Weight Watchers, which dates to the 1960s, has set the industry standard for long-term weight loss programs. The program is gimmick free, based on solid nutritional science, and deals with the dieter's lifestyle, offering in-person support. Designed to educate, motivate, and provide guidance and advice, weekly meetings help dieters achieve their weight loss goals.
Check In
When you enter your first Weight Watchers meeting, a caring and supportive member will greet you. Participants provide new members program literature and explain weekly fees and current promotions. The group leader will read through the book with you and explain how Weight Watchers works. You will attend a get-started session for new members, usually lasting about 15 minutes, after the general meeting.
Weigh In
A group leader will help you set your first weight loss goal. To start, Weight Watchers recommends an attainable goal of 5 percent of your current weight. At the beginning of every meeting, all members weigh in. A Weight Watcher staff member will help you weigh in, keeping it private and confidential. Your weight will never be revealed.
Program Information
Weight Watchers' most current plan is The Momentum program. At your first meeting, you will learn the basics of this program, which is designed to help you control hunger, make healthy smart choices, stay full longer and adapt the plans to your lifestyle. The group leader will share her personal story, answer any questions and advise you on how to get started.
Learn
The get-started session that follows the main meeting will teach you what to do your first week on the program. You will learn what to eat, how the program works in more detail and how you can apply it to your lifestyle. The main meetings are usually around 30 minutes and cover topics ranging from motivation to healthy recipes. A Weight Watchers group leader who has lost weight on the program will always lead the program.
Supportive Environment
Weight Watchers meetings are safe and supportive. All meetings begin with rewards---celebrations of member successes, which can include losing your goal weight to sticking to your exercise plan. Members who attend meetings once a week at their local chapters lose about 50 percent more weight than those who use only the diet and online services, according to Karen Miller Kovach, M.S., R.D., Weight Watchers chief scientific officer. Although members are encouraged to share their progress, which helps create a trusting community, it is not mandatory.
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