Weight Watchers is a popular weight loss program based around a unique point system and online or in-person support groups. The Weight Watchers program makes no claim to be a valid treatment for food addiction, and you should consult with your psychologist, psychiatrist or other health care provider if you believe you are addicted to food. However, the fact that Weight Watchers does promote a healthy lifestyle and a healthy relationship with food, coupled with its signature weekly supportive meetings, may well mean the program could be used as a tool in your recovery.
Weight Watchers Diet
The "US News and World Report" rated Weight Watchers as the best commercial diet and the best weight loss diet in its first-ever evaluation of 20 popular diets published in 2011. According to its official website, the WW plan works by assigning individuals a number of points per day, depending on their height and weight. Every food has a point value, which correlates roughly to calories, but also takes fiber and protein into account. Weight Watchers focuses heavily on fruits and vegetables, which make up the majority of its free foods, which are foods that dieters can enjoy at any time without adding to their points total. Additionally, on Weight Watchers, there is room for occasional indulgences, as dieters have an extra weekly allotment of points, and can earn extra points through exercise, called activity points.
Food Addiction
Food addiction may be psychological or physical. For example, certain substances in foods, like sugar or caffeine can lead to addiction, which will produce intense cravings and even withdrawal symptoms. Psychologically, depression has been proven to correlate with increased carbohydrate cravings. Additionally, many people may turn to food as a source of comfort. People who have not developed proper coping skills may essentially self-medicate with food. A food addiction that leads to weight gain may lead to increased depression, which may then lead back to more overeating. It's a vicious cycle.
Working Together
At weekly meetings, Weight Watchers members weigh in and join a discussion group led by leaders, who have successfully lost and maintained weight loss. Although they are not licensed therapists, these leaders may help you get to the bottom of your food issues. Additionally, people who have a support group are more likely to lose weight and keep it off. With Weight Watchers, no food is out of bounds, as long as it falls within your point system. This may help you look at food with more moderation and see food as fuel.
Considerations
Because no food is off-limits, the WW plan may enable you to eat your favorite foods and starve yourself for the rest of the day. Or, you may never have to give up the foods that you are addicted to. For certain people, counting calories or points may exacerbate the obsessive mindset that feeds their addiction. Therefore, the Weight Watchers system is more likely to work in conjunction with an eating disorder specialist, who can help you modify your approach to food.
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