What Is Point Calculation For Weight Watchers?

The Weight Watchers program assigns a point value to each food and beverage as a means of tracking the amount consumed each day. The point value allotted to each member requires calculation based on the member's sex, height, weight, activity level and age. The calculated daily point level ranges from 18 to 44 depending on these variables.

Base Level

Begin calculating Weight Watchers points by starting with a base of 2 points if you are female or 8 points if you are male. Research conducted by Weight Watchers indicates that men have a higher requirement for calories. This is the reason that men start at a higher base level. Women nursing an infant as a primary food source start at a base of 12 points, or 7 points if the infant receives supplemental food.

Height and Weight

Weight Watchers members add points to the base level based on their height. Increase the base level by 2 points if you're 5'11" or taller, 1 point if you're 5'1" to 5'10" tall or zero points if you're shorter than 5 ft. tall. Taller members have a higher caloric requirement.

Daily Weight Watchers point calculation varies for each member based on the starting weight. Increase the point level by the first two digits of your current weight. For example, a 180-lb. member adds 18 points to her daily calculated points. Adjust the daily point calculation as you lose weight.

Activity and Age

The activity level of a Weight Watchers member determines the point calculation for the daily point allotment. Activity refers to how active you are during the day and does not reflect exercise intensity. Weight Watchers members who complete physical activity throughout the day increase their point level by 6 points. Members who spend the majority of the day on their feet add 4 points and those who have a sedentary lifestyle add 2 points.

Weight Watchers point calculation include points based on age. The points added to the daily calculation for age are: 4 points for 17 to 26 years old, 3 points for 27 to 37 years, 2 points for 38 to 47 years and 1 point for 48 to 58 years. Weight Watchers members over 58 years old receive zero points due to a lower caloric requirement.

Bonus Points

Weight Watchers members are able to add bonus points each day if they complete at least 30 minutes of exercise. The exercise must be at a high-intensity level, such as running, swimming, biking or brisk walking. The breakdown for exercise bonus points is 3 points for a 145-lb. or lighter member, 4 points for 146-lbs. to 185-lbs. or 5 points for 186-lbs. to 230-lbs. Members who weigh above 230-lbs. receive 1 additional point for each 40 lbs. over the weight.

Flex Points

Weight Watchers members are given 35 Flex points at the start of their calculation week. Each member chooses how to use the Flex points. Options to use Flex points include using all 35 points during one day for a special occasion or breaking them evenly for each day of the week. Weight Watchers recommends using the Flex points each week since consuming too few calories may cause a stall in weight loss.