Weight Watchers is an international weight-loss assistance program that was founded in the 1960s by Jean Nidetch. The diet program provides support, consultation and weight-loss advice based on a point system, rather than a calorie-counting system. In late 2010, Weight Watchers introduced the ProPoints system, known as the PointsPlus system in the United States, which slightly altered nutritional guidelines.
Reason for Change
Although many dieters found success with the original Weight Watchers system, the calculations only considered the calorie, fiber and fat content of a food. However, satiety and hunger depend on other nutrients, as well, such as protein; research from the University of Texas published in the May 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" explains that protein is more filling than fat and carbohydrates, which may make it useful for weight loss.
Points Allowances
According to Weight Watchers, one of the goals of the ProPoints plan was to increase the flexibility of the diet. For this reason, ProPoints assigns a daily allowance that provides adequate calories for healthy body function. In addition, you also get a weekly allowance that is more than the sum of the total daily allowances. The weekly allowance enables dieters to allocate calories throughout the week to prepare for dining out or other high-calorie days.
Power Foods
Although the Weight Watchers ProPoints system does not mandate foods you have to eat, it does suggest the consumption of certain foods, called power foods. These power foods, which have lower points values, are healthy foods that are also filling, such as vegetables, which provide fiber and vitamins. The reason you can eat more of these foods is that the body uses more energy to burn them than it does other foods. For example, the "Daily Mail" online reports that your body can burn up to 25 percent more energy processing high-fiber, high-protein foods versus sugars and fats with the same number of calories.
Exercise
In addition to food choice, the Weight Watchers ProPoints system considers exercise. Exercise burns calories, which allows for greater flexibility in your diet. Different activities have different points allowances, based on their intensity; an hour of brisk walking provides four extra ProPoints, for example.
References
- Weight Watchers: History & Philosophy
- PubMed.gov: Protein, weight management, and satiety
- Weight Watchers UK: New Pro Points Plan
- Diets In Review.com: Weight Watchers Announces New PointsPlus Program
- Daily Mail Online: Weight Watchers Is a Byword for Dieting Success -- So Why, This Week, Has It Completely Changed Its Approach?
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