Weight Watchers is a commercial weight loss program that focuses on balanced low fat nutrition, exercise and group counseling. Its latest diet creation is called “TurnAround” and is based on its successful “Flexpoints Plan” and “Winning Points Plan.” Every item of food from pizza to ice cream to carrots to bread has a points value based on its nutritional content. You may eat as you like as long as you stay within your allotment of points.
This new program is basically the same as the old, but uses the points in a slightly different manner. You are encouraged to use an online resource called “eTools,” along with a points “calculator” and recipes provided by Weight Watchers. To assist the dieter in their lifestyle changes all members are encouraged to attend group discussion and counseling sessions, mostly in person, at local Weight Watchers centers.
Weight Watchers programs have historically been good programs, but they are increasingly relying on gimmicks and slick marketing. The new “TurnAround” plan is basically the “Winning Points Plan” with re-freshed marketing. They advertise aggressively, trying to convince overweight people that they can lose weight without sacrificing the foods they love.
The points-based plans control portion size by allowing calories that should be consumed on healthy food with very small portions of potentially unhealthy food. This strategy gives the dieter a false sense of the real nutritional changes they need to make in their lives for long-term success. If one seriously wants to lose weight and keep it off in the long-term, they need to think more comprehensively about the foods they eat.
The program does not put a priority on exercise, which is essential. Long-term group therapy impedes the development of self-reliance and self-discipline, which is clearly the most important trait in those 5% of dieters who succeed in the long-term.
Bottom Line:
Realize that Weight Watchers is not a diet. If you need to lose more than 10 pounds initially, Weight Watchers is not the answer. It’s more of a way-of-life and maintenance program after you’ve reached your goal weight.
To lose 10 pounds or more, I recommend “bootcamp” diets like Nutrisystem or Medifast, where you are forced to eat smaller portions. Yes, the food isn’t 5 star gourmet. Yes, the portions are small. That’s exactly the point and it will force you down to your goal weight. It’s tough, but it’s only temporary. Is 1 or 2 months of strict portion control worth being skinny again? If not, how bad do you really want this?
After you’re down to goal weight, control your lifestyle with a program like Weight Watchers. It will provide you with the tools you need to succeed longterm.
Hi, I'm a dietitian with experience in hundreds of weight loss programs and fad diets. When forming my list of the
Personally, I think Weight Watchers is the best program out there for weight loss and lifestyle change. Sure it’s not a “diet” but that’s the point, and that’s why it actually works.
I lost 60 pounds on Weight Watchers and did a good job keeping it off. That was 7 years ago, and in that time I’ve only gained 20 pounds back, total. And that fluctuates.
I think it’s a fantastic method because even if you don’t strictly adhere to it after you meet your goal - you can’t erase what you learned about food, and that guilt will linger for the rest of your life every time you consider eating some of the things that you KNOW are really bad for you.
I agree, the WW program works, if you follow the plan. If you get all your requirements in (5 fruits and vegetables, water, oil etc.) you aren’t always using your points on bad carbs. My thing is breads and chips, salty things. I decided to try the Core plan and I love it. I wasn’t sure if I could do it because you have to count breads, chips, etc, but I haven’t had a problem with it. It allows me 35 points a week for the breads and 100 calorie packs, and other things not on the core plan, so I don’t go overboard on these foods. I find myself eating a lot more fruit for snacking on rather than chips and I haven’t been hungry. Plus you can have the 94% fat free popcorn on the core plan if you need that salt fix.
I agree with view # 25; Weight Watchers is not a diet but a nutrional life style change! I loved Weight Watchers it helped me lose 12 pounds. I eventually could not afford it and had to drop membership. I do not see the value of on-line membership; where does the support come from doing it on-line.