Choosing a weight-loss plan can be a daunting task with so many products and services on the market. With over 45 years of success, Weight Watchers has a proven track record for creating lasting success. The support system that serves as the basis of Weight Watchers has helped countless people across the globe lose weight and keep it off.
The Facts
In operation since 1963, Weight Watchers is an international company offering weight-loss products and services.
History
Weight Watchers was started by Jean Nidetch in 1963 in her Queens, New York, apartment. Nidetch started Weight Watchers to help herself and a few friends in losing weight and keeping it off. What was once a meeting of 40 people has grown to include franchises worldwide. According to Funding Universe, Weight Watchers is the largest and most successful weight-loss program in the world, grossing over $400 million per year.
Features
Weight Watchers assigns points to food items based on calories, fat and fiber. Participants are allotted a certain number of points per week and make food selections accordingly. The purchase of prepackaged meals is not required, and participants are encouraged to make healthy food selections. Leaders who have lost weight using the Weight Watchers point system run weekly meetings. Weekly meetings include weigh-in, discussion of best practices and group support.
In 2008, Weight Watchers unveiled its new Momentum plan. The Momentum plan combines the Core and Flex plans to emphasize filling food choices to help participants keep hunger under control. The Momentum plan focuses on five servings of vegetables and fruits, two servings of milk products, 2 tsp. of healthy oils, six glasses of fluids, whole grains when possible, one to two servings of lean protein, limited sugar and alcohol and at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
Benefits
Through weekly meetings or online tools, Weight Watchers participants receive valuable support and the positive reinforcement necessary for lasting results. Weight Watchers participants have access to hundreds of recipes and exercise tips to lose weight and keep it off.
Cost
There is a one-time registration fee to join Weight Watchers as well as a weekly meeting fee. According to Sensational.com, as of 2009, the cost to register for Weight Watchers is between $20 and $30, and the weekly meeting fee is between $12 and $15. Weight Watchers online access costs $5 weekly, or participants can pay $65 quarterly.
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