Weight Watchers began in the early 1960s when founder Jean Nidetch invited friends over twice a week to discuss weight loss tips. From those small beginnings, the weight loss program has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry with members across the world. The Weight Watchers Momentum program was designed around two successful weight loss strategies: core foods and keeping track of points. However, in November 2010 the Weight Watchers Momentum program evolved into the new PointsPlus program.
Program Changes
In November 2010, the Momentum program was replaced by Weight Watchers PointsPlus program. The new system takes into account the fiber, fat, carbohydrate and protein content of foods when determining point values. Like other Weight Watchers programs, the PointsPlus program is a flexible plan that encourages members to eat nutrient-rich foods, such as produce, whole grains and lean protein. New to the PointsPlus plan are Power Foods, the healthiest foods in each food category, according to USA Today.
Membership
Membership for the Weight Watchers PointsPlus plan is similar to prior plans, including the Momentum program. Registration is available at local meetings, at which you participate in a weekly weigh-in, discuss program strategies, and gain support from your Weight Watchers leader and other members. Materials for the program, such as brochures and information about eTools, are available at meetings.
For individuals who were unable to attend meetings, the program is available online. Program enrollment can be completed at the Weight Watchers website, which allows users to learn more about the current plan and access weight loss tools, such as online food journals, weight trackers and restaurant guides.
Points
The Momentum plan worked by tracking points allotted to foods based on the fat, calorie and fiber content. PointsPlus, however, has a completely different formula that tosses out calories and factors in carbohydrates and protein for each point. Each member's "daily personalized PointsPlus Target," or daily points, is still determined by height, weight, age and sex, according to the Weight Watchers website, but the daily allowance of points is higher for most members. The amount of points per food is also higher, however, so it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get to eat more. Additionally, fruit and vegetables are now zero points, but should still be eaten in moderation. Basically, the plan seeks to teach members that a 100-calorie piece of fruit is a better option than 100-calories of chips.
Guidelines
The PointsPlus plan continues to encourage members to eat a certain number of servings from each major food group each day. Consistent with USDA Dietary Guidelines, Weight Watchers emphasizes whole grains, healthy and lean protein and nutrient-rich produce. PointsPlus includes Power Foods, which informs members about the best choices among similar snacks and meals. For instance, better choices include foods that are lower in sugar and sodium, higher in fiber and that contain healthy fats. The program also suggests members drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Members are still expected to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical exercise each day. All types of physical activity, including gardening, household chores, running or kickboxing, count toward the recommended 30 minutes of activity. On the Momentum program, one activity point was earned per 100 calories burned. On the current program, one activity point is achieved for each 80 calories burned while engaging in physical activity.
References
- USA Today: Weight Watchers Revamps Plan, Introduces PointsPlus; November 2010
- Weight Watchers: What You'll Eat on the PointsPlus Program
- Diets In Review: Weight Watchers Momentum Diet Review
- Business Wire: Weight Watchers Applauds New Dietary Guidelines for New, Clear Focus on Weight Management and Nutrient-Dense Foods; February 2011
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