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
To Diana Crabtree-In regards to the lifetime member goal weight that you have to have: i’ve been told by our WW leader that if you provide a doctor’s note indicating what he/she feels is a healthy weight for you they will honor it. They will always honor your doctor’s opinion, so try that-get your doctor to give you a note as to what he/she feels is a good weight for you. In fact, I was a lifetime member, had a baby, and then they give you 6 weeks to get back to your goal weight (wihtout paying again) starting immediately after having your baby-this was impossible for me, so I had a doctor’s note indicating that I need so many months to get it off, and I was able to get back to my goal weight in the time my doctor felt appropriate and not pay.
Weight watchers is one of the best.
My only complaint is the weight to become a “lifetime member” is low, so a person is paying, even if they are at a healthy weight for them.
Also, I think 1,200 calories is a little low. It would be more managable at 1,500
I have been a Weight Watcher since 1974. It is not a diet, but a healthy life style. It teaches a well-balanced nutritional eating plan for a lifetime. You are surrounded by others, that become your friends, that share your experiences and provide the support needed for success. I incorporated an exercise program with my nutrition program in 1980 and have continued both as a natural part of my lifestyle.