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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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> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 11 of 32, 631 total comments)

marie

I've been on WW online since early August and have lost 30lbs. I chose online because I hate going to any kind of meeting and I'm on my computer all the time anyway. I like that I am able to make fresh meals and don't have to rely on prepackaged frozen entrees. The site is really easy to use and I've been able to memorize most of the point values or am pretty good as guesstimating when I'm out. For less than $20 a month I feel like I'm getting a good deal. WW has taught me how to be conscious of what I'm eating in a way that nothing else could.

posted Nov 11th, 2010 1:40 pm

ELizabeth Carson

Help!!! I joined WW online a couple of months ago and my e-mail site/address crashed- I can't access it. How do I get in touch with WW so I can change my e-mail address and password? I

posted Nov 11th, 2010 1:39 pm

Shelia

I joined online and found that it did not help me at all. I am a prior WW member and felt like it would be no trouble, but the newer program was not explained, and as another person stated, you do not get any material from them. I paid 3 months in advance, but before my 3 months was finished, I joined a regular WW in my city. A thousand times better than online.

posted Nov 10th, 2010 3:35 pm

Jennifer

I've been doing WW "unofficially" for 9 monthes and have lost 82lbs! I've gone from a size 24/26 to a size 14! I used to do the meetings a long time ago, but money got tight and it would be discouraging doubly so if i were to gain weight and still had to pay money each week to attend, so i just took what i learned from the class and have gone "solo" on my own with it. There are lots of WW cook books out there and you can figure out what your WW points should be if you did a search on line for a calculator, also the same to figure out what points to assign to foods, ect. No need to pay out money for the WW site either...i get alot of free recipes from their Facebook page and also through other sites as well....there are of course the back up WW meals sold in the freezer section too for emergencies...but i LOVE to cook and i'll make a WW meal any night i'm off! Its very doable and you can do it too :)

posted Nov 9th, 2010 8:02 pm

Charlotte Hughes

I have tried everything except the lap band and gastric bypass. I am a nurse and I know that it doesn't matter what you do, calories in determine your weight, even with any surgery. Weight watchers is working for me, and has worked for many others. It makes a hard thing less difficult and doable.

posted Nov 8th, 2010 6:10 pm

Sandi48444

I like the WW Momentum program and done well on it. I don't really have any prolem with the program changing except the fact that NONE of the tools that I have purchased will NO LONGER be used- not just not work so well but will not work at all. Did sales slow so much on tall he books and calcs, etc that they had to come up with a new plan that forces us to buy everything again?

posted Nov 5th, 2010 11:42 am

Dee

The online program does not provide any points lists for you to print out. They do not provide any 'physical tools' to help you calculate points, you only have the online program to track points. This ties you to the computer for all your planning. You must do all point planning or calculating while online. The high cost for what you receive for this online activity is a rip-off. You don't know what little you get until you sign up and they take your money. I got suckered for the 3 month plan and am very disappointed. My friends doing Weight Watchers meetings have received numerous 'tools' to calculate points. I feel cheated.

posted Nov 4th, 2010 4:59 pm

Carmen WAGNER

I am a life time member. i personally dont say why cost for meetings are constantly going up, however as a lifetime member i feel ALL should be given a code inwhich we are allowed to log on to the web site service free. it doesn't cost them anything! & now I understand the in "new" program begin we'll need "special" calculators of which of course, we will need to purchase. how much cooler would it have been if they were provided free of charge or some system was devised to use regular calculators. it's all about making money for the CEO's & share holders & rarely about giving back to it's clients

posted Nov 2nd, 2010 9:16 pm

Jay

I have heard great things about weight watchers, and it's long time presence must attest to it's viability for success. And to the last person who complained about being computer illiterate and wanting your money back. If you bought a book to read and your were illiterate, do you think you should get your money back on that pretense? You seem common sense illiterate too..educate yourself and take responsibility for your purchases.

posted Nov 1st, 2010 10:29 am

JoyceLyman

before u decide to spend 58$ think twice. I cannot manage the site I am computer illerate and they will not refund my money when I did not even use it.

posted Oct 25th, 2010 4:11 pm

cindy

there are alot of misconceptions about weight watchers! it is NOT a diet, its a lifestyle change. you do not buy prepackaged meals, they teach you how to eat right with the foods you like. it is not just for morbidely obese people or women . its for any size, sex or age (some limitations apply to minors) or color. weight watchers is an incredible program and if followed properly, you WILL acheive a desired weight goal!

posted Oct 24th, 2010 11:26 pm

Tanya brown

To Marilyn Ash.....I wear the same size you did before you lost your weight and just started WW this week. Maybe you could share your menu plan or what you ate to give ne some idea. I can have 28 points a day and I started eating the "Smart Ones" dinners because it already has the points on them and I find that easier but not sure If thats ok. I do intend to make my own meals as well. I get motivated when I read stories like yours from someone who was once my size. I was always indoubt because nothing has not worked for me and scared that this won't work either. Maybe you could send me some idea of how you started like what you ate, how often etc. To help get me started. If so, I'm at ewy9 at CDC dot gov. Thank you tanya

posted Oct 21st, 2010 7:58 pm

Gary

LOVED IT LOST 70LBS

posted Oct 19th, 2010 2:37 pm

genene

love this i lost 80lb in 9 months. i dont attend any meetting and work out at least an hour 4 to 5 times a week. u can eat any thing u want and thats y it worked for me. love u thanks ww...

posted Oct 16th, 2010 4:07 pm

GENEE CHASE

I HAVE BEEN A WEIGHT WATCHERS MEMBER SEVERAL YEARS AGO IN BARSTOW CA. AND LOST 42 LBS. IT IS AN EXCELLENT PROGRAM. I AM ESPECIALLY IMPRESSED WITH JENNIFER HUDSON. IT HAS GIVEN ME THE INCENTIVE ONCE AGAIN TO BECOME A MEMBER ONCE AGAIN. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO GET A SAMPLE OF MISS HUDSON''S MENU.

posted Oct 15th, 2010 7:06 pm

Marilyn Ash

I'm also on weight watchers and simply LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!! I've tried other weight loss programs in the past but eventually gained all the weight back and then some. It was though, when my doc put me on high blood pressure meds I knew I had to get my weight under control so I decided to do something different and tried weight watchers for the first time and have been on the program since May, 2010. I used to weigh 209.6 and now weigh 169.6...40 lbs. down! I was wearing a plus size 18 to 22 and now in a junior size of 11-12 and feel GREAT and look amazing! I can't tell you enough how this has really helped not only my self esteem but this has also given me the motivation to accomplish other goals I've set for myself. I have another 14.6 lbs. to go and will get there. I've chosen to attend the weekly meetings. This seems to really work for me as I need to be held accountable! :) Knowing that I must weigh-in every week has kept me on focused. I use the 3 month journal to track all my points and that little points caculator...Oh what can I say...it's really a great tool to use when your in the grocery store or in a resturant (that has the nutrition values listed on the menus) to add up food points before you decide to make a purchase for something that just might be too many points. It's amazing how much food and the variety of foods you can actually eat. It's also great that you are allowed 35 extra points per week so if your attending an event or just a night out on the town you can use your extra points. I have yet ot use any. Our meeting leader is a great motivator, funny and makes the meetings very exciting! I really look forward to going each week. So, for anyone out there who is contemplating about whether to join or not...JOIN! Saving your life just might depend on it! Oh, by the way, my doc has taken me off the meds. What a way to go!

posted Oct 12th, 2010 2:04 pm

Sharon Schamel

I love WW and I am going to keep at it to lose all the weight I need to do

posted Oct 9th, 2010 2:13 pm

ELAINE

I have been doing WW since 3/2010 and I have lost 51 pounds and I feel great. My leader is great and so are all the other members. This is my third time doing WW and I has just clicked for mee I eat healthy and do some exercise. Points are easy to count. I heard that there is a new plan coming out in 2011, mixing core and monemtum programs together. Good Luck to all. This has saved my life.

posted Sep 29th, 2010 4:06 pm

odessa

i would like to know more about your services

posted Sep 22nd, 2010 10:17 am

Frank Moreno

I NEED A DIET HIGH IN FIBER AND LOW IN CARBS DUE TO MY CONDITION. cAN YOU HELP WITH SUCH A DIET

posted Sep 21st, 2010 1:29 pm

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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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