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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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> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 4 of 32, 631 total comments)

Carol

I belonged to WW many years ago and want to get back on it, however, I'm unemployed. What I really need is the PointsPlus calculator. How can I get one?

posted Jul 20th, 2011 11:55 pm

Guest

I started PointPlus 7 wks ago: first my own for abt 2 wks, then joined online $65/3 months, ($18/mo aft that.)

I'm a 59 y.o. 5'10" woman, stuck at 215# for the past year. I've lost 10# so far, and have found it the best diet I've ever been on as I don't feel deprived at all. It doesn't feel like a diet. It feels like a conscience! Having to record points makes you think before you choose. I love seeing how many points I have left for supper or for my evening snack! Less healthy choices have more points than old plan, and I think that might be why some long-timers don't like new plan: if I could choose a candy bar vs some fruit for same # of points, I probably would choose the candy bar! The online recording of foods is the easiest thing (why I joined to have that tool) and what keeps me on track. I don't "lie" to the computer! The biggies: wise food choices and MEASURING -- no eyeballing, cuz portion sizes are so impt. (ex: measure cereal rather than pour in bowl -- wow, was I over-pouring! Plan makes me aware of the treats I used to have, and the restaurant meals! Holy Cow. Even choices I made thinking they were healthy were not. PLUS we are saving money by not going out to eat as often.

Here are some free websites to visit: (you can "join" this pseudo-WW but it is not as user friendly as WW. Good for calculating if undecided abt joining WW, and for figuring out pointsplus from that first website.

posted Jul 13th, 2011 12:08 pm

Amy

Very easy to follow. Great plan.

posted Jul 12th, 2011 10:33 pm

David L

I started the program 8 weeks ago and have lost 2 stone 1 lb. As a 43 year old male who has never had to diet I am very impressed with it. I do the program online and never have problems with the website and manage to enter all my foods and plan, plan and plan a bit more.
It really educates you about healthy choices, but most importantly - PORTION control.

posted Jul 11th, 2011 4:25 am

Marjie

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.

posted Jul 8th, 2011 11:54 am

marlene walsh

How much does weight watchers cost? need to know how much money i am on a fixed income

posted Jul 8th, 2011 10:46 am

marilyn moore

I have lost 45 pounds on WW and my goal is 100 pounds. Started in Nov 2010

posted Jul 2nd, 2011 10:34 am

jinna

This is for Virginia who wanted the points chart.

Less than 150 lbs- 20 pts.
150 to 174 - 22
175 t0 199- 24
200 to 224- 26
225 to 249- 28
250 to 274- 30
275 to 299- 31
300 to 324- 32
325 to 349- 33
350 or more- 34

hope this helps you!

posted Jun 25th, 2011 10:51 am

Anonymous

This totally changed my life! I have always been really heavy & now I am so confident...I even ran for PTA president!

posted Jun 24th, 2011 10:41 pm

pat powell

weight watchers works if its not change things around different foods or different excersize make sure you drink all the water they suggest and alot of vegs and fruit simple it should work ask for help if it doesnt keep trying it will all work out sometimes our body is just stubborn am i lecturing

posted Jun 23rd, 2011 11:12 pm

MultitaskinMom

Been doing Ww since 2009,down 130 lbs...I'll forever be a weight watcher :)

posted Jun 21st, 2011 1:31 pm

Profile Message

Elle

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. It seems like a marketing ploy and that is all.

posted Jun 21st, 2011 1:29 am

rickytasha

Hands down the most effective and proven diet program. Balances healthy eating with accountability add a little exercise and you will drop 10 pounds in no time!

posted Jun 3rd, 2011 4:25 pm

Cool Beans

I initially joined the meetings. Learned a lot from them, lost my initial 35lbs, then went over to on-line and lost about 10lbs, then I got lazy and quit the program. Now my BP is up and i'm sluggish and clothes won't fit. So, I'm going back to WW because nothing else of what I tried has worked.

posted Jun 1st, 2011 1:26 pm

Jewel

I have an active family that consist of a husband and 5 children I only want to loose 30lbs, does that mean I will have to make two different meals? I have very little time because of household chores, and the constant care of my 1 yr old. I have no idea if this is right for me, oh yeah and I hold down a full time job in the military.....

posted Jun 1st, 2011 12:27 pm

Tammy Blunk

I joined weight watchers again January and I have lost 30lbs. since I love the points plus I was on the old program and could not stick with was not losing much but this program I'm losing and sticking to it

posted May 30th, 2011 8:59 am

alan bryce

Weight watchers is mostly for people who do not have home support or extreme self control. Most of the recipes you can find online. It is however a good program.

posted May 28th, 2011 2:16 am

vera szuch

I AM A LIFETIME MEMBER--39-901847,
HAVE LOST MY POINTS BOOK---HOW DO I GET ANOTHER--- NEED TO GET BACK ON THE PROGRAM.

posted May 27th, 2011 8:00 am

onehipdad

Is the online WW program for men appropriate for me? I'm a 59 y/o male, 5'10" 220#. I want to lose 40#. Here's my situation: I travel 45 weeks a year, usually home on weekends. While I'm working, I eat in my room: cereal & banana for breakfast, light lunch out (sandwich or salad), cottage cheese w/fruit, salad or fresh veggies, & Healthy Choice microwave entree. I don't exercise enough (try to walk at least once a week for an hour) and I like cookies. Is the online program appropriate for me?

posted May 25th, 2011 7:18 pm

sockii

I liked the old Flex Points program, which worked very well for me when I had a lot of weight to lose. But after regaining about 15 pounds in the years since I've tried repeatedly to get back on the system with little success. WW seems a lot easier to do with a lot to lose than a little - but I don't want to wait until I have 50+ pounds to lose again!

I also found the new PointsPlus system did not work at all for me. With changing the points one did not really have more points to use (as in, more calories to eat in a day) and some of the way the new points were structured is strange. Again, there seems to be a problem with the numbers for people at the "low" end of the scale (with 29 daily points) as explained in the article linked here {LINK REMOVED}

posted May 24th, 2011 3:25 pm

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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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