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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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User Feedback
(Page 18 of 32, 631 total comments)julie harrell
i am very happpy with weight watcher. i have l have l losed 20 pounds since i been on it
posted Apr 14th, 2009 8:44 pmJimmyC
For those on WW how much would you guess that it costs every month? If you stick to it and follow the plan strictly, whats the real cost of the program with all the food?
posted Apr 14th, 2009 5:29 pmAnnie Rush
Would like more recipes on chicken and turkey that isn"t soexpense to make
posted Apr 13th, 2009 4:35 pmbeth
I have done Weight Watchers for 3 years now. This is the only weight loss system that works long term! I'm never hungry, and I still get to eat real chocolate!
posted Apr 7th, 2009 6:04 amKeith
Love this diet, I'm kicking myself for not doing this sooner
posted Apr 5th, 2009 9:10 pmjeanie
Ive tried many diets but weight watchers to me, is not considered a diet! its a lifestyle change and a easy one at that! :)
posted Apr 4th, 2009 10:12 amLaurie Koehler
I tried it for one week (free) and lost 13 lbs in about 5 weeks. Eventually plan on joining again.
posted Mar 28th, 2009 9:27 pmJay K
Let's say that IF you are determined to lose weight, and want food you normally eat, and IF you are a stick to it type, THIS WILL work for you. It is not simple or easy because you are eating real food instead of premade dinners, though you can eat the premade frozen stuff if you desire. But you can make this work just fine. And you will lose weight IF you do it like they say.
posted Mar 28th, 2009 7:54 pmemily
WW gives you the tools, support, and recognition to make your weight loss goals come true. I lost 50 lbs in 6 months following the plan as directed. The only thing it doesn't give you is the willpower....which you will need.
posted Mar 26th, 2009 11:47 pmmelissa
actually, the leader @ my meeting suggested NOT to rely on the packaged and frozen WW foods...very high in sodium and high in point values. I like WW because you can eat anything as long as you "budget " for it.
posted Mar 25th, 2009 7:35 pmmckayla
sounds good enough to eat :)
posted Mar 25th, 2009 5:14 pmsherry
justsighup
posted Mar 25th, 2009 3:11 pmpatti
The only thing that works. 7 months and 37 pounds. Very happy. Almost at goal.
posted Mar 23rd, 2009 7:56 pmjellymummy
So many people I speak to have either done weightwatchers or are still on it. I'm looking for something myself but wonder if I'll be on it and buying the packaged foods forever.
posted Mar 18th, 2009 12:27 pmLinda Jones
It's the only diet I have had success with and will always recommend it. I am a lifetime member. thanks WW!
posted Mar 17th, 2009 9:43 amJudy Main
I am at goal and lost 30 lbs.Tryed crasy diets and other programs. Weight Watchers is the best and healthiest. I am off Cholesterol prescription that costs over $100.00 a month. My doctor is pleased and I feel great. Not hungry!
posted Mar 15th, 2009 12:47 pmLori
I have tried so many diets in the past and this is the best because it isn't even a diet. I can still eat what I want within reason. And you can also go out once a week if you wanted and eat whatever you want because you get an extra 35 weekly points. I have horrible self control, but the weight tracker online makes it fun. I definitely recommend this way of life to everyone!
posted Mar 14th, 2009 1:16 pmkim rector
how do i know what is my proper weight is suppose to be
posted Mar 14th, 2009 12:35 pmalie
I really like weight watchers. It is not a diet It is away of life. You can eat anything you desire as long as you stay within you points.
posted Mar 11th, 2009 11:23 amBarbara
Very happy with this system. Been on it for a little over a month & lost 13 pounds. Not hungry like on other plans. This is a livestyle change, not a diet.
posted Mar 9th, 2009 12:11 pm