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Weight Watchers

A trusted approach to weight loss for more than 40 years.

QUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement

Established: 1963
Founder: Jean Nidetch
Headquarters: New York City
Stock Symbol: WTW
Accessibility: Meetings, Online, Books, Apps
Diet Type: Low-Calorie, Low-Fat
Gender: Male and Female
Celebrity Endorsements: Jennifer Hudson
Corporate Site: WeightWatchers.com
Get started by saving with these Weight Watchers Coupons

BACKGROUND

It's been nearly 50 years since Weight Watchers came on the scene and started helping people live healthier lives. Weight Watchers helps members create a foundation to introduce healthier choices and physical activity into their lives. Weight Watchers was made popular by the weekly meetings that are still a cornerstone of the program today.

In 2010 Weight Watchers introduced the PointsPlus program. The values take into account carbs, in addition to the fat, fiber and calories found in a food. The PointsPlus program encourages you to make smarter choices by selecting more nutrient-dense foods, giving your body better nutrition and helping you feel sated. The PointsPlus program also features Power Foods, which are specific foods that are not just healthy, but also help to keep you feeling satisfied.

The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program allows you to eat the foods you like without restriction. Simply stay within your daily range and you can still enjoy the foods you love balanced with nutritious choices like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Unlike many diets, Weight Watchers also encourages an active lifestyle.

It all started in a living room, where women would gather to support one another while losing weight. Then it grew, and became one of the most recognized names in weight loss. They've remained an innovative brand, taking the plan online, and creating a program specifically for men.

Weight Watchers Meetings The original Weight Watchers plan invites members to weekly meetings where they help dieters form a network of support with people sharing similar experiences. Each person checks their weight privately. Meetings are conducted by a trained Meeting Leader who motivates and offers the group support through information about nutrition and fitness.

Weight Watchers Online For those whose schedules won't accommodate a weekly meeting, or prefer the anonymity the Internet offers, Weight Watchers Online makes it possible to reap the benefits of the program from the comfort of your own home. Online subscribers can communicate via message boards, monitor progress, manage PointsPlus values, access hundreds of approved recipes and so much more.

Weight Watchers Online for Men This program is tailored to the needs of men seeking an effective approach to weight loss, without the female undertones. The same PointsPlus program is used, but recipes, videos, articles, and guidance speaks your language.

Weight Watchers PointsPlus The first update to the program in 13 years. The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program replaced the Momentum program in late 2010. The PointsPlus program combines the latest nutritional science with the proven Weight Watchers approach to develop an effective system for making healthy, satisfying choices. All this gives you an edge that can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Weight Watchers at Work The Weight Watchers At Work program wants to make your workplace healthier by offering you and your company all of the success of the Weight Watchers program right from your own office.

Weight Watchers Monthly Pass The Weight Watchers Monthly Pass gives you the convenience of using your pass at monthly meetings or eTools online. The Monthly Pass is not a different diet plan, but rather another way to follow Weight Watchers.

DietsInReview.com is an advertising partner of Weight Watchers. This review is strictly our opinion.

PRO

Programs to suit adult men and women
Choose counseling via meetings or privacy and convenience online
Online program is a comprehensive experience
Provides exercise guidance
Thousands of recipes and meals to choose from
Applebee's partnership for more healthful dining
PointsPlus makes it simple to assess nutritional value of food
Named #1 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2011
Reputable and effective for more than 40 years
Free Weight Watchers Mobile iPhone App

CON

Counting PointsPlus values may be time consuming
Online detracts from the traditional social aspect of meetings
Weight Watchers Online for Men is only available online, not in meetings
Not a structured plan which may be difficult for some to adhere to
Not a strong emphasis on fitness

USER REVIEWS

A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.

Most realistic program to maintain long term ... may take longer to lose the weight but it stays off! - Carmelle 8/16/11

I lost close to 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and have kept it off ever since starting almost 10 months ago. I plan to be on this program forever. I'm the healthiest I've ever been. (I'm 26 and am thinner and a smaller size than I was in high school, which I NEVER thought was possible!!) WW WORKS! I have never felt deprived, and I feel like the program is something I can live with. It's literally one of the best things I've EVER done for myself. - Marjie 7/8/11

I've been following the new Points Plus program since the beginning of the year. Today I hit the 10% weight loss goal. Only one week I did not loose weight - but I didn't gain either. Love that the fresh fruits are free so when I just want something - I now reach for fruit rather than chips or cookies. I am a 30 year lifetime member (obviously strayed at times) and find that this is the easiest weight loss for me (and I'm now 59.5 years old). HIGHLY recommend the new Points Plus. The key is still planning and journaling as far as I'm concerned. - Char 4/1/11

The old WW worked. The new one does not. I am one of many lifetime members who have become very disenchanted by this new program. - Elle 6/21/11

I highly suggest playing around with the tools. Eventually most "0 point" foods will develop a point value if you put in a high quantity...especially fruits and starchy veggies like green beans and broccoli. If you eat what the healthy check recommends, drink the water the healthy check recommends and eat your points in proteins and a small amount of carbs and fats then you should not gain weight. It's about eating in moderation. Not going crazy just because you think you can. - Shannon 3/6/11

Leave your own review and rating

WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTSPLUS

The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program replaced the Momentum program in late 2010. The PointsPlus program combines the latest nutritional science with the proven Weight Watchers approach to develop an effective system 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, calories, fat, and fiber. The PointsPlus program also features Power Foods, select foods that have exceptional nutritional value and satiating power. As a Weight Watchers member, you'll get a daily personalized PointsPlus Target, so you know how much to eat to lose weight safely while feeling satisfied.

The PointsPlus program encourages you to not eat less, but instead to eat smarter and with more satisfaction.

Learn more about the Weight Watchers PointsPlus Weight Watchers PointsPlus program here.

DIET and NUTRITION

Weight Watchers emphasizes eating more wholesome food, while allowing you to splurge on cravings in moderation. You'll use your PointsPlus values to make balanced food choices that include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, eggs and dairy. No matter which plan you choose, you'll have access to all of the Weight Watchers recipes that are delicious, satisfying and good-for-you.

Weight Watchers members can enjoy chili, muffins, brownies, burgers, pizza, pasta and so much more - especially when you follow their healthy tips for lightening the recipes and keeping within your PointsPlus values target.

The PointsPlus program encourages you to make more nutrient-dense food choices, which not only helps you lose weight but also helps keep you feeling satisfied.

The Weight Watchers website features thousands of recipes for all occasions. If you're a Weight Watchers Online or Weight Watchers eTools subscriber, you can use the PointsPlus calculator tool to find the PointsPlus values of restaurant foods. 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.

The PointsPlus program is designed so that you can stick with it long-term. Whether you do the program online or attend meetings, there are several ideas for snacks and meals along with a list of power foods. PointsPlus values for foods are calculated using the fat, protein, dietary fiber and carbohydrates from the nutrition label. Healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and other foods from the power foods list, have much lower PointsPlus values than foods that are heavily processed or high in fat. The program is designed to teach you how to make smarter food choices so that you eat more filling and nutritious meals.

For example, Weight Watchers features two side by side meals that both have a PointsPlus value of 11. The two meals are reflected below:

Meal 1 – Peanut butter and jelly sandwich made on reduced- calorie white bread; chips
Meal 2 – Black bean soup; Whole grain wheat pasta with grape tomatoes, small black olives, crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, shredded basil leaves, olive oil and red wine vinegar; grapes

Just glancing at these two meals it would be hard to think they have the same value because meal two offers more food. Illustrations like this make it easy to see the importance of making healthier choices so that you can eat more while getting good nutrition throughout the day.

EXERCISE

Weight Watchers does promote living an active lifestyle, although exercise is not a requirement of the program.

Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers Online for Men do provide workout demonstrations and provides guidance for all skill levels.

Weight Watchers gives you additional PointsPlus to spend during the day depending on the duration and intensity of your exercise. You can choose to use your additional PointsPlus gained from exercise or not. If you do use them, they must be used in the same day that you complete the exercise. To calculate the intensity of your workout, you can use your heart beats per minute or some simple physical cues. If you choose to follow the heart beats per minute, the classifications are as follows:

Low intensity: 68 to 92 beats per minute
Moderate intensity: 93 to 118 beats per minute
High intensity: more than 119 beats per minute

Using the physical cues for your activity level follows the rating of perceived exertion or RPE. This is what Weight Watchers uses. This method is easier than monitoring your heart rate while working out. The below chart can be used to help you gauge the intensity of your workout:

Light intensity – Fairly easy exercise that does not induce sweating unless it’s a hot, humid day. There is no noticeable change in breathing patterns.
Moderate intensity – Somewhat hard exercise that will break a sweat after performing the activity for about 10 minutes. Breathing becomes deeper and more frequent. You can carry on a conversation but not sing.
High intensity – Hard exercise that will cause you to break a sweat after three to five minutes. Breathing is deep and rapid. You can only talk in short phrases.

Keep in mind that those who are just starting to exercise, or those that have been inactive for a long period of time tend to overestimate their intensity levels. If you are just starting out it may be more accurate to gauge your intensity through your heart beats until you get an accurate understanding of actual intensity levels. With Weight Watchers you can choose to do any form of exercise that meets your needs. Some recommended forms of exercise available are:

Yoga
Pilates
Walking
Jogging
Aerobics
Swimming
Hiking
Bike riding
Kickboxing

WEIGHT WATCHERS FAQ

Common questions asked about the Weight Watchers program by our community. Click each to see the full answer.

Can I do Weight Watchers without exercising? - Calcia 8/16/11

How much does Weight Watchers cost? - 7/20/11

Is Weight Watchers safe for kids? - Yoli 8/8/11

Is Weight Watchers good for diabetics? - Jackie 5/12/11

What do you get from weekly meetings? Hongquan 5/23/11

Are Weight Watchers Points confusing to anyone else? - 2/19/11

CONCLUSION

Weight Watchers is a tried and true veteran of the weight loss industry. With a variety of methods to choose from for both men and women, you're almost certain to find the right path for your weight loss journey. Weight Watchers provides guidance from every aspect of weight loss. Food is one of the primary concerns of any dieter and Weight Watchers goes above and beyond most other weight loss programs with thousands of recipes that anyone, dieting or not, will find tempting and delicious. If their style appeals to you, go for it.

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User Feedback

(Page 1 of 32, 629 total comments)

Nancy

will i gain weight if i go off high protein diet & go on weight watchers im on high protein diet & have been 4 8yrs maybe & so what wuld happen if i go off that diet & go on ww. i'm thinking i'll gain weight

posted Feb 2nd, 2012 6:23 pm

jack

Best diet program hands down for men or women. nuff said...

posted Feb 1st, 2012 4:09 pm

Christine

I liked the old plan where you can purchase the meals based on a menu plan. I lost so much weight on that. It was called Personal Cuisine. Counting points drives me nuts! Meetings became more expensive. I would like to go and order menus again and just follow a workout program.

posted Jan 30th, 2012 7:00 pm

Jayna

I have not lost one pound since Weight Watchers switched to the Points Plus program. Prior to the change I had lost 18 pounds and was doing really well. I was also very upset that WW forced me to switch, since I did not purchase the PP program. I use the online version, and there's no reason not to have both the old and the new versions available for members. I purchased a membership for the previous program and WW simply switched gears to PP after it took my money. I've stayed on the Points Plus program for over a year though. Not a pound lost. In fact, I've gained five pounds. I guess I'm eating too much fruit and wasting too much money.

posted Jan 26th, 2012 8:46 pm

Karen G

I have lost 50 pounds in less than a year using the points plus method which I like. I had tried WW in the past and think the points plus system is the easiest. I would disagree with the con statement about fitness not being stressed, as activity/exercise is a big part of the program.

posted Jan 25th, 2012 11:51 pm

jaci

How often should I weigh myself? How often should I weigh myself? It's frustrating to get on the scale and see no loss especially when you were hungary the day before.

posted Jan 20th, 2012 5:19 pm

V B

just eat less and exercise more at home for free. It's a scam. It may work for some people who follow it diligently but it IS a diet and it's hard to follow.
If you want to count something just count calories. Counting calories does the same trick and it's easier to do because you can look up calories directly from the box and you don't have to plug anything into a calculator etc.

posted Jan 18th, 2012 3:59 pm

Vicki

I do NOT like the new Weight Watchers Points Plus program and here's why:

1) In order to get a comprehensive listing of foods and their associated points you have to be a member of their online program - regardless of what you've paid to become a member in the first place. So, for example, I paid for 17 weeks at over $200. Because I did not sign up for the monthly pass online program I did not have access to their points reference guide. For an additional purchase of $10, I was able to buy a "Complete Food Companion." While this book is better than nothing, I waste an amazing amount of time looking for simple things: 2 tablespoons of dressing, for example. (It appears that first I must know the brand!) Again, while better than nothing, it is FAR from ideal. I lose weight simply by spending a ridiculous amount of time trying to find what I'm looking for in the WW materials.

2) Their online customer service STINKS!!! I sent an email requesting points info for a 6 oz. glass of wine. That was over a week ago and I still haven't received a response.

3) What does it tell you that members have put together their OWN list of foods and associated points - Weight Watchers is not reliable where the components of their programs are concerned (i.e. be prepared to get the run around).

You were the best once. What happened?

posted Jan 17th, 2012 1:29 am

Kathleen Grant

I've lost and gained the weight back so many times but this time using Weight Watchers on Line I am maintaining my 17 lb. weight loss for the first time! My husband and adult son are on the program with me and we've lost a total of 59 lbs. in 8 months and are all keeping it off! My husband is thinner than he was when we met 37 years ago! We love, love, love this program because we can eat anything as long as it fits into our daily points plus values! We have lost all this weight eating fast food five times a week and going to a sit down restaurant once a week. Amazing but true! The best thing we've ever done for our health!

posted Jan 15th, 2012 6:43 pm

Corinna

my folks lost over 40 pounds each on the old program, so when my weight shot up over two years from 130 to 160 (i'm a 5'5 woman, 21 years old), I wanted to stop the gain in its tracks, get back to 125-130, and learn to eat healthy for life. It's been a week. I've lost six pounds, I feel more energized, i've rediscovered the joys of fruits, veggies, oatmeal, fish and countless other foods. the meetings are fun, informative, and supportive. I'm on a medication that makes me constipated, and since starting the diet, my BM's have normalized without any additional medications, perhaps the best perk of all! This is not a diet. This is a lifestyle overhaul that will make you happier, healthier, and will put you in control. as far as the food tracking, it's been well known for a long time that keeping a "food diary" helps people lose weight by forcing them to be accountable and face up to what they've putting in their bodies, and how much. WW is a better plan for incorporating tracking.

posted Jan 10th, 2012 5:28 pm

vicki

I've lost 112 pounds in two years. I can always figure out how to have something I'm craving, good or bad, by budgeting my pointsplus. My doctor has taken me off cholesterol meds and I'm working hard at getting off bp meds. I love this eating plan. I don't call it a diet. Vicki

posted Jan 8th, 2012 3:53 am

Tonia

I have been on every WW plan since the 80's, I have lost 87 pounds on the new plan. You have to be responsible for what you eat no matter what diet program you are on and if you want to blame a meeting no longer being around or you don't want to count points, then you are not ready to take responsibility for your eating habits, points, calopries, carbs, whatever the plan is you chose, you have to count or monitor something. These excuses I am reading are the same ones I use to say to justify me not losing weight. You can go on any program but if your mind is not ready, spend your days trolling boards to complain.

posted Jan 4th, 2012 8:24 pm

brenda f

i really loved ww! going to the meeting. it was mom time! brenda time! i was at my goal weight, looking awsome! i have never in my life have lost weight and done it in such a healthy way. thank you for that! reality set in and our leader told our group ww was going to be droping our small group in preston because ww was not making enough "money" there! well .....needless to say i have slowly put back on the 30 lbs i worked so hard to loose, i am not the only one hear in preston mn that has had a bad experence with ww. the thought that our devoated work and money, this is the thanks we get! so please.... the small town people need ww. but to whom ever it concerns..... if money is what is inportant to you and not standing by the fokes who "believe" in ww....... then..... really what the hell good are YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! brenda hahn preston,mn!

posted Jan 3rd, 2012 11:29 pm

mns

I've lost more than 65 pounds on Weight Watchers during the past year and a half. The program is easy to follow and encourages exercise.

posted Jan 2nd, 2012 10:35 pm

Maureen Napoles

I do not like the way you treat your long term employees. It is not fair or ethical . I quit WW because of this.

posted Jan 1st, 2012 3:39 am

Marta

They will continue charging you for your online account and not tell you (it's in the fine print) until you find out (on your credit card bill). They will not refund you. Beware of theur promotions

posted Dec 26th, 2011 4:46 pm

Jean

BEWARE OF WEIGHT WATCHERS ON LINE PROGRAM!

posted Dec 23rd, 2011 6:01 pm

Kathy

I lost 25 lbs on the old plan. I'm not happy we are all being shoe- horned into using the computer. For me, easy is better. The new plan began with WW telling us to use 29 points. Then, they told us to decrease to 26 points. Now, they are telling us to "tweak" the plan for weight loss. I don't believe the plan has been fully worked out- yet, they sell it to us on a weekly basis. I suspect we're being used as subjects of human experimentation. The old method of height, weight and age directed amount of points. Now, we're suppossed to figure it out for ourselves. Fruits are now unlimited. Ridiculous. Fruits have tons of sugar. So disappointed. From my perspective, don't waste your dollars.

posted Dec 15th, 2011 7:43 pm

rebecca

As a former lifetime member, I think the new plan is horrible. You get inundated with books and materials you are supposed to read. The huge beef with me is the taking away of the slider. If you don't have a smart phone, you can't go grocery shopping or track on this program.
I am another lifetime member who thinks the new plan is terrible.

posted Dec 12th, 2011 1:41 pm

Andrea Wall

BUYERS BEWARE!!!!

WEIGHTWATCHERS WILL CONTINUE TO CHARGE YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT EVEN AFTER YOU HAVE CANCELLED YOUR SUBSCRIPTION!!! THEY OWE ME THREE MONTHS OF REFUND AND REFUSE TO PAY IT BECAUSE THEY "SAY" THEY CAN'T PROVE THAT I CANCELLED. NOT ONLY DID I GO ONLINE TO CANCEL THREE MONTHS IN A ROW, I ALSO SENT EMAILS. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO CHARGE YOU!!!!!!

posted Dec 12th, 2011 12:53 am

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The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice, doctors visit or treatment. The provided content on this site should serve, at most, as a companion to a professional consult. It should under no circumstance replace the advice of your primary care provider. You should always consult your primary care physician prior to staring any new fitness, nutrition or weight loss regime.

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