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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
Related Diets: Weight Watchers At Work, Weight Watchers Meetings, Weight Watchers Meetings Monthly Pass, Weight Watchers Online, Weight Watchers Online for Men, Weight Watchers PointsPlus, Weight Watchers She Loses, He Loses
User Feedback
(Page 22 of 33, 651 total comments)sally pargas
I am allergic to fish, pork, chicken,peanut butter, oatmeal....what can i eat that I would still lose weight?
posted Jan 20th, 2009 4:15 pmLeggy1
Every time I do Weight Watchers I lose weight but I am starting again with plans to really stick with it.
posted Jan 20th, 2009 1:47 pmDORI
well tommarrow i will start wieght watchers i kept wanting to loose weight faster nothing else works and keeps the wieght off then i was watching the biggest loser show thought oh there loosing up to 100 to 70 pounds in 6 months well first you half to get on the show and have 6 months to leave your responabilities
posted Jan 18th, 2009 6:19 pmand then oprah had the winner of the show on and he gained it all back wighs 383 pounds again and the grandma gained her weight back so i will not be doing that so weight watchers is the only way so simple you can eat anywhere i need to loose 100 pounds
i moved to the beach so i can go for walks and ride my new bike
wish me luck
Kirsten Fullmer
I have been doing weight watchers for 5 months and I love it. I've lost 25 lbs. and I have never felt better.
posted Jan 18th, 2009 1:39 pmdorilicious
Gettebates- and anyone struggling to exercise with extra weight on: When I broke my back and was on wieght watchers, Aquacise changed my life. If you have acces to a pool do it- you can get your heart rate up without any pressure on your body but most importantly your joints. It's probably the best thing that ever happened to me in my recovery, it helped me heal too. Note: a lot of Women Only Gyms offer tons of aquacise classes.
posted Jan 15th, 2009 2:02 pmPatricia Krippel
Best thing ever!!!!
posted Jan 14th, 2009 5:55 pmgettebates
I have known many who have gone with weight watchers and have had great success. My problem is that I have severe, degenerative osteoarthritis. My shoulders are frozen, both knees are "bone on bone", it is in my ankles, neck, tailbone......how can I get my metabolism to the point that I can loose as I cannot exercise at all right now? Any suggestions?
posted Jan 13th, 2009 11:18 pmJENNIFER ALLEN
GOING TO THE MEETING REALLY HELPS. IT IS VERY MOTIVATING!
posted Jan 13th, 2009 1:41 pmErin
WW has taught me so much about nutrition and healthy living. I have always found great success when I have stuck to the plan (which they make pretty simple to do!)
posted Jan 13th, 2009 12:44 pmmaryann hunt
weight watcher's works....it is that simple
posted Jan 13th, 2009 9:20 amJune Waugh
Just starting - had open heart surgery and am now nwanting to keep healthy and this was recommended to me.
posted Jan 11th, 2009 10:41 pmCathy
The best program to loose weight and learn how to eat healthy for life.
posted Jan 11th, 2009 7:16 pmchevellet
It is hard to give it a thumbs up or down. I understand the concept, like it, lost weight with it...but I live in an area serviced by a franchise of WW that doesn't offer many of the same programs that other areas of the country get. The meetings are only held once a week, in the basement of the church, the scales aren't accurate because they are moved in and out every week and there is about a 45 minute waiting line to get weighed.
posted Jan 10th, 2009 12:32 amThis is not the fault of the program, just this particular franchise. Too bad. I think it would have worked, but now I have a conflict in my schedule, but with only one meeting night to choose from I had to give it up.
Becky
I lost 70 pounds in 2003 and have kept it off every since. The first time in my adult life I've reached and maintained my goal weight. This plan works because it's livable!!!
posted Jan 7th, 2009 11:33 pmDarlene Isabell
I know this program works I have seen the results my daughter-in-law had. But, I think I live to far away to join.
posted Jan 7th, 2009 12:12 pmBrianne
I joined weight watchers 2 weeks ago because I've gained about 20-25 pounds since I started college. My parents both do the program so it was an easier choice for me. I have lost just over 5 pounds so far-- which I think is great for only a few weeks.
posted Jan 7th, 2009 11:54 amI definitely recommend the program. You'll do even better if you go to the meetings and get involved with the discussion. WW helps you to make healthy decisions by controlling you portion sizes, teaching you which foods give you more good calories and by giving your the motivation to get moving!
Good luck. If you stick to the WW plan you will be successful!
Steph
The Plan works - you just have to follow the rules.
posted Jan 6th, 2009 4:35 pmAshley
I'm looking to joining Weight Watchers within the next month. I was looking into the flex plan I think It's called ? Anyway, I was wondering if this is a good investment & what's the average weight loss per week with exercise?
posted Jan 6th, 2009 4:34 pmAshley
I'm looking to joining Weight Watchers within the next month. I was looking into the flex plan I think It's called ? Anyway, I was wondering if this is a good investment & what's the average weight loss per week with exercise?
posted Jan 6th, 2009 4:27 pmAshley
I'm looking to joining Weight Watchers within the next month. I was looking into the flex plan I think It's called ? Anyway, I was wondering if this is a good investment & what's the average weight loss per week with exercise?
posted Jan 6th, 2009 4:12 pm