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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 17 of 32, 631 total comments)

lori

WW is PERFECT for me. I have been trying for 3 yrs to lose weight. I was using my own version of portion control and excercising. The weight wouldn't budge, not even a pound. I have maintained my 37 lb weight gain for 3 yrs straight. I went to the dr to have my thyroid checked. It was normal. I joined WW based on my mom's suggestion. I FOUND my problem. I am eating WAY, WAY too much food. I went over my points the first week by almost 70 points. I was eating 50+ points in one day. This was NORMAL for me. I wasn't measuring until the day's end when I would log in my points, I'd be shocked. All day, I was conscious of what I was eating and thought I was doing a, "good job." WOW! I had a lot to learn about portion control and making better choices. For example, before WW, I would eat a grilled turkey sandwhich from DQ thinking it was healthy. Once on WW, I discovered this had 25 grams of fat. No wonder I was not loosing weight. WW also forces me to make sure I check that I had all my daily intake of fruits, veggies, water and whole grains ea day. I used to go days w/o eating these. Now I am aware of whether I am lacking in this very important area and I eat them. This is going to be a lifestyle change for me, not a diet. I am recognizing what a portion looks like and realizing what foods I thought were good are not so good. I am also finding healthy alternatives to my favorite foods such as instead of spaghetti sauce, I eat fresh chopped tomatoes and drizzle olive oil and oregeno over my whole wheat pasta. Yummy and more healthy .

posted Aug 5th, 2009 1:33 am

debby

To Lisa...Search online for exercises for wheelchairbound people. There are instructions online and DVDs that can be purchased.

posted Jul 17th, 2009 7:57 pm

ww'er for life

WW is the best diet out there at helping you make a permanent lifestyle change. there are many good diets if all you look at are weight loss results, but i doubt there is any diet out there that can make the maintenance claims that WW can. the reason is that from day 1 they teach you that you are not on a diet. they help you address the problem you have eating healthfully by giving you guidance and direction in how to choose better, more nutritionally dense foods, but it's also realistic enough to recognize you will want to have a piece of pumpkin pie at thanksgiving, or go to happy hour after work w/ friends. and you can do all of that on WW and they show you how. the community support whether online or in meetings is also immensely helpful. most diets contain some method of tracking what you eat. this is necessary so that you can assess how flawed your assumptions about food are. before joining WW, i thought eating a bagel for breakfast was fine! now i know, that is many more calories than anyone needs for breakfast, and it's nutritionally lacking. now i never eat more than a half bagel at any one time and i am sure to include protein with every meal. it's little realizations like this that you make all along the weight loss journey on weight watchers that help you realize things you simply didn't know before, and knowledge is power!

posted Jul 10th, 2009 4:49 pm

Lisa Korth

I have read the numerous messages/comments trying to decide if I'm going to sign up for the Weight watchers on line program. Most of what I read about exercise is for able bodied people, my problem is I am in a wheel chair. So the conventional/standard exercises won't work for me. I need exercises for a person wanting to lose weight but stuck in a wheel chair. I realize this isn't a review but a question that I will keep asking until someone is able to answer it for me.

posted Jul 5th, 2009 12:17 pm

terry harris

I didn't have to count calories.

posted Jun 17th, 2009 7:41 am

Profile Message

xxx

ww sucks, lots of people post messages on their community board

posted Jun 8th, 2009 2:23 pm

DLYNN

Reviews from people asking questions about the program are not reviews. Reviews from people who joined this week and lost 2lbs are not really helpful about a would-be dieter's biggest question: How realistic is XYZ program to maintain over the long haul? The National Weight Loss Registry stats show that 90+ percent of people who lose weight on a diet plan gain it back and then some. Those who maintain over the long term do so via a significant amount of daily exercise. (Example: 10,000 steps a day equals about five miles or 2 hours of walking, whereas those who are blessed with youth and/or good joints take up running and cover more ground in a realistic amount of time.)

I am very, very tired of reading page after page of reviews that are not really reviews but read more like paid endorsements. Please, if you are going to post a review of a diet or any other book, service or product on the Internet, hold off and wait a reasonable amount of time so that you have more experience coming through vs. unsubstantiated enthusiasm. Enthusiasm over recently joining a new program is a good thing as are questions about these programs — but a review isn't the place for a Q&A or gush about how you joined up this week and are really excited about the results you *hope* to have. Put yourselves in the shoes of the reader: Those who would seek out a review site of this kind are curious to know about people who have reached their goals or who have tried, tried and tried again and found something lacking in the program. We do not need yet another "review" about losing the first 5lbs in less than two weeks, which just about any diet plan will deliver if you stick with it at least that long. The real question is how long does any of it last and how easy or realistic is it to maintain? If you haven't been with the program long enough to post a real review, please don't waste the space. No offense, but try to remember what this site is here for. Thanks.

posted May 25th, 2009 4:39 pm

Sherry ; )

I did the diet almost 3 years ago and lost 43 lbs. in 3 months. I have now gained 7 lbs. back so I'm at it again. But it was 3 years at the same weight, so I think that speaks for it's self. If you really are serious about your weight this is the diet for you. I did it at home, with no meeting you just have to believe in yourself!!!!

posted May 17th, 2009 3:26 pm

cristal gonzalez

i would like some recipes

posted May 14th, 2009 7:21 pm

Raphaelle Robitaille

It's the best diet for me. I tried numerous diets in the past and ww is the only one that worked for me. It's easy to follow and you can eat almost anything, so i don't feel like i'm dieting. That's cool. I already lost a 100 pounds with ww and i still loosing pounds. What more can i ask!!! It's the best.

posted May 13th, 2009 10:34 am

Profile Message

Marjorie Herman

Works because it makes a lot of nutritional sense.

posted May 7th, 2009 5:37 pm

Jarr

its was great

posted May 7th, 2009 1:48 pm

Anne

My boyfriend and I joined a month ago. We have each lost 13lbs. Which is great. We will continue to go the meetings and lose. I do think that the meetings and the online offers should be joined together. I would also like to see a few more recipes. Sometimes is it difficult to come up with original ideas. Other than that, it is really a fairly simple diet to follow, if you put your mind to it. I guess as easy as any diet can possibly be!!

posted May 1st, 2009 4:41 pm

samantha

well im kinda interested in starting, im about 300 pounds and have tried everything, im going crazy about my weight

posted Apr 28th, 2009 10:11 pm

marie

I joined ww 15 wees ago I have up to this point lost 45lbs. I have tried every diet from Jenny Craig to slender magic gone to curves and ate the nastiest food around to no avail I have if you add all the lbs up from everything Ive tried I'v lost maybe 15lbs but as soon as I went back to REAL food I gained it back and more. I like what I eat thats why I look as I do but I can learn to limit how much and that is what ww has taught me to do with the points no food is out just the portion. I am enjoying losing this weight. I must say I never tried ww thought it was a joke look at all the time and money I could have saved. Thank you WW. Marie

posted Apr 27th, 2009 12:35 pm

Margie

I am SO glad I joined weight watchers! It is very easy for me. I am an organized person and it is very easy for me to "compartamentalize" in my brain the food/points. I am never hungry and have to MAKE myself eat all my points everyday. I have about 120 lbs to lose and I have lost 19.2 pounds in 8 weeks. I am exercising more and am down a size already.

posted Apr 26th, 2009 9:20 pm

Karol Fischer

Wonderful and a very healthy style of living if you use it properly. It is not a diet, but a great lifestyle to live by for all times. Can't be beat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted Apr 25th, 2009 5:33 pm

Arnie Miller

If you follow the points, and buy your food carfully, you can EAT a lot of good tasting food, not feel hungry, and still loose that ever important 3 to 5 pounds a week! And KEEP it off.....Loved it, and still practice it even though im at my goal weight!!!!

posted Apr 23rd, 2009 4:08 pm

Satrena

I liked it. The weight came off slow, 1 -2 lbs per week, but they did add up over time. was very easy to follow and the wgt stayed off. i would recommened it.

posted Apr 17th, 2009 9:07 pm

rosina taylor

u site takes too much time. i still didn't find a food list or a menu plan for me. too many add-ons point system sounds good but if i cannot find out the value of a certain food i can't go on. i reckon i have been on your site for 1 hr. and 40 mins. and still am in the dark about your diet and i am out of time. now my problem is how do i cancel out of the 7 day trial period. please help.

posted Apr 16th, 2009 10:10 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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