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
I have been on Weight Watchers for just over 2 years. It is NOT a diet, you are right about that. It is a way of life. I started on the Flex plan and it taught me portion sizes. I did not give up anything! I ate smaller portions of things. I have since switched to Core which is, in my opinion, is a healthier way to eat. I can still have the little things that I love like pizza, chocolate, even ice cream and cake. Weight Watchers has taught me HOW to eat and to lose the weight and keep it off.
I have lost 118 pounds ~ a whole person and I am within 8 pounds of my goal weight. I am healthier and happier. My mother is 72 years old and has lost 110 pounds. She is now off of her diabetic medication and they have reduced her high blood pressure medication in half!
I have been on Weight Watchers for almost a year and lost 50 pounds safely and slowly. It is more of a way of life than a diet. I eat mostly healthy foods like chicken, brown rice, broccoli, whole wheat bread and pasta, turkey. However, if I want change once in a while, two slices of pizza, instead of a turkey sandwich and salad for lunch is not bad for you. Weight Watchers works if you stick to the plan. But I do agree it’s not for everyone. But Weight Watchers did show me how much I use to eat and what I was eating. Now I eat better, and have cut back on my portions, except if it’s broccoli, I eat more of that now. I have a healthy lifestyle now. I even quit smoking. But everybody is has there own opinion. Not saying that I’m right, this is just my opinion.
I had a vist to my doctor on 2/21/08 because I felt tired, rundown - no energy. I weighted in at 271# that day. My blood pressure was high 140/93, luckily everything else was okay. And he told me - you’re carrying around another person, you should be tired - you need to get rid of that other person you’re carrying around - so slowly and safely let her go. I thought about that and the next day joined weightwatchers on-line. I think the point system is great because it’s nutritionally sound and a sensible way to learn to eat in the right portions and still enjoy life. I am allowed 31 points daily with the extra 35 a week. I signed up at the local Curves and work out 1/2 hour - 3 days a week. Some days I never even get the 31 points and I feel perfectly satisfied. I think that it all boils down to what is more important your life or pigging out.
Today I returned for a 2 month check up - my blood pressure was 120/83 and I am down 19#’s. so no matter what you do to get healthy - it’s a lifetime committment. Those of us who have struggled with the weight for years need to just let it go. Eat to live and not live to eat.