Weight Watchers Winning Points Plan

Weight Watchers has tweaked its program many times since founder Jean Nidetch started it in the early 1960s by holding meetings at her Queens, New York home. If you heard about the program in the early 2000s, you might recall its Winning Points plan; more recent versions have included the Flex, Core and Momentum programs. Though you won't hear about Winning Points now, you'll need to understand the basic points system if you decide to try the program.

Weight-Loss Programs

Losing weight can be tough, and a structured program like Weight Watchers might help you take pounds off and keep them off. USA Today reported in 2003 --- citing a study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" --- that people in Weight Watchers maintained a 6-lb. weight loss after two years, while those who dieted on their own regained the weight they lost. An earlier study, cited by the National Institutes of Health, stated that obese women who tried Weight Watchers found that the diet and group support yielded "significant health and psychological benefits."

Weight Watchers

You might be familiar with the weekly weigh-in meetings of the traditional Weight Watchers program. According to its website, the organization aims to offer information, tools and motivation to help people manage their weight not just by dieting, but by adopting a healthy lifestyle. You also can join the program online, using Web tools to track your weight and get ideas and support. As of November 2010, fees usually start at $12 per weekly meeting or $17.95 per month online, with discounts when you sign up for longer periods.

How Points Work

In Weight Watchers, you keep track of your eating by counting "points." An online summary, "Weight-Loss Math Made Simple," explains that each food has a points value based on its calories, fat and fiber. Some diet foods list Weight Watchers points on their labels; for others, you can use Weight Watchers lists, a special calculator or an online calculator. You'll notice that it usually amounts to 1 point per 50 calories, though there are exceptions. Ideally, you will lose weight gradually as you eat foods that stay within your daily recommended points total.

Other Features

Weight Watchers urges people to aim for a safe, gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. You don't have to buy special diet foods or swear off certain foods forever --- but you do have to learn to make healthful choices. According to online information about the Momentum program, you'll learn to handle temptation and to make a habit of choosing foods that are healthful, but satisfying. You'll also be encouraged to exercise regularly as part of your weight-loss plan.

Choosing a Program

If you're considering trying Weight Watchers or some other program, MayoClinic.com advises you to learn about the program first and get advice from your doctor. Some tips: Look for a program that fits your budget and personality --- one you will be able to stick to without being miserable. Avoid gimmicky diets that promise extreme and rapid weight loss. Physical activity should be part of the plan. Make sure it is safe for any medical condition you might have, such as diabetes or allergies. And the plan should include foods you enjoy, because if it doesn't, you won't stay with it very long.