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Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers Review

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Best Feature:
You can customize your own diet plan using the points system
Worst Feature:
Expensive and requires a lot of discipline
Best Uses:
Dieters who want a more flexible weight loss plan
Pricing:
Prices vary depending on food and plan
Manufacturer:
Weight Watchers

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Weight Watchers
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Overview

Weight Watchers is a well-known diet program that uses a points system to help people make healthier decisions when it comes to food and portion control. In November 2010, Weight Watchers completely revamped the program they had been using for the previous 13 years and launched the PointsPlus program based on the latest in weight loss science. The PointsPlus program uses a proprietary formula to assign every food a points value that is calculated based on its protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber and calorie content, as well as how hard your body has to work to burn it off. On the program, you are allotted a certain number of points each day, which is determined by your gender, height, weight and weight loss goals. As opposed to the previous program, however, the PointsPlus program puts more emphasis on choosing healthy, filling foods versus letting dieters use their points for whatever food they want. For example, Weight Watchers recognized that people weren't eating enough fruits and nonstarchy vegetables, so, in the PointsPlus system, these foods have been assigned zero points to encourage people to eat as much as they want. The basic idea is that you won't be hungry if you make the choice to eat foods that are more filling or nutritionally dense because you will be able to maximize your daily points.

The costs vary depending on whether you want to attend weekly meetings or just use the online tools (these are completely separate memberships). For meetings, registration fees are being waived through March 23rd, 2011 but you still have to pay meeting fees. Prices vary from $12-$15 a week depending on your location, but you can purchase a monthly pass for $42.95, which brings down the price to $9.92 a week. Weight Watchers' Online Standard Monthly Plan is $48.90 for the first month and $19.95 for each additional month. Weight Watchers' waives the $29.95 sign-up fee if you purchase a 3 month plan for $56.85 for the first 3 months and $18.95 for each additional month.

Product Report Card Grade

We give Weight Watchers an A because it is an effective weight loss program that allows dieters more flexibility in their daily food choices. It is also an excellent program for long-term weight loss and for maintaining a healthier overall lifestyle because dieters are taught from the beginning about good eating habits and portion control. Additionally, Weight Watchers offers support online or in weekly group meetings for those who want a little extra help/motivation. As long as you can be disciplined enough to make the right choices when it comes to picking out your meals, this is an excellent program for anyone looking to achieve/maintain a healthy weight.

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Comparison at a Glance
 
This Product
Product Name
Weight Watchers
Jenny Craig
South Beach Diet
Price
See Prices
See Prices
See Prices
Overall Score
Our Awards
Date Reviewed
January 2012
April 2013
April 2013

Pros/Cons
Pros
Can customize diet plan to fit almost any person and lifestyle (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.); teaching nutrition and portion-control from the beginning can make the plan easier to maintain in the long-term; allows for occasional splurges; in-person and online support available; offers pre-made snacks and meals so you can stick to the plan even if you are pressed for time; offers exercise incentives
Convenience of prepackaged, microwavable meals that control portions; lots of support for members with the Jenny consultants, a 24/7 support telephone line and multiple online tools; tailored diet plans; winner of Consumer Reports taste test for prepackaged diet meals
You don't have to count calories; you can eat snacks and dessert even during Phase 1; lots of reading material and recipes available online; less restrictive and more balanced diet than Atkins in the long term
Cons
Flexibility of plan may not work for the undisciplined; counting points can be tedious; have to maintain membership which can be costly
Most of the complaints are about how expensive the plan is; relies heavily on prepackaged meals, so its difficult to go out for dinner; Jenny consultants are not dieticians/nutritionists by profession; not appropriate for vegans or people with food allergies (gluten, peanuts, etc.)
Not great for people who can't eat dairy; phase 1 may be too restrictive for some to follow

Details
Price
Food and membership costs vary. Currently, it is $30 to sign up, $19/month for online access and $43/month for unlimited meetings.
Food and membership costs vary. It can range between $0-$25 to sign up, $25-$38 in monthly membership fees and about $400 in monthly food costs.
Food prices vary. You can purchase The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life on Amazon for about $7 (est.). You can also sign up as a member on their online site for $4- $5/week.
Diet Type
Low-Calorie, Balanced
Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Balanced
Low-Carb
Diet Goals
Weight Loss and General Health
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Theory
The idea behind the Weight Watchers Program is that you'll eat less and won't feel as hungry if you make healthier food choices that fill you up for longer.
The idea behind the Jenny Craig program is that you can lose weight and maintain that weight loss when you combine balanced nutrition and portion control with an improved attitude toward food and exercise.
The idea behind the South Beach Diet is that you can lose weight and improve your overall health through a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products and healthy fats. Although it is often classified as a low-carb diet, the South Beach Diet doesn't restrict all carbs or make dieters measure their carb intake. In fact, it encourages dieters to eat "good" carbs that have a low glycemic index (GI), and, unlike Atkins, it discourages them from eating "bad" fats (eliminates trans-fats and restricts saturated fats).
How It Works
Weight Watchers uses a PointsPlus system to help dieters measure daily food intake and to encourage them to make healthier choices. The PointsPlus system assigns a point value to different foods, which is calculated by its protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber and calorie content, as well as by how difficult it is for the body to work it off. Each dieter is given a unique PointsPlus target according to their gender, height, weight and weight loss goals. You can basically eat whatever you want on the Weight Watchers program, as long as you stay within your daily PointsPlus target, but you are encouraged to eat more "Power Foods," which are considered the healthiest and most filling. "Power Foods" include whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy and (unlimited quantities of) fresh fruit and non-starchy veggies.
The Jenny Craig program assigns each dieter a personal Jenny consultant who will customize their weight loss plan and meet with them during weekly one-on-one sessions to help guide them through the program's 3 stages - food, body and mind. To educate you on nutrition and portion control, the program initially provides frozen or shelf-stable prepackaged meals that are high in fiber and low in fat/cholesterol. You will supplement these meals with 2-3 servings of fresh fruits, vegetables, or non-fat dairy products bought at a local grocery store. Halfway from your goal weight, you will slowly transition to cooking your own meals (using Jenny recipes) until you have reached your goal weight and are only cooking your own food. Meanwhile, your Jenny consultant will help devise a workout program based on your current activity level with the ultimate goal eventually being 60 minutes of advanced physical activity a day (Pilates, running or weight training). Your Jenny consultant will also help you better understand how your existing relationship with food, life experiences and social environment have impacted your health and weight, and how you can build the necessary skills to change your previous mind-set and maintain the good habits that you have acquired during the program.
The South Beach Diet was created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a preventative cardiologist living in Miami Beach, FL and it has 3 phases. The 1st phase of the plan is the most restrictive and lasts 2 weeks. It is designed to eliminate cravings for refined starch and sugar, as well as jumpstart weight loss. During this phase, you are prohibited from all sugars, processed carbohydrates, fruits, alcohol and certain higher-glycemic vegetables. The 2nd phase will last until you reach your goal weight. During this time, you will reintroduce "good" carbs, such as whole grain bread and fruit, and are allowed to have a glass of white or red wine with dinner. The 3rd phase lasts indefinitely and is designed to help you continue using the principles you've learned in the previous phases to maintain a healthy weight for life.
Calorie Intake
Since Weight Watchers uses the PointsPlus system, there isn't a focus on calories, but, no matter what, you will be getting at least 1200 calories a day.
Calorie intake can range from 1,200 - 2,300 calories per day depending on the plan you come up with your Jenny consultant, which will be based on your age, height, current weight, gender, your activity level, etc.
The South Beach Diet doesn't require calorie counting and encourages 3 meals a day plus 2 snacks.
Support
You can sign up to attend group meetings at your local Weight Watchers branch or you can just sign up for the online program. To keep track of the points you are consuming, Weight Watchers also offers a pocket guide, pocket calculator, an online database of 40,000 foods and a mobile app with the database for additional convenience. Weight Watchers also offers recipes that show the PointsPlus value or, if you are making your own dish, you can use the company's online tools to calculate points ingredient by ingredient.
You can participate in the program by attending weekly sessions at a local Jenny Craig center or you can also participate from the comfort of your own home. Either way, you will have access to a Jenny consultant for one-on-one weekly meetings and to Jenny's 24/7 telephone line to get information or support whenever you need it. The program also offers online support, including peer-support discussion groups and progress tracking tools.
The South Beach Diet offers how-to books with numerous recipes to follow. For $4/week, you can also register on their online platform where you can get access to 24-hour support, peer-support discussion groups, customized meal plans and progress tracking tools.
Exercise
Physical activity is encouraged, and Weight Watchers assigns different activities a PointsPlus value in order to incentivize dieters. Whether it is an hour of running, dancing or doing laundry, you'll receive extra food points when you exercise to allow for the occasional splurge.
30 - 60 minutes of physical activity is encouraged, and your Jenny consultant will help you determine your fitness goals/routine. Usually, Jenny consultants will try to incorporate exercise into your daily life (ex. walking, taking the stairs, doing laundry, etc.), but they may suggest that already active dieters add more rigorous exercise (ex. Pilates, weight training, etc.).
South Beach Diet recommends interval exercise as the best way to keep your metabolism up and avoid weight-loss plateaus.
Book
Examples of available books include: Weight Watchers All-Time Favorites: Over 200 Best-Ever Recipes from the Weight Watchers Test Kitchens, Weight Watchers In 20 Minutes, Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook.
Examples of available books include: Jenny Craig No Diet Required, The Jenny Craig Cookbook: Cutting Through the Fat, Simple Pleasures: Recipes to Nourish Body and Soul.
Examples of available books include: The South Beach Diet Gluten Solution: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Gluten-Aware Plan for Losing Weight and Feeling Great--FAST!, The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life, The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook: 200 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less.

ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Can customize a diet plan that fits almost any person and lifestyle (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc)
  • Teaching nutrition and portion-control from the beginning can make the plan easier to maintain in the long-term
  • Allows for occasional splurges
  • In-person and online support available
  • Offers pre-made snacks and meals so you can stick to the plan even if you are pressed for time

Cons

  • Flexibility of plan may not work for the undisciplined
  • Counting points can be tedious
  • Have to maintain membership which can be costly

Key Features

Diet Type
Provides generally acceptable amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and other nutrients if followed correctly
Calorie Intake
Program focuses less on calories because of the point system, but, no matter what, you will be getting at least 1200 calories daily.
How it works
With the points system, you have more flexibility than other commercial diets to eat what you want as long as you follow your daily PointsPlus target. However, dieters are encouraged to use their points wisely and give preference to more "Power Foods," which are considered the healthiest and most filling. "Power Foods" include whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and (unlimited quantities of) fresh fruit and nonstarchy veggies. To keep track of the points you are consuming, Weight Watchers offers a pocket guide, pocket calculator, an online database of 40,000 foods, and even a PointsPlus database mobile application. You can use recipes from the company that show the PointsPlus value or, if you are making your own dish, you can use the company's online tools to calculate points ingredient by ingredient. Weight Watchers also helps you make the best choice among similar foods by providing comparisons of each brand's or product's nutritional value.
Exercise
Physical activity is encouraged, and Weight Watchers assigns a PointsPlus value to different activities. Whether it's an hour of running, dancing or doing laundry, you'll receive extra food points to allow for the occasional splurge.
Support
The strong support system is one of the best aspects of Weight Watchers. While you can achieve weight loss through an online membership, Weight Watchers says that dieters lose about three times more weight if they attend weekly meetings. The meetings are a great opportunity to share struggles and successes with other members, as well as fun new recipes. Confidential weekly weigh-ins also help to keep you on the right track.
Supplements
Yes, Weight Watchers encourages taking a daily multivitamin to ensure you're getting enough important nutrients.
Long term maintenance
Once you reach your goal weight, you will start a 6 week maintenance period. During this time, you gradually increase your food intake until your body weight reaches equilibrium. If you are within 2lbs of your goal weight at the end of the maintenance period, you become a "Lifetime" member and may attend meetings free of charge so long as you weigh in once a month to show you are still within 2lb of your goal weight.

Reputation

Weight Watchers has a great reputation, and, in 2011, US News ranked it #1 in "Best Commercial Diets". The flexibility of the program, combined with the strong support system and group meetings, make it a great choice for people looking for a diet plan that they can live with.

Reviews

Customer Responses, Reviews, or Complaints

Username:
ab65fdc6-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e
Location:
ab65fdd1-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e, MI
Age:
70
A Plan that Works/Weight Watchers
Review submitted: 2015-02-16
Weight Watchers Works. I have tried them all and although I usually initially lose weight I have never been able to keep it off until now. I have been at my goal weight for three years. I still struggle with food and I do fall off the wagon but this is an easy program to get back on the wagon and I love the support of the meetings. There are no special foods,you can eat anything it just has to be within your points.It is the most inexpensive program ,after the initial cost and you meet your goals its free.
Username:
b3cc5270-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e
Location:
b3cc527c-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e, GA
Age:
39
Weight Watchers is not for everyone
Review submitted: 2015-01-22
I tried Weight Watchers but had not luck. I did a lot better counting calories than points. I did not lose no weight while on this plan. This plan was not for me but it might work really good for other people I know that not all things work for every person or body type. I would or wouldn't recommend this program based on my experience this is one you have to try yourself to find out for sure if it is right for you. They did have a good website and a wide food base but it just wasn't right for me.
Username:
8fc58e42-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e
Location:
8fc58e4e-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e, GA
Age:
75
It Does Work
Review submitted: 2013-09-14
My daughter was getting married and I was determined not to be a fatty so I had to find a weight loss program that worked. I was fortunate that a Weight Watchers program was being started at work during lunch. I managed to lose the 20 pounds that I wanted to lose in a matter of weeks. I had finally found a program that was easy to follow and really worked. I had tried counting calories but that did not allow me to keep it up indefinitely. With Weight Watchers you are changing how you eat but are able to eat different types of food including desserts. It is not a diet but a change in life style, something you can live with. It has been more than 10 years and I have managed to keep the pounds off but anytime I slide a little I just get out the books and reinforce the principals to get back on track. We all tend to eat too much so portion control is a very useful concept to learn. I was originally motivated by the weekly meetings and weigh ins but discovered that those are not possible to keep up long term. My niece just lost 80 pounds using Weight Watchers after many years of nothing working. I purchased a Weight Watchers cookbook so that I could cook different foods and still stay on track. With the cookbook it is easier than trying to adapt your own recipes.
Username:
8fb33ac2-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e
Location:
8fb33acd-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e, PA
Age:
49
Weight Watchers
Review submitted: 2013-09-13
I've participated in WW a few times over the past 7 years and think its the best approach if managing healthy eating on your own isn't working for you. Their plan is good because its non-restrictive, you can fit in any kind of food as long as you account for it. Their new approach makes fruits and veggies worth zero points so it encourages you to fill up on those which is always a good idea. What's best about it is its a lifelong way of eating, not some short term fix that once you stop you have no idea how to eat in the real world and put all the weight back on.
Username:
8f4b8583-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e
Location:
8f4b858f-bcfb-11ee-9981-000d3a96b61e, CA
Age:
64
About My Weight Loss
Review submitted: 2013-08-31
Had a weight problem my entire life. As most, have tried lots of programs. Recently diagnosed Diabetes Type 2. I am attending programs on food choices. I am also using Weight Watchers as a guide to good food choices. I am focusing more on carbohydrates which I never really looked at before. Weight Watchers is pretty flexible, so I can easily adapt what I need. I just do the online Weight Watchers. I used to do meetings. The thing I like least is the lack of focus on exercise. They are trying to add this to their program, but their meetings are all about food choices. In addition, they sometimes like to promote their pre-packaged foods which I find pricy and not that tasty.

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