your account will expire on 7/9/2011.
The reason your potential refund comes to $5.95 is as follows, in accordance with our subscription agreement.
You paid $53.85 for a three-month subscription to Weight Watchers Online, three times our monthly price of $17.95. With early cancellation, you are liable for our $29.95 sign up fee. Thus, $53.85 (3-month subscription plan) - $29.95(non-refundable sign up fee) = $23.90 - $17.95(one month's service, pro-rated) = $5.95.
You may refer to our subscription agreement via the following web page for additional inquiries you may have regarding our refund policy.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/legal/subagreement.aspx
Sincerely,
Esmee
Customer Service Associate
www.weightwatchers.com
This is basically the section that made me liable for 50 dollars for 2 days of services....WEIGHT WATCHERS IS JUST BAD. THERE ARE LOTS OF SERVICES ONLINE THAT WOULD NOT CHARGE YOU A DIME TO COUNT YOUR CALORIES. THE SAME SERVICE I PAY 50 DOLLARS FOR 2DAYS. AVOID SIGNING UP FOR THEIR SERVICES, ITS A BIG SCAM.
4. Cancellation of Subscription
Either you or WeightWatchers.com may terminate or cancel your subscription to our Fee-Based Products at any time. You understand and agree that the cancellation or termination of your subscription is your sole right and remedy with respect to any dispute with us including, without limitation, any dispute related to, or arising out of: (i) any terms of this Agreement or our enforcement or application of this Agreement; (ii) any practice or policy of WeightWatchers.com, including our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, or our enforcement or application of these policies; (iii) the content available through this Website or any change in content provided through the Website or on a Fee-Based Product; (iv) your ability to access and/or use our Website or any Fee-Based Product; or (v) the amount or types of our fees or charges, surcharges, applicable taxes, or billing methods, or any change to our fees or charges, applicable taxes, or billing methods. Upon cancellation or termination of your subscription to our Fee-Based Products, we may immediately deactivate your user account and all related information and/or files in your user account and/or bar any further access to such information and/or files, our Website (or part thereof) and/or our Fee-Based Products, except as we may otherwise provide from time to time.
You can cancel your subscription by contacting Customer Service or by such other means as we may provide from time to time. We will attempt to process all cancellation requests within 72 hours after we receive your request. If you cancel near the end of your billing period and are inadvertently charged for the next periodâ??s fee, contact Customer Service to have the charges reversed. If you use our Fee-Based Product during that next period, you will not be entitled to a refund. We reserve the right to collect fees, surcharges, or costs incurred before your cancellation takes effect.
GWTWNut
I am over on weekly points but have daily left over on last day of the week. Can I use the daily for overage? I started WW this week and I have lost 4 lbs. However, I went over my weekly points yesterday by 5 points and I hurt my foot and can't workout today to make up for it. (Yeah, I know, bad planning. Never assume what tomorrow will bring). Anyway, I still have today to finish the week. I am going to have daily points left over today. Can they count for the weekly deficit?
Jill
Buyer beware. Weight watchers online was well beyond my navigation skills and there was no way to determine this before purchasing. When I asked to cancel the day after signing up, I was only offered $5.95 back on my purchase of $53.85. I was told there was a free 7 day trial, but I never saw anything on this on their website & if you check the reviews of this online, it is clear they pull the same thing on these people by charging their C.C. and then not honoring the refund when they want to cancel.
posted Jun 1st, 2011 8:25 amChelsea O
I love WeightWatchers. I use their app, their recipes and track everything I eat every day. PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me at chelosborne@gmail.com -- I WANT to help. Any/all questions. I will never stop WW, I love this program!
posted Mar 17th, 2011 10:22 pmdenise19
What happens if I don't reach my daily target? I'm not starving myself but I'm not hungry. I just started yesterday and my daily target is 29.
posted Mar 13th, 2011 6:08 pmKuiper
Should I use all my flex points per week?
posted Mar 11th, 2011 4:50 pmSierra
Yes, weight watchers will help you if YOU are willing. I am 25yrs old, 5'2 and was 143.5lbs, I started weight watchers almost 3 weeks ago and have lost 5.5lbs. I recommend this diet to everyone. I have never been the one to exercise and I'm never going to be. I don't have to exercise on this diet, just upgrading your knowledge of what's good to eat and what's bad, is enough. I was on this diet once in high school and was very successful but of course in college the right food isn't always available, lol. Neither of these times have I attended a weight watchers meeting or paid to be "in" weight watchers, itâ??s a wonderful program but I'm not paying for it. You can do the calculations yourself. I signed up for the weight watchers free online trial during which I recorded the point value of many foods, became familiar with the new system and researched until I found the formula calculation online. I record what I eat every day, well almost every day anyway. I receive 29 points a day and 49 weekly points. Stick with it, be honest with yourself, and every day starts fresh. This is the better way to live.
posted Feb 2nd, 2011 6:57 pmlinda
saw someone on here who offered to help with ww plan but don't know how you do it. i just started ww and weigh 220 pounds. they started me on the lowest points 29 and that is ok except no one can tell me if i will keep losing on the minumum points. understood it better on old plan when you lost point as you lost weight. can someone please help?
posted Jan 28th, 2011 6:40 pmLoveWW
I'm 5'6" and I was 172 lbs 2 years ago. I am now 128 lbs and I have 4 lbs to go. WW is amazing because it teaches you how to eat; it definitely is a lifestyle change. It also makes you work out, because you want to earn those extra points for that yummy burger... I really tried everything, but I learned that diets are not the solution; you have to always watch what goes into your body and workout, not just to lose weight, but also to have a healthy body. Think about this: how amazing does it feel to simply feel well, nothing hurts, you're not tired, you have energy, and on top of that, you look great! I lost the weight fairly slowly (because I went over my allotted points all the time) but I still lost it. The important tips I learned: don't give up just because you messed up. You went over your points this meal? Make sure your next meal is healthy. The whole day was bad? Make sure the next day is good. Your whole week was terrible? Great news! You get to start over again next week! That's how I did it, I went over my points all the time, but what kept me losing weight was constantly trying. I LOVE to eat, so it was and still is, hard to stick to my points, but I will NEVER give up. This is it. I am so much healthier, my blood pressure is lower, I feel great, I love the way I look. Also, you have to track everything you eat to learn how to eat healthy. I know this sounds annoying, but itâ??s extremely important; you will not lose weight or learn anything if you donâ??t track. Think of this: it's taken me 2 years to lose ~50 lbs, that's slow, but if I had given up then, 2 years later I would be here still looking for a fast fix, just as heavy. How many years have you been at the same weight? Imagine if you would have started 3 years ago? I know you would love to be 75 lbs lighter today, no matter how long it took, and of course, the higher your dedication, the faster (make sure it's healthy) you'll lose. Like I mentioned, I LOVE to eat, you'll learn to pick a yummy grilled chicken taco with salsa over a pizza slice. But also, if you love pizza, like me, you'll learn to have 1 or 2 slices instead of 4, and a side of steamed veggies (0 pts)! You still get your pizza, and in case you're still hungry, you'll basically be forced to eat veggies because they're cheap in points and good for you! I could not stick to any diet that deprived me for anything, thatâ??s not a lifestyle change, unless you plan on never eating chocolate againâ?¦ no way! Itâ??s about portion control and healthier alternatives to make sure youâ??re satisfied. Remember, our bodies werenâ??t meant to eat so much and so bad, so youâ??re not depriving yourself of anything you deserve. Weâ??re meant to have an unhealthy snack once in a while, not all the time. Also, the more weight you lose, the less you can eat to continue to lose weight, don't worry, your body will slowly get used to it. I NEVER thought I would get full from 2 tacos when I used to eat 5! Trust me, WW works, don't give up, take it from someone who refuses to give up my fave foods but also wants to look great!
posted Jun 23rd, 2010 5:11 pmawelling
If you have an i-phone or other type of smartphone like the HTC Droid, the have free weight watchers aps that will help you to keep track of your points and what foods you ate that day. I just started WW 3 weeks ago (for like the 3rd time) and I exercise for 1 hour a day 6 days a week, and I have already lost 7 pounds which Is in the healthy range of 1 to 2 pounds a week for women.
posted Jun 19th, 2010 11:32 pmI also find that I am much more successful during the week when I am drinking watet like it is going out of style. I have also npticed that car heavy foods like breads and pastas are highet in points and can cause you to use more of your points earlier In the day than you want to.
I noticed that I was as successful the other times because I didn't have support like I do now, so it would be easy to cheat. Also I have found that It is critical to track what you eat and your points if you want to be successful.
sandy
hi my name is sandy i amm trying toe ww points just started today i am 5'2 weigh 233 pounds i need lots of help,i think if i read the point system right i need 26-33 points a day,so my question is do i stick right to the 26 points,please help desperate
posted Jun 14th, 2010 1:16 pmAimee
I just started Weight Watchers 2.5 weeks ago, and I don't feel like I've lost anything. Does it take awhile? Will one morning I wake up, and notice a big change? I've always failed at Diets in the past, always gave up after a week if I didn't notice I was losing weight. I know this a life style change, but when will I expect to be losing weight? A month? I'm sticking with this. I'm getting married in 6 months and would love to look beautiful my wedding day. Can I get some encouragement, or advice? When will I see results? Thanks. Aimee
posted Jun 11th, 2010 2:12 pmnomnomgirl
I'm 21 years old, 5 '1, and 135 lbs. For my height it's over weight and I CAN FEEL IT. This last passed year put me in a sort of weight gain slum. I want to be back to 115-120.. Can weight watchers help me if I'm only 135 lbs?? Cause everything I've read is people being more than that.. I'm really trying to figure out if WW will be worth it for me. THANKS! xo
posted May 11th, 2010 9:17 pmMrsking
If anyone need help with Weight Watchers email me I can help. I been going for 8 month amd lost 54 lbs.. I hit my goal weight..
posted Apr 1st, 2010 9:58 amRebecca
Congratulations Jill, that is fantastic. I agree weight watchers is a great program as long as you allow it to work. You have to be willing to adjust and change your lifestyle to succeed. THIS IS NOT A DIET, IT IS A LIFE STYLE CHANGE. If you can remember this, you can get rid of the weight and keep it from coming back. I read the other day that you should think of yourself as not losing weight, but getting rid of it. This is because when you lose something there is always a chance you will find it again, while if you get rid of it, it's gone.
posted Mar 28th, 2010 4:50 pmI too am doing weight watchers, I started the first week of January and have gotten rid of 27 pounds so far. I am going for another 72.5 pounds, which I know I will get rid of!
jill
ive been doing weight watchers for a year now ...and ive just hot to my gold weight ...i hope ...ive lost 107 lb altogether and gone from a size 28 to a size 12 and i feel so good about my self
posted Mar 21st, 2010 6:18 amClem
Nothing like strong opinions....
posted Mar 12th, 2010 8:47 amHonestly, there can be advantages and disadvantages to every program. I'm in the "advantages" camp for WW.
I think it's best to remember we are all wired a bit differently. We process differently, are motivated differently and work under different levels of discipline.
To say this is not a good plan, and doesn't teach you to eat well, as someone did, is not fair. Some of us have a unbalanced priority around food and or exercise. Or were not taught good healthy lifestyles from parents or surroundings.
On the most basic level WW points out serviing size, and activity levels, which is extremely pertinent in today's 'restuarant/fast food culture'. The portions you get from a resturaant don't push quality, but quantity to show value for your dollar. It's out of balance and that subconsciously teaches us wrong behavior.
For me WW help restore sensible expectations.
Should we know how to live? Do we all respond the same? Aren't there other successful plans, programs, idealologies?
Yes, no maybe.
there is no one solution for life.
WW is for some and is not for some.
But how can we ever decide that for anyone but ourself??
PJ
Weight Watchers works great as long as you are willing to plan out what you are going to eat. (As for kids being on it, I've seen a few minors in my group -- I think the parent has to be there though). There's not really a trick to it. After about 2 weeks, I knew the basics of what foods are worth what point values (most veggies are 0 and most fruits are 1 pt). Weight Watchers is more about giving you the tools and the knowledge -- you have to carry it the rest of the way. If you are looking for something quick and easy, look elsewhere. If you need help modifying your fast food lifestyle though (as I did), join and give yourself six weeks. Go to the meetings -- it is invaluable to talk with others, trade ideas and trade stories (and miss those old doughnuts you used to shovel in *blush*) I'm on it for the first time and this is the first time I've lost weight and feel like I'm going to keep it off. (I joined Jan 2nd of this year and I have lost 18 pounds so far)
posted Mar 8th, 2010 4:59 pmfinally free
After years of dieting, and trying to overcome an eating disorder, I am happy to report that I am finally free. I did this by re-learing to follow my body's natural hunger and fullness cues (what naturally thin people do) while nurturing myself along the way and discovering the life I really wanted to live. I can't tell you how good this feels to shrink down to your natural size without counting calories, fat, points, drinking diet drink, taking supplements, etc. I have been on WW about 5 times in my life and I know that it does not teach you how to eat normally. How many of you save up your points so you can binge and then you restrict yourself severely the next day? Or how do you feel when you go over your points? Awful, right? How many of you have been absolutely starving and it's only 3 p.m. but you can't eat a thing because your points are gone for the day, oh and the next day? How is that teaching us the way to live? Wouldn't it be so much better to be free of all this diet chatter and just live. I recommend Googling intuitive or mindful eating online or getting a book from the library and joing an online support group like the through thick and thin forum. It will change your life, honestly, and it will save you some of the $60 billion the diet industry is taking from you!
posted Feb 8th, 2010 8:55 amSarah
With the new points calculation, do you still get the 35 extra points to spend through out the week? Thanks.
posted Feb 8th, 2010 8:45 amLinda
People in the 80's added calories. Today we need to look at what makes up the calories. I joined weightwatchers 4 years ago. I had about 20lbs to lose, once I did, I have been a lifemember and get weighed once a month. It has helpled me keep it off, or at least lets me know when I am losing control, so I get back on it. My weight fluctuates no more than 5lbs.
posted Jan 14th, 2010 5:49 pmbecca
The best thing that I have done since I started point counting was to buy a P-Touch labeler. At the turn of the new year I went through my cabinet and gave everything that I shouldn't be eating to my roommates and labeled the rest in terms of serving = points. Now all I have to do is go into the cabinet, fridge, or freezer and take a look at the box for quick reference! Super easy, keeps you organized and adds a little extra thought to the process :o)
posted Jan 12th, 2010 3:06 pmTara
i saw two younger girls who are concerned about their weight and want to work it off.
posted Jan 7th, 2010 1:25 pmi did weight watchers when i was 12 years old.. i believe i weighed like 130 lbs... i started in june and by november i weighed about 110 lbs.
there is a point calculator online... just google it. i would say for both of you, do no more than 23 points a day. and pick a day once a week to weigh yourself... AND MAKE SURE SOMEONE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU WHEN YOU'RE WEIGHING IN. the factor of having someone see the scale makes you more motivated to lose the weight... thats why they have the weight watchers meetings.
SWink
Caitlyn:
posted Jan 7th, 2010 12:57 pmAs a mother of 2 pre-teens, I am proud of you for wanting to do something that will improve your health. While dieting at a young age is cautioned, eating right will make a difference.
In the morning try to have egg whites -- 9 Tablespoons, some meat (even lunch meat low in sodium would be good) and an English Muffin.
If you attend public school opt for veggies or salad for lunch but don't load on the dressing.
Eat a dinner of fish or chicken (limit the amount of red meat consumed) and veggies -- raw, not canned.
Cut out the snacking and sodas. Carry a bag of baby carrots or mixed veggies around in your bag with you if you get the muchies. Drink water when you are thirsty. Water helps to increase your metabolism which will help your body burn the calories you consume.
Good luck!
Jennifer
ok so im 17.and im over weight and im wanting to join weight watchers to loose weight and get healthy can i join without being 18?
posted Jan 3rd, 2010 8:28 pmCaitlyn
Hi , Im Caitlyn and i am 12 years old and I am an obesity i think thats how you spell it but anyway I WAY 171 anad i am in the sith grade and i am goin into seventh grade and i need help so i need to now how many pionts i have a day, and i dont look like i am obesity i look like idk i just need some help well my mom and dad ar obesity well my mom is a lot well not really, well my dad idk have not seen him in 12 years.1
posted Dec 31st, 2009 2:21 pmJoanna
I am a newbie to weight watchers and am not sure how to calculate my exercise extra points and am not understanding the extra points for the week and how to use them. It just seems like a lot of food I have a choice to eat...but I am loving the weight watchers program because I already see results.
posted Nov 14th, 2009 3:15 pmCharlene
I just calculated how many points I can have a day so how do I figure out how much food I can have. I know smart food dinners have points other than that I don't know what to eat. HELP!
posted Nov 12th, 2009 2:44 pmHershezkiss
I started weight watcher for the first time 3 days ago. It seems that in the first 3 days I have managed to lose 8 pounds. I am very pleased and will continue for sure. I know that my loss will slow, but I was sure excited to see that 8 pound loss.
posted Oct 22nd, 2009 11:14 pmMelissa
Thanks Tainah for the POINTS info. I'm doing WW AGAIN on my own and had lost all the papers to figure my daily POINTS value. This helped tons.
posted Oct 4th, 2009 11:14 amElaine
What is the daily limit for each of the food groups? For example, how many servings of protein is required for each day and so on?
posted Oct 1st, 2009 11:21 amJerry
Kate you are are correct.
posted Sep 25th, 2009 5:29 pmI use two methods of figuring out the point value of food when I am at the store. I do not have the slide rule so I use my phone by going to http://www.webmilhouse.com/pointcalc.php or I figure it out in my head. My calculations are usually dead on. For every 50 calories it is a point. If there is more then 4g's of fat then add a point and if there is more then 4g's of fiber subtract a point. Here is an example...
Special K Protein Meal Bars = 3 pts
Calories: 180 = 3 points
Fat: 6g = 1 point
Fiber: 5g = -1 point
TiffanyC
Also, are the 35 points supposed to be used in one day, or can they be spread out over the week? I'm supposed to go to a birthday party this weekend and will probably need those extra points!
posted Sep 18th, 2009 4:30 pmTiffanyC
Hi all, I just started WW today and would like to start a healthier lifestyle. My main goal is to lose about 20 pounds, eating healthy. I can't wait to keep you guys up-to-date on my progress!!
posted Sep 18th, 2009 4:18 pmkate
so if i weigh 210 lbs, my daily target would be 32 pts.. is that correct??
posted Sep 18th, 2009 2:07 pm1. female-2pts.
2.age-4pts.
3.weight-21pts.
4.height-5'7-1pts.
5.walking-4pts.
total: 32 pts.
did i do this right??
Jerry
I tried Weight Watchers riding the coat tail of my wife who paid for it and went to the meetings weekly. In 6 months I lost 82 pounds total. I started at 268 lbs and got all the way down to 186 lbs. I was only able to maintain this weight for a couple of weeks but 190 lbs was where I seemed to stay. I maintained this for another 6 months and then started eating my old ways. I gained back 20 lbs so I was sitting right around 210 lbs. I have decided to go back to the point counting system. It has been 1 week and I have lost 9 lbs already. I eat on a schedule and if I miss a major meal I eat a fiber bar (Kellogg's Fiber Plus - 9g Fiber). My goal is to get back to the 190 again. When we started this we started at one side of the store and went to the other figuring out the point value for all the foods we usually eat. The first go around I would sit down at dinner with two plates of food. I am sure you can lose weight by eating healthy and exercising but most people today do not understand what is right. This system at least makes you pay attention to what you are doing.
posted Sep 17th, 2009 2:59 pmtainah
Weight watchers points calculation
posted Aug 21st, 2009 4:50 pmYour sex:
If you are female- score 2 points
If you are male- score 8
If you are nursing- score 12
Your age:
17 to 26- score 4
27 to 37- score 3
38 to 47- score 2
48 to 58- score 1
Over 58- score 0
Your current weight:
Enter the first 2 digits of your weight in pounds. If you are 175 lbs for example, you would enter "17".
Your height:
under 5'1"- score 0
5'1" to 5'10"- score 1
Over 5'10"- score 2
Your activity level on most days of the week, how do you spend your day?:
sitting down- score 0
occassionally sitting, but mostly standing- score 2
walking most of the time- score 4
doing physically hard work most of the time- score 6
Add up all your scored points- that is your daily points target.
Celesta
how do i add up my weight to find out how many points i need per day??? someone please help
posted Aug 3rd, 2009 3:44 pmHopkins
How do you figure flex points. I'm allowed 20 pts
posted Jul 14th, 2009 1:32 pma day but when and how much do you get flex pts?
Lisa
Hi everyone just join'd weight watchers to day , this is my first time. By reading some of the reviews, makes me happy because it will help me along the way to reach my goal .
posted Jul 11th, 2009 4:53 pm