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
As a lifetime member of weightwatchers, I highly recommend this change of lifestyle.
7 years ago, Weight Watchers helped me lose almost 100 pounds. I have put back on 20 this year mainly due to an injury, that prevents me from working out. I am in my 40’s, currently a size 10 and have always struggled with my weight.
My best advice is go to the meetings….seriously! I scoffed at this too when my Dr. advised me to do this. If the Group Leader does not get your attention, try an alternative meeting until one does. Besides having children, this has been one rewarding experience all the way around.
I am currently participating in the online version of Weight Watchers. It’s the best to have happened to me. I don’t agree with the notion that WW is pushy in any way or that it doesn’t promote exersise. The reason people gain weight after leaving the program is not because of the program’s structure, it’s because most people on the program were at some point emotional eaters.
Michelle, thank you for sharing your story. I would like to know if you were working on your issues while you were on WW. I believe it’s not the case and it was a timing issue. I’m glad you have kept the weight off with this new program. So realize, not just you, but everyone that reads these kinds of reviews, no diet plan will work in the long-term if your mental health is not in gear with the plan as well.
Mental health meaning the reasons why we are overweight in the first place. I strongly believe that with any diet plan ( I don’t consider WW a Diet plan), therapy should be accompanied in order to track your emotional progress as you are loosing weight. I wouldn’t have succeeded with WW if it wasn’t that I was mentally and emotionally ready to make myself and my health a priority.
OK, I read everyone’s reviews, both good and bad. I am still trying to decide if I should join weight watchers.
I am a female, 44trs old, 5′6″,194lbs,smoker, total hysterectomy 2006 (which caused me to gain 20lbs so far!) and I have hypothyroidism (slow). I try to watch what I eat and I just keep gaining weight!
Any advice out there?