Weight Watchers
A trusted approach to weight loss for more than 40 years.
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
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.
- 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
- 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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
7 Weight Loss Plans Fit for Fall
Biggest Celeb Weight Losses of 2010
Weight Watchers YouTube Channel
Weight Watchers Overhauls Points System
Weight Watchers Testimonial at Prevention Magazine
Weight Watchers Food and Recipes
About the Weight Watchers Lifetime Member Program
Online Program: Official Site
Phone: 800-651-6000
Website: WeightWatchers.com
Email: support@weightwatchers.com
weightwatchers, wieght watchers, weight watcher, weight watches, watcher weight, weigth watchers, weightwatchers.com, weight wathcers, weightwatchers.com, weight watchers pointsplus, weight watchers points plus, pointsplus program, pointsplus system, points plus
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 7 of 32, 631 total comments)TENS Unit
Hi,
posted Mar 17th, 2011 8:55 amGood work…unique site and interesting too… keep it up…looking forward for more updates.
Thanks.......!!
Genevieve
If you try the free trial, be SURE to cancel within the 7 days. If not, there is a minimul refund or be charged the minimum of 3 months, no exceptions even if it is one minute past the 7 days. Also, no way to contact the company by phone. I lost all respect for Weight Watchers after getting the rude customer service message about cancellations after sending an email 6 hours after the 7 day trial.
posted Mar 14th, 2011 2:22 amerin
New points plus plan I lost 6 lbs in week 1 and 1.5 lbs in week 2. It does work!!! I feel satisfied with less food now. The recipes are amazing!
posted Mar 14th, 2011 12:57 amnaureen
This is the easiest plan to live the rest of your life on. You eat everyday foods, no prepackaged foods, or crazy plans where you eat only certain foods. You can eat what you want in portion controlled amounts. Nothing is off limits NOTHING!!!!!
posted Mar 12th, 2011 11:27 amC.C.
Following the old POINTS system (specifically the Core plan) back in December, I lost 4 pounds in one month. I joined the new PointsPlus system on January 8th, and since then, with ups and downs, my net weight loss has been 1.8 pounds. That's 4 pounds in one month on the old system, and less than half the pounds in 2 months on the new system. I will say that in my meetings (which I attend religiously, and I also stick to the plan religiously and journal religiously), there are people losing weight every single week -- but I think for some people, the old system works better for them than the new system. Yesterday I found my old POINTS calculator, and I think I'm going to go back to what works for me.
posted Mar 12th, 2011 1:09 amkcliff01
I was on WW years ago when they first introduced the whole points concept. Lost 30 pounds and really enjoyed the program. A few life events since then, I gained back the weight and recently joined the Points Plus program. My knee-jerk response was: Too many points and fruits being zero points will lead to my failure. Mind you: this was before my first meeting even started! Over the last 3+ weeks, I have lost 15 pounds.
posted Mar 8th, 2011 2:06 pmI read these folks stating that they -- or a friend -- gained weight, but not a single person in my meetings (and there are 50 of us in there... all different weights) has shared a story of weight gain on the new program. Further, the removing of points for fruit has only been met with positive responses.
The WW Leader addressed the fruit concern by stating: "no one in this room is here because they ate too many apples or too much watermelon."
I have been borderline diabetic for the last three years so I reviewed the program with my doctor before I started and he supported it 100%. No concerns over the fruit either. His comments were that the GI values for fruit is not a concern, but empty carbs, such as white bread, white rice and sugar are.
Loving the program.
Margie Phillips
Great way to lose weight and I've tried them all! You can eat or drink anything you want; you're held accountable for staying within your points limit. Highly recommended. Not a diet, but a life change.
posted Mar 7th, 2011 11:47 amShannon
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. Water based veggies really dont have a point value (e.g. celery) because its made up of only water. And water has no points.
posted Mar 6th, 2011 12:02 amWW isn't suggesting that a person STUFF themselves with fruit and veggies. If you eat what the healthy check reccomends, drink the water the healthy check reccomends 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.
Also, use the hunger check feature. If you feel hungry drink another water or add in a fruit or veggie. Don't eat until you feel super full. It's not good for you.
I think people need to stop looking for a quick weight loss fix and learn to make life style changes, which is what this program is helping people to do.
If you stop trying to find a way to eat all day and still lose weight....and replace eating with something else....you will find success with this program. I have lost weight every week for 9 weeks except when I was on steroids for one week for a sinus infection and bronchitis.... but I lost that water weight quickly. and then some.
It works if you do it right and stop making excuses.
Joyce
I love P+. I have lost 16 pounds in 6 weeks and my husband has lost 18! I have not felt this good in years as I am eating HEALTHY food. The naysayers really surprise me. Guess they just want their 100 calorie snack packs to stuff in their piehole.
posted Mar 5th, 2011 5:03 pmMinnie Mouse
I am going to have to vote dislike on this new plan. While it is nice that WW wants people to eat healthier, they should remember that the number one thing their consumers want is weight loss. Nutrition advice is secondary to its consumers. I have read countles negative reviews and have a friend that gained weight on this program. Eating unlimited bananas? Calories are calories. I have no faith in new Points Plus based on what I've read and on experiences of my friend. Seems like there are too many variables. I will stick to my old WW materials. That plan actually works. It's fine to promote nutrition but not at the expense of the reliability of your product. Consumers have spoken and lost confidence in WW. To restore your repuation go back to old points plan and just promote nutrition with flyers instead of forcing it down people's throats. Not everyone has time or money or tastebuds for fresh produce and food preparation. My friend gained 8 lbs in one week by following this plan religiously. Or at least give customers choice between 2 programs before you lose credibility as the number one weight loss plan.
posted Mar 4th, 2011 11:57 amchristine
I am very new to WW. I just joined and attended my meeting today. In the one week, I did loose 3 pounds. I ate till I felt sick. I ate so much fruit and vegies and air popped popcorn between meals. I don't even crave sweets anymore ( I used to all of the time) and I don't want what's on my children's plates either (another bad habit I had). The food seems to satisfy me. So, so far so good. It's really not that hard to keep track of what I eat too. I'm still trying to figure out the points but for basic things, I know it.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 9:59 pmJoie
Lost 57 pounds with the regular point system...this system does not work well for me and I just do not have faith in it. I will continue to finish my weight loss with the old point system.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 7:44 pmSherry
I dont like it. Why? read below.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 1:25 pmThe app: Not a good app. Its not thorough at all. It only has minimal foods and all kinds of bugs. If you are just starting the program, it doesnt have much help for you at all, especially which foods to eat or good point breakdown ideas for the day. Its a worthless app IMHO.
The website: A little better than the app, but very confusing. I joined the app to get an idea what it was like. Whew, that end up costing alot... I think it was too expensive for what it was, its a website and the cost (discounted) was $50 for 3 months. After 1 month I decided to cancel the membership because of the lack of support and I received $5 back, as a refund?! but that was my fault for not reading the fine print. Back to the website, its overly packed with information and its hard to find your way around it. There is little direction and needs a serious re-org.
MY opinion: Weight watchers is a gimmick. All they want is for you to buy and continue to buy their products. They have a name that has been marketed to death and thats what they sell. Its not the best diet plan out there, just one with a LOT of money thrown at marketing. So.... If you are looking for a job in marketing, Weight Watchers might be good... but diet wise, I think theres lots of better and cheaper plans available... A Body for life book goes for $.01 on Amazon these days... :) Good luck
Pamela
I absolutely agree with the 90% of people on this page...the new Points Plus system is not good. I find it difficult to believe that you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want and not have any repercussions from it. There needs to be points allotted to each. It doesn't matter how healthy fruit & veggies are for you, they are in the end afterall - calories - and either you burn them off or they end up as extra weight during your weigh-in. I think I'm going to find one of the old WW programs and go that route. I used to lose a LOT every week when I did that program. The new program, even if based on modern science, is NOT doing the trick by far.
posted Mar 2nd, 2011 9:59 pmTracy Love
I lost 170lbs with the old WW program. I started the new program as a lifetime member and within one month gained 10lbs. I had to start paying again. I went back to the old program and lost the weight. I wish Weight Watchers would have given their members an option of what program they would like to follow. I do not go to meetings anymore and do not follow online. I use my old WW points calculator and a notebook. I am back on track and in control
posted Mar 2nd, 2011 4:37 pmLaura
I did very well on the old Flex Points program. Since joining Points Plus, in exactly two months I have lost .6 of a pound. I still have 30 pounds to goal, and at the rate I am going, Weight Watchers is going to make a fortune off of me before I ever hit Lifetime status. I used to lose 1.6 a week on the Flex plan. I'm buying the old plan materials off of Ebay, will be canceling my monthly pass to Weight Watchers, and will be continuing with the old plan!
posted Mar 1st, 2011 6:02 pmSALLY M
I have always been very successful on W.W. but
posted Mar 1st, 2011 3:41 pmI really do not like this new program - I was gaining a lb then would loose 1 lb the next week - went back to the old plan and have already lost 3 lbs in a week - yea - I wish you would put the old plan back up for the I phone because I have paid for 3 months and can not use the plan.
Momacelli
I hate this new program. I did give it a good try. I've kept most of my information, including a calculator, from the Momentum/or Flex plan (same Points for both of these programs) I think this new plan is a gimmick. It's slower, you have to buy all new cookbooks. I am disappointed. I would be VERY INTERESTED in a blog or online group that has discussions/suggestions about the program pre-Points Plus. I have a lot of info but would love share and have feedback.
posted Feb 27th, 2011 5:48 pmJane Walker
It's so easy because I can eat anything I want within reason. I am still using the old flexpoints plan. I haven't tried the newer plans.
posted Feb 26th, 2011 2:11 pmKari
Weight Watchers is overall the best diet plan. There is a multitude of sources that state a successful weightloss program includes committment, motivation, setting realistic goals, making healthier food choices, getting active and changing our perspectives about diet and food. Weight Watchers provides for each of these basic principles. The program recently got overhauled and it is better for it. The new program still uses the points for daily food intake, but it calculates those points on fat, fiber, carb and protein content of the food. The old program did not consider protein content and only allowed 4grams of fiber. Foods higher in fiber, protein and good carbs are given lower point values. Another huge change for the better is that vegetables and fruits are ZERO points. The old program had an average two points for a serving of fruit. These changes are helping members to choose healthier whole foods. Weight Watchers also provides members with accountability by teaching journaling. Research shows if we write it down, it makes us more aware of our choices. Realistic goals are set at each meeting. All weight losses are celebrated, even if it is less then a pound. WW encourages a slow weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week, this is supported by evidence and data that this rate of weight loss is more likely to be sustained rather than regained. The first major goal celebrated is a 5% weight loss. This is not difficult and gives members the confidence to keep on going! I love weight watchers new program and I am a lifetime member of the OLD program. I think they have done a tremendous job keeping up with ever changing evidence to healthy and sustainable weightloss. I recommend weight watchers to anyone that really wants to lose weight and keep it off. It is NOT a quick fix, but it will work!
posted Feb 25th, 2011 11:14 am