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’ve been on Weight Watchers two different times. I really do not like counting points anymore. It made me constantly obsessed about counting points. I was not able to stay on the plan. I actually felt hungry all of the time! I’m thinking about doing the South Beach Diet or Nutrisystem where I don’t have to count points.
Weight Watchers may offer a balanced plan, food, exercise, etc, but it does not get at the emotional issues as to why people overeat and without that there is no point because you will regain. I think WW may provide you some help if you are not well versed on nutrition and the weigh-in group support process is your thing.
I have been searching for statistics for several weeks on how many people actually succeed with WW. All I could find was one study done in England showing that each year only 6% of clientele reach goal and many of these only had 10 lbs to loose to begin with.
Statistics show that people who loose weight who were obese and keep it off for at least 5 years is only about 5%. To state that people choose not to loose weight or are not taking personal responsibility is irresponsible and shows a lack of understanding.
Obesity is a serious problem that requires serious work and while WW may work for some, most people fail which further adds to their already low self esteem. Look at the pictures on the walls at WW meetings of the people who have lost a lot of weight, in small print they all say *Results not typical. There is a reason for that.
Personally, I think Weight Watchers is stupid. If you’re going to make something that’s supposed to change your lifestyle, start by encouraging good choices. WW encourages things like DIET soda and SPLENDA, which only makes you gain weight.