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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 3 of 32, 631 total comments)

shelly

I have had success with weight watchers in the past but then I have trouble staying on track. I always seem to mess up and the weight starts to creep back on. I did find a website that has helped me a lot with this issue. It's called mimaweightcontrol.com. I am on the email list and I get some really good advice for free.

posted Sep 10th, 2011 6:47 pm

Dee Yee

I've tried everything from the powdered drinks and the pre-packaged foods to shots. I lose the weight and then gain more back. Because I don't cook, I'm a fast-food junkie. It's been difficult for me to change my eating habits and I have little self-discipline. However, with Weight Watchers, as long as I stay within my assigned daily points, I can still eat my fast-food. I've lost 11 pounds and my glucose has gone down 8 points in 8 weeks . I know it's been slow but that's probably because I still go to fast-food restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets (go over points). Just stay within the points. I still have 29 pounds to go but I feel better already.

posted Sep 10th, 2011 2:39 pm

Amel

I have been on WW for 2 1/2 months now and I have lost close to 12 lbs. This is the best program ever! Eventhough I am losing slowly, I am consistent ,which is very important for me. This is the first program where I have lost weight for 2 months straight !!! Thanks WW

posted Sep 9th, 2011 9:12 pm

Gene Lewis

I tried the Weight Watchers Men's program and feel really good about my weight loss.

posted Sep 2nd, 2011 11:50 am

paula

can you sign up online and still attend a meeting once in a while?

posted Aug 31st, 2011 4:13 pm

Ken C.

I have been overweight most of my life (I'm current 47 years old). I have tried every diet out there, including low carb, low fat, high protein, The Zone, McDougall, etc. I'd lose a bit of weight but gain it back, plus some! I have been on WW for 6 months and have dropped 58 pounds. I am working on 30 more. This is the only plan that has worked for me. It's simple, I can still eat out and it works.

posted Aug 31st, 2011 11:51 am

BelindaGF

you have to have Adobe Flash 9 or higher, so I can not view from work on my lunch hour. When I called into cancel my membersship they were very nice and said they are trying to get it set up without Adobe Flash, but do not know when that will be possible.

posted Aug 30th, 2011 2:40 pm

Skye

I've been doing Weight Watchers for four months and have dropped 38 lbs. WW has been the only thing that worked for me. Other diets I'd "cheat" and give up. I haven't cheated on WW because I never feel hungry and I don't feel deprived of anything. I'm eating so much healthier now, but I also don't feel guilty if I have a treat on occasion because it's all on plan! I wish I'd tried WW sooner.

posted Aug 29th, 2011 1:30 am

Lissette Mendez

I had been overweight for about 9 yrs. I joined WW at the beginning of this year and i can say that even though it's been a slow process i have lost 24.4lbs since i started. I love the program because for someone like me who loves to eat, this has given me a different approach to food. Slowly but surely, I've been adjusting the way i eat and what i eat and how much i eat of it. The fact that I earn points through activity has made me increase how active i am. Now i work out 4x a wk and I play tennis and swim on Sundays. WW is one of the best programs I have come across since trying to lose and live a healthier life.

posted Aug 26th, 2011 1:22 am

Tried JCraig, Nurtisys without success, WW worked for me!

posted Aug 25th, 2011 6:06 pm

Carmelle

Most realistic program to maintain long term... may take longer to lose the weight but it stays off!

posted Aug 16th, 2011 3:33 pm

Beth

I lost 20# on another diet, but felt it was too restrictive, had to have supplements to lose. Started gaining weight. Joined WW and and finally lost 2.5# in 5 weeks. I'm following the plan. Just wondering when will it kick in. I'm 61 and have been dieting so much!

posted Aug 16th, 2011 9:46 am

calcia

Can i do Weight Watchers without exercising? I.see a lot of you are having amazing results from this ww program. I want to join but the only problem is I can't workout at all. I just recently had knee surgery 2 months. So what can I do here? Is it still possible to do the diet without excersing? Wanna lose 25 to 30 lbs

posted Aug 16th, 2011 3:14 am

Shana LeGrant

The new points plus plan combined with working out has been the perfect formula for weight loss for me! I have been absolutely pleased with my pound per week weight loss and plan to reach my goal in no time!

posted Aug 14th, 2011 6:50 pm

Chris

I've been a member of WW for just over 2 1/2 years. I've been very successful at losing 33 pounds with only 10 more to go before I hit lifetime. After starting the points plus program, I've gained 23 pounds back in just over 9 months. I've followed the plan TO THE "T" and even limit my fruits and veggies. I exercise regularly and still have gained. Unfortunaley, I was so excited for points plus that I got rid of all my old program stuff so I can't even go back to it and refresh my memory.

The new plan leaves ALOT to be desired - tread lightly.

posted Aug 9th, 2011 4:09 pm

sharon Nelson

About getting on line?\ I joined a few days ago but because I've been traveling I haven't been able to get on line and start WW. But today when I tried to get on line and work the WW program. It won't let me get on line a says I'm not in the system...... I gave my credit card now I'm starting to worry? Should I cancel?

posted Aug 9th, 2011 1:05 am

Marissa

I need to lose about 40 pounds and I'm wondering if Weight Watchers Online is for me. Any feedback you have at all is appreciated. I need to make a decision before Saturday when their newest deal ends. Thanks!

posted Aug 3rd, 2011 11:45 pm

carol

do not like the new points system I joined Aug 2010 on old point systm did well losing they went to new point system all I have been doing is gaining......of course I dont have my old WW book from that time wished I hahd kep it so think twice on this system

posted Jul 30th, 2011 1:10 pm

Sandy

Will the weight watchers program work for me? My husband and I are long haul truck drivers we rarely have time to stop between trips so a exercise plan isn't feasable at this point. Is this plan doable on a truck. I am 5"5'' tall and approxamately 220 lbs. I desperately want to lose this weight. your feedback will be greatly be appreciated..ty

posted Jul 28th, 2011 2:24 am

Heather

Points Plus works great, as long as you actually FOLLOW the program!

posted Jul 28th, 2011 1:27 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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