According to the American Diabetes Association over 23 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes to date, 90 percent of which are type 2 diabetes, the form linked to obesity. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone diagnosed with diabetes should try to reach a healthy body weight and change food habits by following a healthy lifestyle program combined with medication when required. Healthy food choices, being physically active and an on-going participation to a structured weight loss program are basic elements of the successful diabetic diet, a diet that the Weight Watchers program promotes for all members. However, it is recommended to ask your dietetic health professional on how to adapt the Weight Watchers plan to your individual needs, especially if you are receiving medication.
Impact of Weight Loss
In Weight Watchers foods are allocated a specific amount of "points" based on their nutrient composition and members are allocated a certain points budget per day that help them lose up to 2 lb. per week. Research shows that even a modest weight loss of between 5 to 10 percent can have significant results in diabetes control because it improves blood glucose control. A 2000 study published in Diabetes Care found weight loss to be associated with 28 percent reduction in deaths from the complications of diabetes.
Weight Watchers Good Health Guidelines
Apart from maintaining a healthy body weight, the diabetic diet aims to keep blood sugar, cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels as close to healthy as possible. The Good Health Guidelines of the Weight Watchers plan give advice on the portions that should be consumed from each food group in a healthy diet, such as the amount of meat, whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables. These guidelines are suitable for all members, including those with diabetes as they have been suggested by nutritionists and health experts.
Healthy and Filling Foods
The new dietary plan that Weight Watchers launched recently, assigns more points to sugary and fatty foods. The plan encourages all members to reduce their consumption of these foods -- or replace them -- with other foods rich in fiber and protein. Weight Watchers suggests food items from the food groups that are higher in fiber and/or lower in salt, sugar and saturated fats. These food choices are beneficial for all diabetics as well, the California Pacific Medical Center reports.
Exercise
According to Weight Watchers, the recommendations for physical activity match those for people with diabetes. Weight Watchers recommends a more active lifestyle that improves blood sugar control, helps support a healthy weight loss and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Although an increase in physical activity improves overall health, consult your doctor about the intensity and duration of exercise if you are planning to commit to regular workouts, such as jogging, dancing or sports.
Keep Motivated
Attending Weight Watchers' support meetings keeps you motivated toward changing your lifestyle and losing weight. In a study conducted in 2003 by Heshka and colleagues, members who were participating in the meetings had better weight loss results than those who didn't. Consequently, regular support through the meetings enhances the health outcomes of your weight loss that help improve your diabetic state.
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