Weight Watchers
Perhaps one of the most well known and most established weight loss strategies, Weight Watchers exists globally,
with programs spread from Brazil to New Zealand. They tout the following four main goals in their weight loss
strategy:
- Helping bring the positive changes required for lose weight;
- Supporting positive behavioral changes;
- Focusing on the power to succeed; and
- Providing support and motivation throughout the process.
Points System
Weight Watchers utilizes a system of allocating food based on points. The point value for each food is based on
the number of calories, fat, and fiber contained within the serving. Dieters determine a specific daily point
limit based on current weight and weight loss goals. The dieter then makes food choices and portion sizes that
stay within a daily point allowance.
Momentum Plan
The Weight Watchers Momentum program promotes foods that are filling and satisfy hunger over long periods of time.
This strategy helps prevent overeating, keeps dieters satisfied, and guards against temptation.
Support
The cornerstone of Weight Watchers plans is the weekly meeting. Weekly meetings help to support dieters by
bringing them together with people who are working towards a common goal. The meetings, led by a person who has
successfully lost weight on the Weight Watchers plan, serve both as a space for educating and motivating. For
dieters who cannot attend meetings, an online program now exists.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Founded in the 1960s, Weight Watchers carries quite an established reputation for helping people develop and
maintain healthy eating habits and lose weight. The program promotes low fat and heart healthy foods, and has
demonstrated success. However, the Weight Watchers program requires participants to pay membership fees, which
bring added costs to dieting. In addition, Weight Watchers does not offer personalized guidance, instead,
participants learn from the experience of their group leader and other dieters.
