The Weight Watchers, which was founded in the early 1960’s by Jean Nidetch, is one of the largest and most popular weigh-loss programs in the world. With a track record of 40 years, they continue to help 25 million people every week through the internet.
This program focuses on calorie reduction by using the Weight Watcher’s Points System. Meaning, there are no prohibited foods but the dieters are restricted in following daily points.
The point system focuses on examining fiber, fat and calories. The system is simple – it suggests that fat increases point values and fiber decreases points. Almost all vegetables have 0-point values. Fruits commonly range between 1 to 2 points for each serving. Point values that are higher than two includes desserts, rice, potatoes, pasta and bread.
There are two available options to join this program. First, the dieters join a weekly class wherein they receive support from their fellow dieters and advice from the class supervisor.
The second option is an online at-home program, which is available worldwide. The main difference between the two choices is that online program lacks live support.
A positive aspect of the Weight Watchers program is it does not promise fast weight loss and give false hope. It is a realistic plan wherein an average weight loss is about 2 pound per week.
It is also considered as a useful starting point because of the support given by the Weight Watchers experts.
Based from statistics, almost 95 percent participants of this program are women. Men who wish to follow this program may feel a bit uncomfortable with the situation.
Although counting calories benefits the dieters awareness of the essential calorific values of food, having less calories does not necessarily mean one is eating healthy. A chocolate bar and a large sandwich could contain the same point values but could differ in nutritional value.
Unless you are dutifully following the Point System, this program could work for you. However, it is almost impossible to count calories for the rest of one’s life.
Attending the Weight Watchers classes could be beneficial to other people and could be detrimental to others. This may vary depending on one’s personality and support dependency.
Another thing to note about the WW Diet is that classes range around $10 to $15 per class. The online program, however, starts at about $44 for a monthly standard plan.
In general, the Weight Watchers program, with various support systems, flexibility in food choices, emphasis on exercise and eating healthy, could help a dieter achieve his or her long-term weight loss goals.
