82%

of people who tried this diet like it

Tried it? Rate it!

out of 100
based on 376 reviews

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.

WEIGHT WATCHERS SLIDESHOWS

7 Weight Loss Plans Fit for Fall

Biggest Celeb Weight Losses of 2010

The Cost of Losing 20 Pounds

Featured Diets

> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 12 of 32, 631 total comments)

Dianne

I don't just like it - - I LOVE IT!! Please give it a try. All you really have to lose is your "muffin top." I can't imagine an easier program. I really happy with being an on-line member now. I can't seem to fit the meeting into my schedule. But I find I get as much (maybe more) info. and support on-line at my convenience. WW has been around decades, so they must be doing something right. Not a fad diet! We all know those just don't work. Good luck. You can do this. Just take a little time to learn the program and then you will be on your way!! (I don't work for WW - ha ha)

posted Sep 17th, 2010 6:38 am

Deanna

I lost 60 pounds using Weight Watchers online tools. It took a year - but that's the way it should be. It takes that long to start internalizing the changes to your eating habits.

posted Sep 13th, 2010 3:19 pm

Barbara

I live in Bermuda and want to join on line but they do not have an address which a states other than US

posted Sep 11th, 2010 11:36 am

deb sepich

I am 59 years old and have recently lost 11 pounds on WW. I have tried for 5 years to lose 5 lbs. but instead gained another 5lb. I tried every diet know to mankind then a friend recommended WW. I started June 28th and their weight is gone and I ate bread, fruit, wine and even went out for pizza once a week and the weight just fell off. I cannot say enough about this program. I learned portion control!!!!

posted Sep 9th, 2010 4:30 pm

jan jefferies

since returning from holiday I can't access weightwatchers which I joined in April and am paying monthly

posted Sep 8th, 2010 1:48 pm

rickys

great program for controlling your weight and eating right!

posted Sep 8th, 2010 1:23 pm

april

i tried it for a month with out signing up and started making monthly payments and lost about 10 pounds befor i became a member on line

posted Sep 7th, 2010 10:59 pm

Tina Kuecker

When I started on Weight Watchers 6 years ago, on my own, I went from 200.8 to now I am at 155.6. Even during chemo and radiation I was able to maintain anywhere between this and 153. It is really easy to maintain as well as exercise to your skill level.
You start at one point and you just keep on going. IT IS SO EASY.

posted Sep 7th, 2010 12:58 pm

martha carlton

i do not know whether I want to sign up for Weight Watchers. I was a lifetime member long years ago, and have long since lost the papers which I had.

I am a 70 year old female in perfect health. i ride my bicycle 60 miles per week, and eat a healthy diet. I must take anti-depressants and sleeping pills due to extreme family problems. I simpley can not lose weight, even with all the exercise and the healthy diet.. I wonder if WW could help me?

posted Sep 7th, 2010 9:33 am

AmyMaria

This is for Margaret who left a message re: just ten lbs to lose...W. W. is a lifestyle it would be perfect for you or anyone no matter what the wt. loss goal. Please take my advice...don`t do any crash diets or take any pills...I don`t care if they are herbal products....you wind up gaining back twice as much or more than u had to lose in the 1st place. This has been my life story...DON`T let that be you...there are no short cuts...just self discipline. WIsh u all the best.

posted Sep 1st, 2010 10:21 pm

Profile Message

Myra

i became WW LifeTime member in 92, left WW and had several ups/downs on "diets" and returned to WW in 2/08. I got rid of all the excess and have maintained my weight at/below goal for 2 years. I still go to meetings almost weekly and weigh-in when I go. I need to continue to work on the coping skills to keep me from emotional eating. WW gives me the structure and direction to develop a healthy lifestyle. It's not a diet. Its a lifestyle. i know I can't do it on my own - I would have already if I could have.

posted Aug 31st, 2010 12:31 am

margaret

I am just wondering if weight watchers would be good for me. I have about ten pounds to lose?

posted Aug 23rd, 2010 3:25 pm

KJSL

I've done online twice in the last decade. Sort of liked it, but found the online application not robust enough for my needs and needed to keep a side sheet of paper to keep track of my points. I needed a higher daily intake of food than my calculation provided. I asked tech support the same question, but was told to attend a meeting.

posted Aug 23rd, 2010 11:30 am

Roan

Guys.....of course you can stick with this! I have done the research. Weight Watchers is not going to be a get skinny quick program. It's going to be a learning, step by step, begin to feel better and lose weight along the way program. It does teach you about fiber, about sodium, about fat content, about calcium. Read the materials! It's all in there! it teaches you how to choose foods that keep you fuller for longer. And, most importantly, it teaches you that not ALL the food in the world must be consumed at one meal, how to snack responsibly most of the time so you can lose it some of the time without paying for it later, and how to regain control of your life by regaining control of your SELF.

The only question you have to ask yourself is - are you worth it?

Well? Are ya?

posted Aug 19th, 2010 5:41 pm

sarathurman

Great program! Lost 10 pounds

posted Aug 18th, 2010 10:11 am

Melissa

I've only been doing weight watchers for a little less than a week. I'm a bit crazy about not putting certain things in my body such as fake butter, artificial sweetners and other chemicals which is why for so long I didn't join. However, you make your own choices. I've found myself only eating fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, milk, lots of water, and whole grain. When I do buy processed food I make sure there is no artificial sweetners or High fructose corn syrup. I splurge everynow and then on a scoop of real ice cream or whole yogurt. I love WW so far. Also, I am in graduate schook, I work and am a mother/wife and it is not to time consuming. (I'm doing the online version)

Yes, I do think it is common sense, eat fresh foods and stay away from sweets, processed foods, and fast food. But that is easier said then done when you have an already overwhelming schedule. This system keeps you accountable and aware of exactly how much you have eaten. The online version has a nice tool to check off your water, fresh veggies, fruits, lean protein, water, healthy oils, activity, milk and vitamins needed for each day. That tool saves me. If I make sure I eat plenty of all that good stuff, my points just take care of themselves! Good luck to all!

posted Aug 16th, 2010 2:49 pm

Claire

Well don't exactly know how well this works but I do want to help those who want to lose weight. Here check out my book.

posted Aug 5th, 2010 11:54 am

Julie

Weight Watchers does not teach you how to eat balanced meals. Such as enough vitamins, fiber, calcium and if you ate too much calories, fat and most of all SODIUM.

Points doesnt not teach me to be balanced. It only teaches me to count.

posted Aug 3rd, 2010 12:19 pm

Jodi

I have lost 16 lbs. to date in 5 weeks on WW, and two of those weeks I wasn't really watching what I ate! It really really works, by making you more accountable for what you're eating. I really think my secret is that I try not to use the extra 35 points and stick to my base points, but if extra hungry, I know that those points are there and will use some. Good luck to anyone starting out, and IT WORKS!

posted Aug 1st, 2010 8:24 pm

bonnie

i do love ww. it will work if you work with it . it is not magic but it is a way of life. i have been with ww for 20 years off and on .i lost 50 lbs and have never gained it all back. i do spoth beach sometimes and i hate it . it is just depriving you of things that you can eat on ww if you just count your points .......it works folk's;

posted Jul 29th, 2010 3:46 pm

« previous 78910111213141516 next »

Leave Feedback

Browse Diets

Recipe of the Day

McDonald’s Big Mac
Chef Devin Alexander's healthy alternative to this fast-food classic.

Keep up with Diets in Review Get Weekly Email Updates (sample) Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to our RSS Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Weight Watching with the Milwaukee Admirals

My body Transformation!

Customer Service

Quick Links

Stay in Touch

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.

82%