Weight Watchers Programmes

Weight Watchers is based on a point system called SmartPoints.

Each food and drink is assigned a point value based on its nutritional content, focusing on calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein.

The idea is to encourage healthier eating habits by guiding members towards more nutritious, lower-calorie foods.

Members are given a daily points allowance based on their age, gender, weight, and height, which they can use however they choose throughout the day.

The programme also emphasises:

• Portion control. Understanding and managing portion sizes.
• Balanced diet. Encouraging a mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Physical activity. Encouraging regular exercise to complement dietary changes.
• Behavioural support. Offering group meetings and online tools to provide motivation and support.

The cost of Weight Watchers varies depending on the plan you choose. There are usually three main plans:

1. Digital. Access to the WW app, online tools, and resources. Costs around £20 per month.
2. Workshops + Digital: Access to in-person or virtual workshops, plus all digital tools. Costs around £30 per month.

Prices can vary, and there are often promotions or discounts available.

Weight Watchers was founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch in New York who struggled with her weight. She started by inviting friends to her home to support each other in losing weight. This simple idea grew into a global company. The programme has been helping people lose weight for over 60 years now.

Weight Watchers has been shown to be effective for many people.

Studies have found that members can lose weight and keep it off.

The key principle is introducing accountability in the form of others in the group. Often you may be happy to disappoint yourself, but less likely to disappoint others in the group.

The support and accountability from group meetings and online tools can be very motivating.

However, as with any weight loss programme, individual results can vary, and it’s important to commit to the principles for long-term success.

Joining Weight Watchers is straightforward. You can sign up online through their website or app. There are no strict eligibility criteria, so anyone looking to lose weight or improve their eating habits can join. You’ll start by entering some basic information about yourself to get your personalised SmartPoints budget.

Once you join, you’ll have access to:

• SmartPoints system. Track your daily points.
• WW app. Log your food, track your activity, and get meal ideas.
• Workshops. Attend in-person or virtual meetings for support and motivation.
• Resources. Recipes, meal plans, and fitness tips.

 

Pros of Weight Watchers

• Flexibility. You can eat anything as long as you stay within your points.
• Support. Group meetings and online communities provide motivation.
• Education. Teaches healthy eating habits and portion control.
• Proven track record. Many people have successfully lost weight and maintained it.

Cons of Weight Watchers

• Cost. It can be pricey, especially the workshop plan.
• Tracking. Requires diligent tracking of points, which some people find tedious.
• Weight fluctuations. Like any programme, weight loss can fluctuate, and it requires long-term commitment.

Weight Watchers interesting facts

Celebrity endorsements. Oprah Winfrey is a major shareholder and spokesperson for WW, which has helped boost its popularity.

ZeroPoint foods. Some foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, have zero points, encouraging healthier eating.

Global reach. Weight Watchers operates in over 30 countries worldwide.

Rebranding. In 2018, the company rebranded to WW to emphasise overall wellness, not just weight loss.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.