Weight loss can be difficult to achieve and maintain. More than 750,000 people attend Weight Watchers meetings, and approximately 1 million people use Weight Watchers online to assist in their weight loss efforts. Members use Weight Watchers' PointsPlus system to track their food consumption.
History
Jean Nidetch was 40 years old in 1961 and was overweight. She was dieting but losing motivation, so she called her overweight friends and invited them to come to her home in Queens, New York. Nidetch hosted weekly meetings for her friends in her home, where the women were able to share stories about food and offered support to each other. These meetings grew to include more than 40 people in her small apartment, and ended up taking place in multiple homes.
Weight Watchers was the eventual result.
The Point System
Weight Watchers bases its PointsPlus diet plan on scientific data that shows how the body processes specific foods. Before Weight Watchers revamped its point system in 2010, participants were given daily and weekly allowances of points based on their weight. Each food carried a point value based on calorie, fat and fiber content. The new system considers protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrates when assigning a point value. Participants are allotted more points, and may liberally consume fruits and most vegetables, which carry no point value. The PointsPlus program assigns higher point values to processed foods than the original Weight Watchers point system did.
Pros and Cons
Positive aspects of the PointsPlus program include the inclusion of both men and women, as well as choice between going to physical meetings or participating online. The program provides thousands of recipes and meals to choose from. Applebee's has partnered with Weight Watchers and displays point values for certain menu items. Some people may find counting points time-consuming.
Weight Watchers offers a program designed specifically for men only via the online option.
Exercise
Weight Watchers does not require an exercise regimen to accompany the diet, although living an active lifestyle is encouraged. The online program provides workout demonstrations and guidance that encompasses all skill levels.
Considerations
Weight Watchers allows dieters to moderately satisfy cravings, although emphasis is on eating wholesome foods. Dieters use PointsPlus values to make balanced food choices. All Weight Watchers plans provide access to recipes that are compliant with the program. The PointsPlus program encourages you to consume nutrient-dense foods to help you lose weight and feel satisfied.
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