Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers was founded in the early 1960s by Jean Nidetch. It has evolved over the years from a food exchange system that gave a set number of calories and food exchanges to follow for each meal and snack. Now Weight Watchers is a points based system whereby points are assigned for each food based on fat, fiber and calorie content and each person is set a points target for each day and they can eat any variety of food that adds up to that total, each person is responsible for meeting their own targets.


The Weight Watchers program is conducted in a group support system with weekly meetings. Weight Watchers has a global network of support groups meetings involving over 20 million people. Weight Watchers also offer an online program for those who do not wish to attend weekly weigh-ins. It also offers Weight Watchers Winning Points plan,

Weight Watchers Products, Weight Watchers Magazine and Weight Watchers e-Tools.

Weight Watchers : Reasons for

  • Group support can be helpful and encouraging
  • Any foods can be eaten
  • Weight Watcher groups are very wide spread
  • Proven weight loss method with a strong track record
  • Lots of products available
  • Diet is safe and promotes good eating habits

Weight Watchers : Reasons against

  • Not all people enjoy weekly meetings which can be particularly daunting if you haven't lost any weight
  • Weight loss is slow
  • Not easy to translate non Weight Watcher products into their points equivalent

Weight Watchers : Verdict

Weight Watchers is a very good method of losing weight especially for the heavier dieter. It has a proven record and it's emphasis is on healthy eating and long term weight management. It is very good for those dieters that enjoy group support and can handle its pressure.

See also:

Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

No comments: