How it Works

In place of calorie counting, Weight Watchers' "Flex Plan" teaches individuals to calculate a food's nutritional value using a points system. Point allotments are calculated using height, current body weight and desired goal weight. Once an individual uses up their daily allotted points, they are not advised to consume additional calories for that day.

However, individuals have a certain amount of "bonus" points each week to use towards extra foods. Points values are assigned to foods based on their calorie, fiber and fat amounts. For example, chicken breast contains 3 points whereas one teaspoon of oil is 1 point. The more fiber and and less fat a food contains, the lower its point value is.

By using this system, individuals learn about portion control as well as how to eat not-so-healthy foods in moderation. Individuals may also earn additional food points for exercising. Foods that individuals are encouraged to eat are whole grains, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

Weight Watchers also has an alternative program for those who do not wish to count points. Their "Core Plan" allows individuals to eat unrestricted quantities of fruits, vegetables, fat free dairy, whole grains and lean meats. Weight Watchers encourages individuals to stop eating once they feel satisfied. The Core Plan also allows individuals to use 35 points weekly on non-Core Plan foods.

To further facilitate the weight loss process, Weight Watchers offers optional weekly meetings that include weigh-ins. During the meetings, everyone in attendance is required to be weighed in front of all members. Weight Watchers representatives also discuss how to overcome weight loss issues as well as how to eat and exercise better.

What's Included With The Weight Watchers Diet

Upon signing up, members are given two detailed booklets on Weight Watchers' Flex and Core plans along with tips for eating out. These booklets also contain information on overeating, emotional eating and satiation. Members are also given access to a wide variety of online tools, including articles, weight loss trackers, restaurant guides, forums and a maintenance program.

Advantages Of Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers has been ranked number one diet program by Consumer Reports because of its high success rates. Other benefits of Weight Watchers when compared to other diet programs include:

• No required pre-packaged foods
• Promotes healthy eating habits
• Individuals may eat a variety of different foods
• Reasonably priced
• Extensive online tools and resources
• Does offer Weight Watchers frozen meals in grocery stores
• Meetings are convenient, flexible and optional

Disadvantages Of Weight Watchers

Although many people have had weight loss success through Weight Watchers, others may find that it does not offer enough weight loss counseling or support. Other disadvantages may include:

• Some may find it difficult to constantly calculate points
• The points system may not reflect balanced nutrition
• May be difficult to determine a food's point value
• Meetings are geared more towards women
• If individuals sign up for meetings, they are charged for any that are missed
• No one-on-one in-depth counseling

Weight Watchers Comparison

When Weight Watchers is compared to Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig, it is by far one of the cheapest diet programs available. It also has a higher success rate than other alternative diet programs like pre-packaged meal plans.

However, Jenny Craig< does offer one-on-one counseling, which some individuals may require for weight loss success. Weight Watchers may not be suitable for those who dislike calculating points or preparing meals.

If this is the case, then Nutrisystem or Jenny Craig is a better option. Weight Watchers does, however, teach individuals healthy eating, grocery shopping and exercising habits - areas where Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig both fall short.

Pricing

Weight Watchers pricing tends to vary based on location, but their registration fees are usually between $25-$35, and their weekly meeting fees are around $13. Weight Watchers also offers senior and student discounts.

For Seniors that are 62 years old, and students that are 22 years old, the registration price is $20. For seniors above and students below those ages, the cost is $11.

Weight Watchers currently offers monthly pre-paid passes, which include unlimited meetings and discounted weekly fees. For those who do not wish to attend meetings, Weight Watchers has an online program for $17/month. Currently, Weight Watchers is offering a special, where members receive a month free.

Final Thoughts

Weight Watchers is one of the most effective weight loss programs available, simply because it teaches the fundamentals of portion control and nutrition. Their program is ideal for anyone who is serious about long-term weight loss, and who thrives on group support.

Those who need individual counseling and do not have the time or patience to count points, are better off choosing a different program. All in all, considering Weight Watchers' low price, it is worth giving their program a try.