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Weight Watchers

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

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Spring Offer! Save Over 30% on Weight Watchers Online

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 10 of 33, 651 total comments)

Tammy

I signed up in mid January 2011 and have lost 7.5 lbs so far. For me the Online program is the best for my life style. I like the fact I can access information @ my fingertips anytime I need. Love it and hopefully my summer will be looking a lot thinner.

posted Feb 6th, 2011 1:18 pm

Marge Meyers

I suscribed to Online Weight Watchers on 1/18/11. Since then an emergency has come up & I am unable to continue with your program right now. I would like to cancel my suscription for the present. Thank You, Marge Meyers

posted Feb 5th, 2011 4:09 pm

Twyla Wilbur

I am having trouble getting an account set up I have a user name given me at the meeting but I never signed up with a password. The sight keeps asking me for my old password and I never had one in the first place. Please help!

posted Feb 3rd, 2011 3:19 am

G.K.

I loved the old WW Momentum Program that was discontinued in Nov. 2010. The new PointsPlus program thinks they are doing you a favor by giving fruits and veggies "0 points", but they have really penalized the few favorites that I relied on ... air popped corn, beans, etc. I have left the online PointsPlus system and am back to my old "WW Momentum" favorite using "paper" ... how sad! They should have given us a choice!!!

posted Feb 2nd, 2011 10:30 pm

Tina

Love LOVE LOVE IT!!! I am signed up for WW Pointsplus Online, and I wish I would have done this years ago. Following the plan, I have lost 12 lbs in the first four weeks. I want to lose about 60 more, but so far so good.
Fullness wise, I feel more satisfied on this dietary lifestyle than I did on no diet at all. I am eating so much wonderful food, and I have more energy than I have in a long time. I actually WANT to exercise when I get home from work. I cannot say enough good things about this program. I'm 35 now, and wish I would have started this in my 20s when I slowly started to gain weight...

posted Feb 2nd, 2011 7:16 pm

shane

Lost 7 lbs. in two weeks time and didn`t even get to excercise,the 2nd week, due to having a cold. WW new Points plus doe`s work. My Tracking daily is the key to it.(Looking back over the days and weeks) 38 more to go,and I will go on maint. (that has always been my prop, Loss it the I forgot the program. This time when I`m back to lifetime and loss my 38 lbs. ) I will do the maint. part and not forget that im on a life change not a diet. KUDO`S TO WW !!!!!!

posted Jan 29th, 2011 6:29 pm

Profile Message

Marilyn

Like Kari earlier said, I, too, decided not to continue with weight watchers online plan after having it for four days. They would not refund my full cost, but will refund $5.00. Needless to say, I was very disappointed not to have my full refund returned in less than a week.

posted Jan 29th, 2011 1:34 am

Mary Lou Wineland

I cancelled my sign up early last week but I noted on my bank account that you have processed a payment. PLEASE refund as I will join locally - too confusing on line.

posted Jan 24th, 2011 1:47 pm

Donna

If I join WW online does a point calculator come with it.? I am not able to down load the app.. Thanks

posted Jan 22nd, 2011 2:18 am

shane

Jeannette, I dont use salt if @ all Possible. Stay on the WW program and use Ms, Dash for a salt replacement. I use it on almost everything. stay on program and try ms. dash. Goodluck.

posted Jan 20th, 2011 1:36 pm

Jeannette

I am a Weight Watcher Member.
I like the Weight Watcher diets. But I need to count my sodium intake and also sugar intake. It is easy for me to count my sugar intake, but my salt intake is too high. What can I do?
Should I quit ?

posted Jan 19th, 2011 11:16 pm

Reggie

I joined WW two weeks ago and have lost 7.4 pounds in two weeks. It is a great program. Dan, in order to gain weight like you said you did, you must have gone overboard somewhere and eaten tons of fruit PLUS other things. I eat fruit everyday and have lost weight. You can't go overboard on anything.

posted Jan 19th, 2011 5:35 pm

Shane

I reached my goal with WW in 2007. and after I had reached my Lifetime goal I had some health issues (not WW related) had to be on steroids for a while, and also poor eating habits. Slowley but surely, I had gained all of my weight back plus more. Now that I have been off of Steroids and my health is Better. I have used several other diet plans to help me loss again. (None of them worked for me) I have joined WW again just a couple of weeks ago,and have lost weight. I really like the new points plus program. I was skeptical @ 1st about having more points each day but I like it now. I get to eat several times aday without being hungry. I do excercise 4 to 5 times a week. (Walking 3 to 4 miles each day) I also don`t add back my activity points or use my extra 49 points weekly. (unless I MUST!) And I am not able with my work schedule to attend a meeting every week. also, I find the computer version of WW to be confusing. But I have a group of Friends who I chat with about the Program, weigh in once a week @ home and Journal everything. (great to review back over and over again) This is the Best Program for Healthy weight loss. I have seen it before and I will again reach goal. And this time I will add back points to maintain my Lifetime goal. WW is not a diet. It`s a daily Lifestyle change for me. Whatever way You choose to do this Program, it`s not just (Oh I lost weight and met my Goal) It`s a daily lifestyle change for the better. Kudo`s to WW.

posted Jan 19th, 2011 2:20 pm

Jeanne

Dan and Kari - you have to be kidding - maybe you need meetings instead - I have lost 40 lbs on Weight Watchers and maintained the loss for 2 years - I still attend meetings - Dan if you ate all that fruit everyday you would lose weight because all you would be doing is eating and then spending the rest of the day in the bathroom - lots of people on WW don't eat enough fruit and veggies - go to any meeting and you'll find that people don't want to "waste" the points on these foods - then they opt for 100 calorie packs and wonder why they don't lose weight - use your brain - all foods in moderation for a balanced diet - any leader will tell you that - mine does almost every meeting - basic food pyramid from elementary school for good health - and Kari - WW has been around for probably longer than you've been on the planet - they're a reputable company - they're not putting out any "scams" I've been assisted with billing issues and never had any problem.

posted Jan 17th, 2011 12:56 pm

jen

I love this diet. And Kari, the online part is NOT a scam..they tell you on four separate pages you will be charged on the seventh day and give you three ways to cancel. I did the seven day free trial before I joined and canceled the subscription two minutes later via their online cancellation form. I was able to complete the term and they did not chage me. You need to read the terms and not just blindly click through things. The diet is amazing and I'm doing the online portion and am seeing amazing results. Don't give ww a negative review just because you didn't read what you were agreeing to...

posted Jan 15th, 2011 9:17 pm

michael tillman

i know it works i've had friends that was on weight watchers years ago and they lost weigth.

posted Jan 14th, 2011 1:40 am

kari

DO NOT JOIN Weight Watchers online it is a scam. They say you have 7 days free but you really only have 6. When I cancelled on the 7th day, they charged me $65.00 for 3 months. When I called to ask for my money back, they would only refund $5.00 but I could still use it online, and they were sorry…what a joke. The online program is also confusing and lacks the information you really need to be successful.

posted Jan 13th, 2011 10:53 pm

Anne

I lost 20 pounds back years ago with the old points program. I recently gathered all the needed info about the new points program online, purchased the calculator on eBay and here I am losing again. Nobody has to join, you can buy the WW magazine in the store, and everything is available through either the Internet or eBay.

posted Jan 12th, 2011 4:39 am

Mary F. Breaux

I like what I've seen and heard. But I would like to get a better explanation on how the program actually work with the food you eat. How you do the points system work etc.

posted Jan 9th, 2011 6:05 am

cindy teague

I am looking for a way to loose weight, I had the gastric bypass surgery and have gained over 100 pounds back. I have about 150 pounds to loose to be healthy just need help doing this

posted Jan 8th, 2011 6:54 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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