More than 50 million Americans go on some type of diet program each year, according to the University of Colorado Extension. Some choose to go it alone, while others follow group programs such as Weight Watchers, which offers regular meetings and weigh-ins to give members support and increase accountability. Weight Watchers also offers a line of food products for members, but these products are optional, and may not be required to successfully lose weight with this program.
History
Weight Watchers began in 1961, when founder Jean Nidetch decided to go on a diet after a friend mistakenly asked her about being pregnant. More than 400 people attended the first formal Weight Watchers meeting, and this number has grown to more than 25 million members as of 2010. In 1965, the company introduced one of the first lines of frozen diet meals on the market. By 1978, the Heinz Company purchased Weight Watchers and took advantage of its own production lines to increase pre-packaged food options.
Types
Some of the earliest Weight Watchers food products consisted of frozen TV dinner meals served in plastic trays. Over the years, Weight Watchers has added dozens of additional products, including yogurt, cheese, bread, snacks and desserts designed to fit the company's weight loss programs. Weight Watchers also produces several types of snack foods, including frozen mini pizzas and other finger foods.
Where to Buy
Depending on your regular meeting location, you may be able to purchase Weight Watchers food products directly from your meeting leader. You can also order online at the company's website, or purchase many Weight Watchers products at your regular grocery store. The company sells its products under the Weight Watchers name, and also licenses its name to "Smart Ones" and other brands to produce diet meals. The company website offers a product locator tool to help you find your favorite products.
Alternatives
Not all Weight Watchers members will need to purchase the company's food products. Some may choose this option for convenience and to learn more about portion control, while others may prefer to eat "real food" instead. Sticking with regular food rather than pre-packaged meals may allow you to learn healthy habits for life, rather than simply sticking to a short-term diet plan. Weight Watchers offers many recipes on the company website to teach members how to prepare healthy meals in place of the pre-packaged food products.
Expert Insight
According to the University of Colorado Extension, programs like Weight Watchers typically require members to follow a 1,000 to 1,500 calorie diet, which can be achieved either with packaged food products or regular food. Few people who lose weight on these plans are able to maintain their weight loss long-term, and the Federal Trade Commission routinely questions the claims of Weight Watchers and similar programs.
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