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Weight Watchers
A trusted approach to weight loss for more than 40 years.
QUICK FACTS
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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
WEIGHT WATCHERS VIDEO REVIEW
Weight Watchers YouTube Channel
Weight Watchers Overhauls Points System
WEIGHT WATCHERS RESOURCES
Weight Watchers Testimonial at Prevention Magazine
Weight Watchers Food and Recipes
About the Weight Watchers Lifetime Member Program
Weight Watchers Contact Information
Online Program: Official Site
Phone: 800-651-6000
Website: WeightWatchers.com
Email: support@weightwatchers.com
Common Misspellings
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Featured Diets
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User Feedback
(Page 16 of 32, 631 total comments)smprsfan
Started this today - I have a big number in mind (~ 60-65 lbs), but right now I'm working towards just 5%. I think I can do it. Plus, I think I'm more concerned with my clothing sizes - I'm a 16 right now, and would really rather be a 10 or so... we'll see how it goes.
posted Dec 29th, 2009 4:21 pmAthleteKitty
I'm back on weight watchers b/c I'd gained 15 pounds back b/c I stopped watching my portions and began eating out alot. I'm a Lifetime member and I find going to meetings help me stay on track. When I get back to my goal weight I'll continue going to meetings because the Saturday leader we have is awesome and inspiring.
posted Dec 24th, 2009 10:27 pmJonna
I did ww about 4 yaears ago and lost 40 but now i am not doing ww and have gained it all back and more in about one year. I was lifetime i thank it is a great program and it really works you just got to stick to it. thanking about going back after the frist of the year because i know i need to.
posted Dec 23rd, 2009 6:21 pmmandy0925
this has been the best change i have ever made. it makes me feel like i am not even trying to lose weight and the pounds come off every week! love it!
posted Dec 17th, 2009 5:31 ambeeper
Weight Watchers was established by Jean Nidetch in September 1961
posted Dec 10th, 2009 10:32 amsebastian
I have tried WW twice-the first time I did not realize we were not supposed to eat so close to "weigh in" and since I had eaten an hour before, I was 2 lbs more. The leader asked me if I still wanted to stay for the meeting. I was aghast-what kind of leadership is that? The second time I was going to do it with a friend-until I realized the leader (different woman) was giving bad advice (make your two year old eat what she eats???) This is after two weeks prior her telling us to not make our kids diet if we are. These "leaders" speak out of both sides of their mouth. Never again.
posted Nov 13th, 2009 1:27 amwhitneymak
I enjoy doing Weight Watchers. I was on it years ago when I was at my lowest weight. I quit and was quickly sucked back into the way I ate before, and then I went to college it it got WAY out of hand. However, I started getting serious about it again a couple weeks ago and I have lost about 9 pounds since I started. I am not hungry ever since I snack a lot more than I did before. I am young, so it's hard for me sometimes when I go out with my friends. After a 40 hour work week, it's hard to say no to a martini (or two). But those points add up fast.
posted Oct 15th, 2009 4:10 amI am a vegetarian on top of that, so I really enjoy WW because I can choose what I eat and calculate points accordingly.
I'm starting Alli in about a week and a half, after I cleanse. I'll be posting about that sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Susan123
diet doesnt work
posted Oct 13th, 2009 7:48 amCharlene
It's works for me me i lost 85lb i feel GREAT!!
posted Oct 1st, 2009 11:27 pmJenn
Just wondering if anyone out there can give me some tips on how to start. Do I just sign up and they send me all the materials I need to suceed? Thanks for all of your input!
posted Oct 1st, 2009 6:14 amWW user
I was on WW for a year and lost 10 pounds (which was really good for me; I am on the petite side and that's a lot on my frame). There were many things that I liked about it. The leader and meetings were really positive, the weekly weigh-ins were a good way to stay on course, and I learned a lot about the real caloric content of foods that I had previously thought were "healthy" and therefore could be consumed without limits, like pasta and potatoes.
posted Sep 26th, 2009 7:09 pmThat said, there were some things that I did not like, as well. I think that the pure emphasis on points wound up distracting me from other habits that I knew were healthy. As I got down to 18 points, I found myself drinking diet soda instead of milk, chewing sugary gum to stave off sugar cravings, and eating the WW-branded foods which are often high in sodium and transfats. After a while, I got tired of the points counting and quit WW. Instead of counting points, I decided to cut "unnatural" things like 100 calorie packs of snack crackers or WW candy bars out of my diet, and to rely instead on natural, home-cooked things, even if they are higher in calories. Two years later, I've lost 15 more pounds.
I think that my problem with WW was mostly psychological: on a program that says that you can still eat cheeseburgers and chocolate sundaes, I found myself always looking for a chemically-adapted lower-calorie version of junk food. Once I changed my focus to eating only natural foods, I found that my tastes changed, that I am less stressed out about "saving" points, and that I have a lot more energy. I definitely still rely on some of the things that I learned about food from WW, though.
JennyChow
I did the Weight Watchers Program, and with some discipline it works very well. I wishe there would be some more communivation between members, I also did a Marie France program, and there is a community site now where I got a lot of good tips.
posted Sep 26th, 2009 4:39 ambre
Hi all!
posted Sep 18th, 2009 2:06 pmJust wanted you to know that has an exclusive interview
with Florine Mark, who created Weight Watchers. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey as the largest franchisee of Weight Watchers International and overcoming life's key obstacles.
It's a really great video, please check it out!
Natalie
I did WW about 2 years ago back in the UK, I lost 3 stone in 6 months! It was amazing and encouraged me to introduce exercise into my life and gave me a reason - so I could have the odd treat! I used to use my activity points for a night out at the weekend with my friends, alcohol is actually my biggest downfall, so it is good that WW is realistic and doesn't say you CANNOT have something like ever it says ok, but in moderation and only if you earn it! I am back on WW now in Australia, this is my first week and yes I gained a bit of weight but in 2 years I only gained like 7 pounds not bad at all. Now I am having to work it all out in Kilos and I am starting at minimum of 18 points, finding it tougher this time, but I know it works!
posted Sep 15th, 2009 12:11 amVictoria
This is a message for DLYNN!
posted Sep 4th, 2009 3:18 pmWeightwatchers is NOT a fad diet, which the statistics that you stated are aimed at. WW is a long-term healthy eating diet that does not eliminate ANY of the food groups. The reason why I love WW so much is because you can eat whatever you like within moderation. It is not a quick fix like many fad diets out there. Thus you lose weight slowly but it stays off in the long term. The slower you lose the weight the longer it stays off and that is a fact!
I would definately recommend WW I love it!!! I have never paid for a class in my life all points can be found by googling and you should stick to around 18 to 20 points per day.
Jane Connor
I've been on weight watchers about four times. I have all the books and this time i am going to try it on my own. it works. you just have to stay disciplined. I am also going to curves 6 times a week and doing the Curve Smart program. I burn about 470 calories each time.
posted Aug 27th, 2009 11:29 pmkathy
I'm a life time member since 1981 and have kept my weight off . There are times when you tend to gain a few , but you just go back on to your program. it is easy to drop them . That's the beauty of ww . Good luck to all.
posted Aug 25th, 2009 5:57 pmEmmii
i dont like it because its not free... i dont think its fair to have to pay for letters on a screen and to try to lose wieght ...its just wasting money you would have a lot more people if it was free.
posted Aug 17th, 2009 1:44 pmTammy
I've been on it for over a year and it's amazing. After 2 weeks you start to memorize the points and it gets much easier.
posted Aug 14th, 2009 10:35 pmCindy Kern
Points system makes it very easy to keep track of what you are eating and calories. Going to meetings is a great support system and gives helpful information and camaraderie with others who are trying to lose using the same system.
posted Aug 14th, 2009 5:56 pm