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
How many times have I had to listen to my husband say, “Just because you’re on a diet, doesn’t mean I’m on a diet.” Oh brother. Now he says, “What happened to my Butterfinger?” …because HA-HA I’m not on a diet! I bet he wishes I was on a diet, now! Well, they were miniatures, and only a few points.
It’s a shame some people have been disillusioned by the payment practices of some Weight Watcher’s groups. It’s a really, really large organization, and as with any group of people, you’ll find some that you like and some you don’t - as well as some who are doing a better job and some who are not. If anyone really feels ripped off they should go to the Better Business Bureau, or threaten the person who took your money with that, and see if you can get your money back or complain to the Corporate office (11 Madison Ave. NY, NY 10010.) After all, if someone isn’t doing their job correctly, you should stop them from taking advantage of anyone else, right?
I really like our Weight Watcher’s at work program. We paid $168.00 for 12 weeks up front (or in 3 monthly payments.) One of my co-workers couldn’t attend, and felt she should have been refunded, but the policy is “You have paid for your 12 weeks, attend at work or any other meeting (even every day if you like) but the money is for the period of weeks, not the # of meetings you are able to attend.” This should have been explained before you paid though. If your meeting leader can’t attend, they extend your subscription for another week. They should give you a starter packet with booklets, your weight card and a “points finder” at your first meeting. In fact, the other side of the points finder does have a “points booster” now, to help you calculate how many extra points you earn when you do exercise.
I signed up twice, lost 20 pounds, reached my goal and did my 6 weeks maintenance (between Thanksgiving and Christmas, of all times, yay, me!) Now I’m a Lifetime Member and I never have to pay again as long as I weigh in once a month. $336.00 may seem like a lot to some, but I feel like:
“Two 12 week sessions of weight watchers at work… $336.00
Not buying new size 16 clothing… $0
Reaching my weight goal, becoming a lifetime member and not paying WW anymore, even though I can go to all the meetings I want… priceless!!!”
I am 48, have had issues with my weight all of my life have even lost a total of probably around 160 lbs. twice in my life time just to gain it back from child birth, (eating for 2 you know, what a bunch of poo), quitting smoking, ya-da-ya-da-ya. The truth of the matter is I love to eat and all the wrong things of course, and little or no exercise is why I gained it back both times 80lbs a time folks not 160 but either way it’s all bad.
These reviews especially the negative ones blew my mind. I do feel for the lady with the newborn but like others she should have left the baby with someone to concentrate on the meeting, etc. This is a “YOU” decision, whether “YOU” want this for yourself or not. It’s totally up to “YOU”. I just recently joined WW and I was so impressed with the lady that took the 3 of us newbies out to go over the plan with us while the others were in the meeting. She stressed everthing the plan is all about, watching what you eat, portions, getting your water intake, watching the sugar, exercise, everything you SHOULD do while trying to lose weight. I don’t think there was anything this lady left out! She was very thorough, nice, she made you want to come back! I have followed her advice to the hilt using the flex plan and I feel so much better not eating all that junk food. I can tell my skin looks better from all the water I am drinking and the veggies are doing a lot of good also, I’m not hungry, I spread my snacks out and of course the water helps keep you full too. Making smart choices for my meals, it makes me think about what I want to really put into my body now. I’m ready to make that life long commitment to lose the weight and become a life long member of WW.
And for those of you considering a choice on how to lose weight please remember you have to WANT to do this for yourself, just like quitting smoking or drugs, food is our addiction and only we can make the decision on if we want to stay over weight or get healthy. WW is going to be my 12 step program for my weight loss and to get healthy and stay healthy.
God Bless and Good Luck!
Michelle: I started WW last year, after also having had a hysterctomy in 06. (age 49, 5′3″, approx 180+) I have since lost 20+ lbs, and have managed to maintain that for the last 6 months by going to the weekly meetings/support group. The accountability for me is actually having to weigh in…it motivates you. Like you, b4 I joined, I could live on 3 yogurts a day and still gain….the few lbs I lose each wk consistantly is what comes off and stays off……I’ve dropped 3 sizes so far!