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
WW is an excellent way to lose weight. But, more importantly, it teaches you to THINK about what you put in your mouth! For example, 1 T. of peanut butter goes a long way, and it tastes the same as the 3 T. I probably used to slather on my piece of toast.
We all know that when we are accountable (and the pocketbook is involved) we will try harder.
When I count out the 12 french fries (3 pts.) I know I’m going to think about the taste, texture, smell, etc. rather than scarfing them down.
Awareness, discipline, appreciation of food, better health, and success==that’s what I’ve gained==and lost 10 lbs. in 2 months.
Some pretty interesting comments here. At 35 years of age, I decided to join WW last week. I have been what I call the “roller coaster” type for about ten years now. I currently weight about 195 lbs and about every two years I get down to around 165 lbs. So… I sat in my first meeting and heard everything the leaders had to say. Guess what??? The only thing I felt was a bit of embarrassment that I had to be there in the first place. Every, and I mean everything the leader had to say was simply basic laws of nutrition. Energy in vs energy out. If you consume more calories then you burn you will gain weight, bottom line!! The key to weight watchers is paying a small amount of money to keep you in line, to hold yourself accountable. I think this program is dead on for ones who want to lose weight but love to eat a piece of cake every now and again. Oh negative ones, take a look in the mirror and figure out if the program is the problem or you are….
I joined WW because my family was pressuring me to loose weight. I only had 35 pounds to loose. So far I lost a total of 8.2 pounds. The weight is coming off slow. I do however don’t count my points. I have been watching what I eat and drink plenty of water. I can’t seem to gave up my sweet tooth. I joined a gym which I exercise 3 to 4 times a week. I feel better about myself and hope one day i could start counting my points.