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Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

For more than 50 years, Weight Watchers has been a trusted approach to weight loss for men and women.

Top Rated Diets of 2024
What is it?

Weight Watchers Diet is a diet plan based off a point system, where each food has a value, and you’re allowed only a certain amount of points a day. You can eat any foods you want, as long as you don’t pass the allowed points for the day.

The points offered are called SmartPoints, and the amount allowed is based off one one’s own body and individual weight loss goals. Healthy and low calorie foods have much less value, so it naturally steers people into eating more wholesome foods instead of eating high amounts of junk food.  In this review you’ll hear customer reviews, the science behind Weight Watchers, and whether or not it can promote weight loss. The highest rated diet plan of 2024 was found to be the 18 Shake Diet. It’s a combination of a natural metabolism booster and high protein meal replacement. Learn more about the 18Shake diet plan by following the link provided here.

Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?

Weight Watchers Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

Ingredients:

No pre-packaged foods are required, it’s advised to cook one’s own meals at home. An app and guide is offered with over 287,000 different foods which have a stated number value.

High fiber, non-processed, and sugar free foods have a much lower point number.  Processed foods and highly saturated foods tend to be the highest in points. So the diet focuses on introducing more healthy foods, which is already known as a practical way to lose weight.

There are also 4,000 recipes offered as well as optional support for meetings, online coaching, and dietary tips. Mobile apps are also offered to help people calculate their total points.

There isn’t much information provided by the company to showcase exactly how their approach is scientific, or how they choose specific foods to have higher points than others.  The top 10 list found here offers the best diet plans that our experts have reviewed.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Weight Watchers Diet Quality of Ingredients

 The quality of the ingredients can vary on what’s purchased, since no foods are off limits, what one purchases will determine the overall quality. The high points that processed foods have will force people to be more conservative in their food options.

No proof is provided by the makers of Weight Watchers to show why this diet has been formulated in the point system it offers.

It’s clear that by eating less processed foods and focusing on quality meats, high fiber, and filling foods that naturally weight loss is possible. However, no evidence is provided as to why their coaching system would be any better than not paying for this system and simply eating healthier,

One study by the Annals of Internal Medicine found that:

“Weight Watchers participants achieved at last 2.6% greater weight loss than those assigned to control/education”

This was in a 12 month period, and there were only slight increases in weight loss in comparison to people who were allowed to diet without control.

2.6% for someone weighing 200 pounds would be 5.2 additional pounds. This means that every month, a person can expect an additional 0.43 extra pounds of weight loss more than those who dieted on their own and made their own decisions without a points system.

This is a very poor amount of weight loss considering the amount it costs to pay for the online support. A list of the very best diet plans has bene reviewed by our experts.

Another major issue with the plan was that no official information is provided to show the points system before one buys into the plan. This makes it impossible to calculate if one is even capable of keeping up with this plan. Certain foods are not preferential for people, and it might require extreme changes in dieting in some.

Even with online support, there’s no guarantee that the advice offered will help one lose weight safely and effectively.

The Price and Quality of Weight Watchers Diet

There are different plans offered such as:

OnlinePlus: $4.30 per week when a 3 month long plan is offered. This amounts to $64.50 for the total 3 months.

Meetings + OnlinePlus: A 3 month plan is offered for $8.30 a week. This amounts to $124.50 for the full 3 months. 

Coaching + OnlinePlus: Like the other plans, if 3 months is selected, the full price is $10.15. A full 3 months is $152.25.

These prices can vary, as it depends on what one chooses as their meals and how much support they want. No information is provided on what kind of background the people who give advice are, and whether or not they are certified diet or nutrition experts.  Since they fail to mention this, it’s important to be cautious of the support offered.

A $20 fee is mandatory for every first time member.  Web MD discusses the pricing of this diet by stating:

“Be prepared to spend some cash to get the full benefits”

Many customers also agree it’s incredibly pricy to keep the online support available. As you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Weight Watchers Diet”, many felt it wasn’t worth the price.

The top 10 list featured in the link here has the best diet plans.

Business of Weight Watchers Diet

Weight Watchers International is the official company name. Their contact information is as follows:

Phone Number: (800) 651-6000

Further contact information is provided to those who subscribe to the online system. There are currently 339 negative reviews on their Consumer Affairs page. Here are some direct quotes from customers:

“thought I was signing with a reputable company… Weight Watchers continued to withdraw money from my bank account for 3 months”

“I have been requesting my account to be closed for the past 3 months”

“No one is ever there when you need them”

“Weight watchers are total thieves. I cancelled my account 3 years ago and they have billed my credit card”

Hundreds of people claim that they continue to be charged by the company even after they’ve cancelled the online support, and no longer logging into to their profiles.

There are also 279 complaints on their Better Business Bureau site, mostly for the same reasons. People complained often about being constantly billed even after months or even years of no longer using their accounts. Customers were frustrated since they were told their account was cancelled, only to see billing from Weight Watchers appearing on their credit card statements.

People also said that when their accounts were active, that there wasn’t much support offered. To see a list of the top 10 diet plans click on the link offered here.  

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Weight Watchers Diet

Here is what some users had to say:

“just got de-motivated as I could see this wouldn’t work for me anymore”

“I tried it, but I didn’t have too much luck”

“helped me at first but I failed later on”

“it did not work… felt the meetings were very one sided, and it was like a chat”

People said that the offered meetings and support weren’t really helpful, and that it didn’t cater to people’s needs. It was more just general advice people were given such as obvious weight loss advice.  

Another major issue was that people often said that they couldn’t keep up with the diet, and that many common foods had too many high points where they couldn’t eat comfortably.

Users had issues as well with the foods with fewer points, as its common sense what foods are allowed and which aren’t. The top 10 list features the best diet plans out now, click on this link to learn more.

Conclusion - Does Weight Watchers Diet Work?

When making a decision on a diet plan like Weight Watchers, it’s important to examine customer reviews, what’s offered, and whether or not weight loss is likely. The plan offers a point system which is meant to make dieting easier. However, hundreds of people have complained about a lack of food options, as well as being forced to limit many common foods. There were also hundreds that complained the company continues to charge them long after they’ve cancelled. Both on Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau people mention they continue to be billed.

The 2024 diet plan of the year was found to be the 18Shake Diet. It offers a high protein, appetite suppression meal replacement alongside a metabolism booster made with natural extracts with no added stimulants. There are no artificial additives, colors, binders, fillers, or harsh ingredients. Many customers have left testimonials and review showcasing their own weight loss results. People have said that the meal replacement can help suppress appetite for hours, and that it mixes well and has a pleasant taste.

The 18Shake Diet offers a diet pill and meal replacement that are both backed by full 30 day money back guarantee. Returns are offered with no questions asked, risk free. To discover more information about the 18Shake Diet, click on the link provided here.

How Does Weight Watchers Compare?
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> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 4 of 41, 805 total comments)

jackie

I was surprised to find out how dishonest this company is. They put a 219.99 charge on my credit card through itunes that I did not authorize. It was impossible to get them to respond to me in my efforts to have the charge removed. Just horrible!!!

posted May 2nd, 2017 10:12 pm

Robin

I haven't dealt with customer service yet or have had issues. But should I cancel, I'll be sure to follow through. As for the program, I think it's probably the better ones out there. Like many people looking to lose weight, I have tried many diets with some success and some failures. After awhile I don't know how to eat anymore. Meaning I have given foods a good and bad food status. Low fat or sugar free is not all that healthy for you. Never eating chocolate or carbs ever again is also unrealistic. It's simple science, if you go over your calorie intake for the day you will gain weight. Weight Watchers just tracks it using points. People say they can't be bothered with tracking what they eat. I totally get that. I have issues too. But it's really eye opening to track what you eat and see what your point intake is over the course of day or a week. It also keeps you accountable. I joined weight watchers again with a friend this time. I wasn't motivated, but I needed to do something. What I was doing wasn't working. We are going to the meetings. I'm learning to be mindful and make better choices. Learning to be kind to myself and not make a bad day a bad week or just quit. This is a commitment to myself. You really can eat anything, but you have to track it. Weight watchers does sell frozen food in grocery stores, but the program is not like Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem. You can buy whatever you want, just have to figure out the points. And it's super eye opening to see how many points certain foods are. A soda for example - a diet soda (although horrible for you) is 0 points. But a regular soda is 10-13 points. On a daily basis you are given 30 points per day (depends on your weight and age). How do you want to spend your points. They are promoting clean living and eating. Their app is really great. They have an area called Connect where you can connect with members. It's super supportive. People post a question and 500 people reply. I'm not even kidding. Also on Facebook, there are tons of WW pages for recipes and sharing tips. For any program you sign up for, the only way it works is you commit to it. The weight didn't go on overnight, it's a process and having it come off slowly (1-2 lbs a week vs..10 lbs on a crazy cleanse..) is going to ensure that you gain better eating habits and can keep it off. I've been on it for 2 months now and am down 10 lbs. For me it's working..

posted Mar 30th, 2017 3:01 pm

jennifer Guy

THE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION SYSTEM IS APPALLING.
BE WARNED-IF YOU TRY TO CANCEL-THEY'LL CONTINUE TAKING YOUR MONEY.
I cancelled-as I preferred to pay weekly.
I cancelled well before my subscription ran out,-and was told I had some days left-I went to my meeting and was told the system said I owed money!-I didn't.
Since then,I've been sent 4 emails,saying sorry I had left-I hadn't!-so emailed back saying I would be paying weekly.
Then more money was taken from my account.
I emailed and had a 40 minute phone call,and was told everything was dealt with,and that the money had gone back on my card.
It wasn't.
One month later more money was taken,but immediately put back on my card.
I am still 'out' 1 month subscription.
Weightwatchers continue to send emails,thanking me for my feedback[which they obviously haven't even read].
Their emails are totally impersonal.
I now now longer go to meetings as I am so fed up with Weightwatchers.

posted Mar 18th, 2017 3:44 pm

Londa Holsinger

WW teaches you HOW to eat for the rest of your life, and gives you a flexible food budget to work with (points.) This new system makes you eat cleaner with more fruits, veggies, and lean proteins; you can eat a lot of food if you eat clean. You lose weight more slowly, which allows plenty of time for your skin to shrink and your metabolism won't go into rebound shock when your "diet " is over. Slow change is lasting change.

posted Mar 4th, 2017 11:19 am

Cynthia

I used to like it when they had the former Points Plus program ad many state the same. They should read people's reviews and listen to us. People dislike and are gaining (most people) on the Smart Points plan, since it's way more restrictive. Saying 'Beyond the Scale' doesn't help, since it is about the scale first, and once we start losing the weight, then the health and learning to eat healthy falls into place naturally. Weight Watchers, please listen to the people and bring back Points Plus with the option to do the Smart Points for those few who are able to follow it. You will gain a lot more members back, so it will be a win-win.

posted Jan 18th, 2017 7:30 am

Christi

I am very upset: I signed up with my first email account; however, I decided to cancel in that the site wasn't working. Weight watchers prompted me to just try for a month. I opened up an account on another email, which I shouldn't have done. After using the site I loved it, but it started getting real buggy. It was like there was a break down. I canceled that one which they prompted me to go for a month "free". I finally figured it out! That "free" month was the one you paid for! They don't give refunds. I lost $40. I can't even get on now. I will not do weight watchers again! I found another app that is cheaper and does the same thing!! --protracker

posted Jan 4th, 2017 11:07 pm

Shannon

So why do WW snacks have Palm oil? It is one of the most produced oils in the world that are creating havoc.? Also not healthy. I saw this 70 calorie snack and was appalled.
Please explain?
Regards,
Shannon Datig

posted Jan 3rd, 2017 7:24 pm

Roux

WW absolutely works-there is no reason for it NOT to work-unless, of course, you don't work it. It encourages healthy eating and lifestyle changes rather than some quick-fix fad or impossible to live with diet.

The customer service issues are a whole other issue. The food plan, however, is not an issue.

posted Nov 28th, 2016 11:01 pm

Angie

I lost 65 lbs. But if you go off of it you will gain it back. Ive not gained it all but I have gained some.

posted Nov 15th, 2016 7:35 pm

Jennifer johnston

There isn't enough info when you get on line plus
I have questions and was suppose to get a free coaching session which is over the phone. I signed up for a coach and a call but was never called. I don't think I am using the app correctly and have questions with nobody to talk to. I feel like weight watchers just wanted my money😟

posted Nov 4th, 2016 9:29 pm

MyEatingCleanJourney

Great program that you can follow for your whole life. No magic pill. No magic shakes or drinks. Just good, basic healthy eating.

posted Sep 29th, 2016 8:54 pm

cathy

-

I called to cancel my account. Found out they had not cancelled my account and would not refund my account due to me not noticing my account had not been cancelled.

posted May 4th, 2016 4:31 pm

sturley

-

they have cut the weekly points from 49 to 42. no more 0 points fat free dressing on the simply filling program and the daily points have been lowered

posted May 1st, 2016 7:24 pm

Gail

-

Oprah has had her days in the sun. Her new ad about eating bread every day is a little much..

posted Feb 17th, 2016 5:31 pm

Susan

-

This is really a horrible company. I just got charged twice and put on hold for a long time just to be asked if they could 'help' me with anything else after they refused a refund. I never knew paying twice for something was help, maybe they think they prevent me from spending it on food. The program itself is also just a hoax. It is nothing more than calorie control labelled as points. I've been doing this together with a colleague who signed up for a free app and she did it in parallel using good old calorie intake and calories burned. She achieved exactly the same results and also had access to tons of recipes in her free online forum. Especially with the new webpage you are really paying for nothing but packaging and a fancy layout while the app is useless. My colleague was right - save your money and use a free online tool.

posted Jan 18th, 2016 7:46 pm

Peggy Konopik

-

I was double charged by weight watchers. I was put on hold over half an hour. The total call with wait times was over an hour. Only to find out it was their mistake which I knew but my refund would take 3-5 days. I cancelled my membership and never want to deal with them again. You got too big to care about customer service weight watchers

posted Jan 4th, 2016 10:39 pm

Kat

Good weight loss program for the new year IMO.

posted Jan 1st, 2016 2:27 pm

Cheryl

WW was a great Program But with Oprah Winfrey as the new spokes person I will No longer be associated with it. She is a racist and Snob!!! Good Bye WW!

posted Dec 27th, 2015 1:39 pm

Bmci

We is not good, especially with the new system. It will only encourage starvation and the apps don't work!

posted Dec 13th, 2015 9:18 pm

Michelle H.

I believe it's a good programm, especially with the points system. My friend is using Weight Watchers too, and she loves how she's still able to eat whatever she wants, but on moderate base.

posted Dec 11th, 2015 11:59 pm


 

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QUICK FACTSQUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement

  • Get started by saving with these Weight Watchers Coupons

  • Established: 1963

  • Founder: Jean Nidetch

  • Headquarters: New York City

  • Stock Symbol: WTW

  • Accessibility: Meetings, Online, Books, Apps

  • Diet Type: Low-Calorie, Low-Fat

  • Gender: Male and Female

  • Celebrity Endorsements: Jessica Simpson

  • Corporate Site: WeightWatchers.com

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AuthorAuthor

by

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

It's been 50 years since Weight Watchers came on the scene and started helping people live healthier lives. Weight Watchers helps members create a foundation to introduce healthier choices and physical activity into their lives. Weight Watchers was made popular by the weekly meetings that are still a cornerstone of the program today.

Weight Watchers allows you to eat the foods you like without restriction. Simply stay within your daily range and you can still enjoy the foods you love balanced with nutritious choices like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Unlike many diets, Weight Watchers also encourages an active lifestyle.

It all started in a living room, where women would gather to support one another while losing weight. Then it grew, and became one of the most recognized names in weight loss. They've remained an innovative brand, taking the plan online, and creating a program specifically for men.

Weight Watchers Meetings The original Weight Watchers plan invites members to weekly meetings where they help dieters form a network of support with people sharing similar experiences. Each person checks their weight privately. Meetings are conducted by a trained Meeting Leader who motivates and offers the group support through information about nutrition and fitness.

Weight Watchers at Work The Weight Watchers At Work program wants to make your workplace healthier by offering you and your company all of the success of the Weight Watchers program right from your own office.

Click to get started with this diet

DietsInReview.com is an advertising partner of Weight Watchers. This review is strictly our own opinion.

PROPRO
  • Programs to suit adult men and women
  • Choose counseling via meetings or privacy and convenience online
  • Online program is a comprehensive experience
  • Provides exercise guidance
  • Thousands of recipes and meals to choose from
  • Applebee's partnership for more healthful dining
  • Named #1 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2011
  • Reputable and effective for 50 years

CONCON
  • Online detracts from the traditional social aspect of meetings
  • Not a structured plan, which may be difficult for some to adhere to
  • Not a strong emphasis on fitness
USER REVIEWSUSER REVIEWS

A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.

Most realistic program to maintain long term ... may take longer to lose the weight but it stays off! - Carmelle 8/16/11

I lost close to 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and have kept it off ever since starting almost 10 months ago. I plan to be on this program forever. I'm the healthiest I've ever been. (I'm 26 and am thinner and a smaller size than I was in high school, which I NEVER thought was possible!!) WW WORKS! I have never felt deprived, and I feel like the program is something I can live with. It's literally one of the best things I've EVER done for myself. - Marjie 7/8/11

I've been following the new Points Plus program since the beginning of the year. Today I hit the 10% weight loss goal. Only one week I did not loose weight - but I didn't gain either. Love that the fresh fruits are free so when I just want something - I now reach for fruit rather than chips or cookies. I am a 30 year lifetime member (obviously strayed at times) and find that this is the easiest weight loss for me (and I'm now 59.5 years old). HIGHLY recommend the new Points Plus. The key is still planning and journaling as far as I'm concerned. - Char 4/1/11

The old WW worked. The new one does not. I am one of many lifetime members who have become very disenchanted by this new program. - Elle 6/21/11

I highly suggest playing around with the tools. Eventually most "0 point" foods will develop a point value if you put in a high quantity...especially fruits and starchy veggies like green beans and broccoli. If you eat what the healthy check recommends, drink the water the healthy check recommends and eat your points in proteins and a small amount of carbs and fats then you should not gain weight. It's about eating in moderation. Not going crazy just because you think you can. - Shannon 3/6/11

Leave your own review and rating

DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

Weight Watchers emphasizes eating more wholesome food, while allowing you to splurge on cravings in moderation. You'll make balanced food choices that include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, eggs and dairy. No matter which plan you choose, you'll have access to all of the Weight Watchers recipes that are delicious, satisfying and good-for-you.

Weight Watchers members can enjoy chili, muffins, brownies, burgers, pizza, pasta and so much more - especially when you follow their healthy tips for lightening the recipes.

You're encouraged to make more nutrient-dense food choices, which not only helps you lose weight but also helps keep you feeling satisfied.

The Weight Watchers website features thousands of recipes for all occasions. Weight Watchers Meetings Members can also use the A-Z food list found in the Pocket Guide, or purchase the Complete Food Companion and the Dining Out Companion to help them plan for their night out.

Whether you do the program online or attend meetings, there are several ideas for snacks and meals along with a list of power foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. The program is designed to teach you how to make smarter food choices so that you eat more filling and nutritious meals.

For example, Weight Watchers features two side by side meals that both have a points value of 11. The two meals are reflected below:

  • Meal 1 – Peanut butter and jelly sandwich made on reduced-calorie white bread; chips
  • Meal 2 – Black bean soup; Whole grain wheat pasta with grape tomatoes, small black olives, crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, shredded basil leaves, olive oil and red wine vinegar; grapes

Just glancing at these two meals it would be hard to think they have the same value because meal two offers more food. Illustrations like this make it easy to see the importance of making healthier choices so that you can eat more while getting good nutrition throughout the day.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

Weight Watchers does promote living an active lifestyle, although exercise is not a requirement of the program.

To calculate the intensity of your workout, you can use your heart beats per minute or some simple physical cues. If you choose to follow the heart beats per minute, the classifications are as follows:

  • Low intensity: 68 to 92 beats per minute
  • Moderate intensity: 93 to 118 beats per minute
  • High intensity: more than 119 beats per minute

Using the physical cues for your activity level follows the rating of perceived exertion or RPE. This is what Weight Watchers uses. This method is easier than monitoring your heart rate while working out. The below chart can be used to help you gauge the intensity of your workout:

  • Light intensity – Fairly easy exercise that does not induce sweating unless it’s a hot, humid day. There is no noticeable change in breathing patterns.
  • Moderate intensity – Somewhat hard exercise that will break a sweat after performing the activity for about 10 minutes. Breathing becomes deeper and more frequent. You can carry on a conversation but not sing.
  • High intensity – Hard exercise that will cause you to break a sweat after three to five minutes. Breathing is deep and rapid. You can only talk in short phrases.

Keep in mind that those who are just starting to exercise, or those that have been inactive for a long period of time tend to overestimate their intensity levels. If you are just starting out it may be more accurate to gauge your intensity through your heart beats until you get an accurate understanding of actual intensity levels. With Weight Watchers you can choose to do any form of exercise that meets your needs. Some recommended forms of exercise available are:

  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Aerobics
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Bike riding
  • Kickboxing
WEIGHT WATCHERS FAQWEIGHT WATCHERS FAQ

Common questions asked about the Weight Watchers program by our community. Click each to see the full answer.

Can I do Weight Watchers without exercising? - Calcia 8/16/11

How much does Weight Watchers cost? - 7/20/11

Is Weight Watchers safe for kids? - Yoli 8/8/11

Is Weight Watchers good for diabetics? - Jackie 5/12/11

What do you get from weekly meetings? Hongquan 5/23/11

Are Weight Watchers Points confusing to anyone else? - 2/19/11

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Weight Watchers is a tried and true veteran of the weight loss industry. With a variety of methods to choose from for both men and women, you're almost certain to find the right path for your weight loss journey. Weight Watchers provides guidance from every aspect of weight loss. Food is one of the primary concerns of any dieter and Weight Watchers goes above and beyond most other weight loss programs with thousands of recipes that anyone, dieting or not, will find tempting and delicious. If their style appeals to you, go for it.

WEIGHT WATCHERS SLIDESHOWSWEIGHT WATCHERS SLIDESHOWS

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WEIGHT WATCHERS RESOURCESWEIGHT WATCHERS RESOURCES

Weight Watchers Testimonial at Prevention Magazine

Weight Watchers Food and Recipes

Weight Watchers at Wikipedia

About the Weight Watchers Lifetime Member Program

Weight Watchers Contact InformationWeight Watchers Contact Information
Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

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