Weight Watchers is a commercial program that helps people around the world lose weight. It focuses on the idea of healthful eating in moderation, with group meetings for support. Since the mid-1990s, the plan has centered around a system that assigns every food a Points value, and every dieter a number of points they can eat daily or weekly.
History
In 1997, Weight Watchers introduced its 1-2-3 Success, or Points, plan. Under this plan, followers count points instead of calories. Each food is assigned a point value, with each point equal to roughly 50 calories. When members joined Weight Watchers, they would be given a range of points they could eat daily. This range was based on the member's current weight. Weight Watchers still uses a Points system, though the ranges are no longer used. Instead, members aim to eat a target number of points every day, with extra points available.
Considerations
The number of target points you get on Weight Watchers is based on a formula that takes into consideration your age, gender, current weight and daily activity level. Using these criteria, a 250 lb. man who works a physically demanding job would get considerably more daily points than a 180 lb. woman who works a desk job. Target points range from 18 to 44.
Additions
In addition to daily target points, Weight Watchers also allows 35 weekly points. These points can be used however you'd like: average them into your daily point allowance, or save them for a weekend treat. Some people find they do not use them. Others use some of their weekly points, others use them all. Experiment to see how many points your body needs to lose weight. Weight Watchers also rewards people for exercise by also allowing dieters to count Activity Points. For approximately every 100 calories burned through exercise, you earn an activity point that can be eaten at any time during the week.
Benefits
The Weight Watchers Points plan gives dieters the flexibility to eat the foods they like, so long as they practice moderation and portion control. Under the plan, no foods are forbidden, though an emphasis is placed on healthy foods. The plan also assigns healthy foods, like fruits and lean proteins low points values. Most vegetables do not have any points. The plan also encourages other healthy habits, such as taking a daily multi-vitamin and eating enough dairy and healthy oils. If your points target decreases, you will find it beneficial to fill up on lower point, healthy foods, since you will not have room in your daily points budget for higher- point, less healthy foods.
Warning
Your target points value will decrease as you lose weight or change if you alter your daily activity level. It may also change after you have a birthday. Evaluate your progress occasionally and adjust your diet and points totals as needed. Consult your doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise program. Your doctor or meetings leader can help you decide on a reasonable weight loss goal.
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