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 15 of 32, 631 total comments)

Debbie jacob

It's the only diet that has worked for me. I lost 48 pounds in eight months.

posted Apr 1st, 2010 5:30 pm

Michelle

This actually isn't a "diet". You can eat whatever you want as long as it is within your points range. It teaches you to make smarter decisions pertaining to food. This is a total lifestyle change, so you have to be focused and determined. You become the one in control of your eating, not the food. There are so many great recipes too! You never get bored with the same foods and my family LOVES almost everything I make. Good Luck!

posted Mar 30th, 2010 8:36 pm

Carla

I did the program two years ago, and Iost 20 pounds..It was slow slow...But this is the only weight that I have been able to keep it off. I lost 30 pounds with the cookie diet in 2 months, but I gained the weight back right away..So to be honest with you..this is the best program you could follow...NO FAD DIETS...O QUICK FACES.. LET'S BE HONEST WITH OURSELVES WITH OUR OVERWEIGHT BECAUSE WE EAT MORE THAN WE ARE SUPPOSED TO..SOMETIMES WE ARE NOT EVEN HUNGRY..

posted Mar 22nd, 2010 2:50 pm

patti

Love it! At 47 and with five little ones ages 12 down to 4 and three miscarriages, I gained 5lb.s here and there to reach 171!! I'm 5'7". Started WW online Jan. 21st and am down 16 + lbs. To see the graphs online, choose any food and track it online was exactly what I needed. I choose to eat healthy and for my snicker fix, I choose to eat a Fiber One bar which totally satisfies! My down fall is pizza, in which I need to get a grip and eat one or two slices, not my three!! When I sip tea during the day, I seem to be calmer and have better appetite control. This is far the best educating weight loss program ever! I am looking at my membership as shor-term so therefore, it is like a college course to nutrition and active lifestyle for me to "graduate" and go on from there living well into my 90's fit and active, Lord willing of course. Another BIG help is crosswalk You can sign-up via email to get these daily . Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
With God first, your weight loss journey will be "doable"! Also, check out Chantell Hobbs story for more encouragement!! As she said, "I'M DONE!!

posted Mar 15th, 2010 12:02 pm

Samantha

This is not as easy as people make it seem,im a teen and well its hard to fit this into school,work, and friend time.....

posted Mar 8th, 2010 10:36 am

Megan

Weight watchers will help you lose weight to a certain point if you stay on track....but it doesnt exactly get you to eat healthy. Every one in the meetings I attended ate a LOT of "diet" foods with chemicals and artificial sweeteners. This is not healthy guys. If you learn to eat unprocessed, natural, whole grain foods, fresh fruits and veggies and plenty of water then the need for "points" is unnnecessary. Learn to eat heatlhy foods and fats...not just low calories

posted Mar 7th, 2010 12:57 am

Deanna

Best diet out there! Teaches portion control with lots of food options so you don't feel deprived.

posted Mar 4th, 2010 9:01 am

shannon rodriguez

loved this its not a diet its a way of life.... i lost 48 lbs...... and i got to eat good healthy food while losing it

posted Mar 2nd, 2010 12:29 pm

jenn

to date ive lost 112lbs and reached my goal today!

this lifestyle change with the help of WW has saved my life!

posted Feb 26th, 2010 8:06 pm

sandra t

I would like to join the On-Line WW but I would like to send payment via mail and not use my cc. I understand after the 3 month plan I would need to resubmit monthly payments.

suggestions??

posted Feb 25th, 2010 12:26 pm

Sam1104

I've lost a stone so far since starting ww in december. I wasn't even following it 'religiously'!
The easiest diet plan I've ever done, no food is 'banned' you just have to conclude if what you want is worth spending the points on.
I found it easier to think of my daily points as literal pounds (as in money) so if I started the day with 23 points, it would be 23 pounds. If my lunch was 6 or 7 points, i would think that reasonable as it would be how much I would be willing to spend in money. However if a chocolate bar was 8 points, I would have to go without, as 8 quid spent on a choccy bar is a bit extravagant!
But its finding and utilising the tools that work for you. I thoroughly recommend this diet!

posted Feb 15th, 2010 8:32 am

Profile Message

emz

i started weightwatchers last tuesday and have found it to be exremely easy and the most satisfying diet i have been on..i have never been hungry yet.. its nice for a diet to actually let you eat lol.. i tried the cambridge diet before.. but all were allowed to eat was the shakes and soups which i found revolting. i did lose a stone in 2 weeks on it but piled it back on and then some when i ate food again. got my first weigh in tomorrow. wish me luck!

posted Feb 8th, 2010 9:14 am

JANET SPADA

5 YEARS ON WW- LOST 80 LBS AND MAINTAINED WEIGHT LOSS SINCE 2005. BEST LIFESTYLE PLAN EVER

posted Feb 2nd, 2010 10:03 am

nancy

I have lost 95 pounds on this program and made it part of my life its been 6 years that I have hit my goal and there is no other plan for me,

posted Jan 27th, 2010 10:58 am

Reba Thompson

In 5 months I lost 41 lbs. ---walked a lot, followed the guidelines, was totally committed. It paid off. In the last five months, I have kept it off. If I go up a couple of pounds, immediatelly I go back to the points system and get WW focused. It is so doable!!

posted Jan 17th, 2010 3:16 pm

Jen

Have lost close to 80 lbs twice with WW. Will work for you if you stay on it!!

posted Jan 16th, 2010 4:33 am

Pros: Cost $100.for 10wks. Lost 40lbs in 3.5 months. Played tennis 5-days a week. Became a lifer=free WW
Cons: Personal out of the ordinary probs: Dad with dementia needing care, teenagers, etc. slowly gained back because I did not have access to the diet I was used to. WW won't take me back unless I pay for each meeting I missed while I was gone because I became a lifer. So at what $12 bucks a week x 2 yrs...well you do the math.
Point: This works best for single people, cuz they can have nothing in the house except water and vegies;)

posted Jan 14th, 2010 8:57 pm

TerHawk

Just bought a Monthly Pass. $39.95 a month. Excited to get started. Looks like a life plan and not a diet! I have 40 lbs to lose and I am 40 years old. Time to get serious!

posted Jan 11th, 2010 6:20 pm

S.F. Power Products Food

fine. very nice.

best regards

for light and slimline cooking

posted Dec 31st, 2009 11:12 am

Amber

Weight Watchers Works! If you apply the principles you will be successful. Jean Nidetch is the founder of Weight Watchers.

posted Dec 30th, 2009 6:33 am

« previous 10111213141516171819 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

Weight Watchers Brownies

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%