Weight Watchers is a highly successful weight loss program that uses a point value system to help dieters lose weight. Each participant is assigned a certain number of points based on weight loss needs plus an additional 35 flex points. According to Healthy Weight Forum, Weight Watchers point values are based on a foods nutritional content. Weight Watchers reports a food point value is based on calories, fat and fiber. It encourages a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, as reflected by their food point values. Weight Watcher uses a complex mathematical formula to determine each point. According to Healthy Weight Forum, the points equation is calories divided by 50 + fat divided by 12 -- fiber divided by 5 (where fiber is no greater than 4).
Step 1
Find a food item with a Nutrition Facts Label to determine the Weight Watchers Point value.
Step 2
Find the calories, fat and fiber content listed on the nutrition facts label.
Step 3
Divide the number of calories of the food item by 50 to determine the base point value. Write this number down.
Step 4
Divide the fat grams of the chosen food item by 12 to determine the fat point value. Write this number down.
Step 5
Divide the grams of fiber of the chosen food item by 5 to determine the fiber point value. Write this number down.
Step 6
Add the base point value number to the fat point value number. Write this number down. This is your new base number.
Step 7
Subtract the fiber point value from the new base number to determine the Weight Watchers point value for the selected food item.
Tips and Warnings
- Weight Watchers Point values can be found online, in its magazine, and through booklets available at meetings. Weight Watchers provides a point sliding rule to help determine points of food items without a calculator.
- Foods high in fiber have lower point values. Weight Watchers limits fiber points to four to discourage manipulation of food points by adding fiber supplements (such as benefiber) to foods.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pen
- Calculator
- Food item with Nutrition Facts Label
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