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Weight Watchers

A trusted approach to weight loss for more than 40 years.

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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.

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User Feedback

(Page 1 of 33, 651 total comments)

becca

WW Points Plus Plan works for me. It has caused me to re-think how I eat, make smarter choices, and keep track of my food intake. It is livable and doesn't really feel like a diet. I've lost 9 pounds in about 8 weeks and although the weight loss is slow, it's steady.

posted May 17th, 2012 4:11 am

Due to weightwatchers having such poor customer services I am unable to promote weightwatchers. I paid 14.95 to do the 4 weeks meeting, and the code didnt work and I was informed I couldnt attend meetings without registering. I have sent 4 emails now and have recieved no reply since Feb 2012. All weightwatchers succeded to deal with take 14.95 of me and provide no service at all!

posted May 15th, 2012 7:17 pm

arabind9999

I am a business man.I have to think about my profit.I have heard about them.Personally I think they changed it because they realized that they bulk of their money comes from people who first sign up not the ones that stick (which is proabably a very small part of their profit) so it makes sense to make it look like

posted May 13th, 2012 1:57 pm

Sara G

In all fairness, I didn't even get to the dieting part. My beef is with the WeightWatchers at work program and the online billing.

I signed up through my employers program. I paid $65 and no one ever contacted me to start the meetings. Everyone else in my office was contacted but me. I cancelled and only received a refund of $16 out of the original $65. READ THE FINE PRINT, when signing up.

As a reminder of the $50 I squandered, WW sends me marketing and junk email on a regular basis, despite my opting out 3 times now.

I am 5 pounds (23 pounds in) away from my goal weight. My advice, if you want to lose weight and you're not over 40 pounds overwieght, eat half of what you would normally eat and force yourself to walk to the grocery store that is 2 miles away, carrying back all your groceries. I call it Sara's WeightWatchers. That's whats working for me.

posted May 10th, 2012 6:09 pm

Cedric

I'm very pleased with the content articles on your web site. I get lots of ideas which helped me to.

posted May 5th, 2012 5:40 pm

Anne Preston Rose

This plan is really incredible. I have lost 85 pounds and reached goal weight last week having begun the program 12-18-10.

What needs to be emphasized is that WW is not just a diet and not just a food plan but is a whole new lifestyle. You can find so much help, especially if you do the monthly pass which give you both meeting and the online e-tools. In my area a monthly pass is about 40 dollars and with that comes an amazing amount of information and support. I cannot sing the programs praise enough. If I stay on maintenance for six weeks I will have a lifetime membership and would only have to pay if I deviate more than two pounds from goal. I look younger, have more energy, and even have gotten a few whistles! Most importantly my health has improved dramatically. With the counter online and on my phone tracking and planning are really very easy. And unlimited fruit!,,

I highly recommend WW!

posted Apr 27th, 2012 7:02 pm

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Krina

On my 3rd week on WW. My company paid for 1 year if associate will join. From 145 to 137. My goal is 128. WW encourages me to walk/run 20-30 min (1 to 1.5 mile) DAILY. I changed my eating habit, by adding more fruits nad vegetables. Never get hungry. The portion control and preparing healthy food, especially snacks work best for me.

posted Mar 23rd, 2012 5:46 pm

donna

50+ pounds and still going!

posted Mar 22nd, 2012 10:57 pm

Char Stuto

My leader told the group for one week to count fruits and vegetables as they are NOT really Free... The way WW makes it sound you can eat as much fruit as you want and lose weight .. Obviously this isn't true... They have admitted that they throw their customers into the program and don't really explain it to them.. I am disscouraged because yes it has only been a week that I have been on the program but I have counted EVERY POINT I have put in my mouth and have lost nothing

posted Mar 9th, 2012 6:07 am

Char Stuto

I like it but I agree with some who say EVERYTHING should count.. You can't sit there are eat fruit all day or not eat your points because it is counter productive. I am supposed to eat 47 points and if I eat a lot of fruit I am fine with 26 points which is what most of the leaders are eating to maintain.. It is only my second week but I expected to lose and lost NOTHING but gained NOTHING.. Everything should count

posted Mar 9th, 2012 5:46 am

Melissa

Reply to Diana @Diana ... Veggies and Fruit are very low in calories. Example: 1 strawberry has 6 calories so when you consume it, you actually burn more calories chewing and digesting it than are in it. So that is probably why they don't count veggies and fruit.

posted Mar 8th, 2012 9:54 pm

collette

I tried in the past without success, but the new system works. Thank you Weight Watchers!!

posted Mar 8th, 2012 2:11 am

Diana

Not counting fruits and veggies makes no sense to me. Everything you put in your mouth has a calorie value so you could over eat and not loose weight

Diana

posted Mar 4th, 2012 12:52 am

I lost 7 pounds in 5 weeks on my own and then I decided to try points plus. Sounded good. After one week on only eating the 26 points allowed me and without the extra fruit I gained 3.5 pounds. I can only imagine if I used the extra weekly points and ate fruit! This plan does not make any sense. I counted up the calories for the 26 points and then it made total sense why I gained. If you look around on the web you will see my story played out over and over.

Personally I think they changed it because they realized that they bulk of their money comes from people who first sign up not the ones that stick (which is proabably a very small part of their profit) so it makes sense to make it look like "Oh you can eat all this food including all the fruit you want and still lose weight" and get them to sign up for 3 months. Because that's where the profits come from.

posted Mar 1st, 2012 3:08 am

francine

i like weight watchers it really works, but the points plus i feel like im not eating. so i went back to the old plan now im still losing weight and i feel like im eating!

posted Feb 29th, 2012 12:13 pm

Dawn

Can someone with celiac's disease do Weight Watchers? I am a celiac and want to know if I could get a weight loss plan from weight watchers? I am a Celiac and have to have food that is Gluten free. Could I go on a wieght loss diet if I joined weight watchers. please e mail me at mcgeachy2@shaw.ca

posted Feb 28th, 2012 3:46 am

Sheila

I've lost 30 lbs so far in 5 months. I love Weight Watchers and am sticking to it! I'm about halfway there and excited to achieve my goal. If you follow the program you will be successful, it is as simple as that.

posted Feb 21st, 2012 8:20 pm

Isabella

I have lost weight on MOMENTUM and not on Points Plus, too. It's partly me-- I get confused by all the pieces of paper and new rules they keep giving us. eTools doesn't always work. I'm not able to always stick with tracking and if I do, it doesn't always work as well anyway. I lost 34 lb on Momentum... nothing on PP so far. I'd like out but I dont' want to hurt their feelings.

posted Feb 16th, 2012 2:44 pm

casey

I think ww is the best plan out there. My daughters and I have been going for a year now and we have lost 190 pounds between the 3 of us. It works you have to give it time. I was one that would lose in small amounts, I have only 33 more pounds to go and I will be at goal. Thank you WW

posted Feb 11th, 2012 3:46 pm

shirley eason

Where can I find a Weight Watcher recipe from 10 or 12 years ago? I am a lifetime member & have lost my cheese soup recipe from about 10 or so yrs. It had potatoes,onions,cabbage,velveeta cheese, butter buds and chicken boulion & 7 cups of water. Where can I find it? Or could you send it by e-mail. Or what cookbook would it be in.

posted Feb 10th, 2012 8:35 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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