Weight Watchers runs the most popular weight loss program in the world, with a proven track record of helping dieters to lose weight. Their network of weight loss meetings caters for over 20 million people per week, and their official website gives details of all services.
These include:
Weight Watchers Meetings, Winning Points plan, Weight Watchers Products and Magazine, Weight Watchers Online services and e-Tools.
How Weight Watchers™ works
The Weight Watchers program is based on calorie-reduction, using the Weight Watchers points system. No foods are forbidden, although you are restricted to a certain number of daily ‘points’.
Weight Watchers Meetings or Weight Watchers Online™
Most dieters follow the Weight Watchers program by joining a weekly group, where they meet other dieters, exchange ideas and receive support and advice from the class organizer. Weight Watchers also provides an online at-home program.
Weight Watchers Program™
The Weight Watchers program does not offer fast weight loss. It provides slow steady weight loss of about 2 pounds a week, which is the accepted maximum. It is nutritionally sound with varied menus. The Weight Watchers Points System™ allows a set number of points (equivalent to food calories) per day, depending on your weight and weight loss target.
Weight Loss Support
Weight Watchers provides good support and sound advice. And there are classes throughout the world. But like all group weight loss programs, it has minor drawbacks.
Weight Watchers Drawbacks
- Counting points or calories is only a means to developing healthy eating habits
4 Cookies may contain the same number of calories as a large wholemeal sandwich, but the latter is healthier. So as well as counting Weight Watchers points, you must develop healthy eating habits which will help you to lose weight and maintain your health. - Points/Calorie-counting is a temporary diet-method
It’s difficult to continue counting calories for the rest of your life. So try to understand the dietary and nutritional basis for the Weight Watchers Points system. - Weight Watchers Meetings friction
Group weight loss meetings can be daunting. Especially if the meeting-organizer puts you on the spot because your weekly weight loss is too low. Such pressure to lose weight may prove intimidating to some dieters. So if you feel sensitive about your weight and shape, you might consider joining the Weight Watchers At-home program, instead.
Weight Watchers Costs
Include a program sign-up fee, plus $10-15 per meeting. Also, in some countries, non-attendance at Weight Watchers meetings leads to lapse of membership. In the USA, membership lapses after 4 missed meetings. In any case, check the costs and small print before you start. Weight Watchers Online program starts at $44 for a standard monthly plan.
Verdict
Weight Watchers is an excellent weight loss diet program.
A Note about Healthy Weight Control
Fad diets, unbalanced diets, diet pills, diet supplements, weight loss surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for permanent weight control. The best way to lose excess fat and maintain a healthy weight in the long term is to follow a balanced calorie-controlled diet (that improves your eating habits) and take regular aerobic exercise. An excellent option is Anne Collins Weight Loss Program
