Weight Watchers history starts in the early 1960s, when founder Jean Nidetch was conducting informal group meetings of people who wanted to lose weight. Since then, Weight Watchers has created a points system, based on the available scientific evidence in the fields of nutrition and weight loss. This system was updated in 2010 to the PointsPlus System for the U.S or ProPoints Plan in the U.K., with substantial differences from the previous plan.
Points System Principles
Although Weight Watchers moved to the new PointsPlus plan, the philosophy of the points system hasn't changed. In the points system, every food is allocated a number of points and each member has a number of points to use within a day. With the new plan, the points for each food are calculated based on the amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat and fiber it contains. This way is more accurate, as it takes into account how the body processes the four most important nutrients in food and guides members towards more satisfying choices.
Points in Foods
Although the formula for calculating the points in foods is proprietary, foods that are higher in protein and fiber tend to be lower in points than more sugary or fatty foods, even if they have exactly the same number of calories. For example, a full English breakfast including a poached egg, a slice of whole-grain toast, two slices of low-fat bacon and roasted mushrooms has 8 points, while a muffin with butter and jelly has 9 points, both with the same calories.
The Science Behind the Points
According to Karen Miller-Kovach, chief scientific officer of Weight Watchers International, the new program is based on the latest scientific literature, which has shown the body needs a different amount of energy to break down each of the four macronutrients. For example, a study published in the "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders" in September 2002, found the thermic effect of protein digestion can reach 25 to 30 percent of the total energy ingested. Consequently, foods rich in protein seem to lead to less energy available for the other functions of the body after their digestion and therefore tend to be lower in point values. Sugary and fatty foods will generally be higher in points as the breakdown of fat or sugar can use up to 2 to 3 percent and 6 to 8 percent of total energy, respectively, according to the study.
Daily Points Allowance
Each member has a specific number of points to use in a day, which ranges from 29 to 71, depending on body size, age and sex. You can use your daily points for any foods and drinks you want, including the zero-points fruits and vegetables. You also have 49 additional points as a weekly allowance which you can save to use during your week, for an event or when you find it hard to stick to your daily allowance. This makes the program flexible.
References
- "Daily News";Weight Watchers New Points Plus Weight Loss System Has Dieters Losing Their Minds; Rosemary Black, et al.; Dec. 7, 2010
- Weight Watchers: History and Philosophy
- "Daily Mail Online"; WeightWatchers Is a Byword For Dieting Success -- So Why, This Week, Has It Completely Changed Its Approach?; Judith Keeling; Nov. 4, 2010
- "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders"; Pathways to Obesity; E. Jequier; September 2002
- Christian Finn's Facts About Fitness: The Weight Watchers Pro Points Plan -- Does It Work?
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