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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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User Feedback

(Page 37 of 41, 805 total comments)

rachael

Cherryl, in answer to your question.... You need 6 serving of H20 5 servings of fruit or veggies 3 servings of milk 2 servings of oils

posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pm

Cherryl

I can't afford to join ww, but I have the point guide, and know how many points I can have. Does anyone know where I can find a chart or someething to tell me how many portion of each food group I can have. That's where I'm running into trouble..Like I know I can have 2 tsp good fats daily, but not sure of the rest. Any help would be appreciated... I even bought a point calculator.. thanks,

posted Aug 8th, 2008 8:17 am

Sara

I just started WW Last Monday. I went and bought a bunch of Smartmeals, they are actually really good. I look forward to my weigh-in tonight i weighed myself yesterday morning and i was down 10lbs. I can't believe it!! The one thing that has really helped is that i cut out all Pop and have only been drinking water, lots of water. 9 more pounds before i hit my first Goal!!!!

posted Aug 4th, 2008 5:33 pm

Coco

I joined WW in the middle of march 08 now july 08 i've lost 32.4lbs. I rotate between core and flex. I did have about 3 weeks were I was stuck- i'm now over that. Don't give up! Make sure you drink lot water before you workout. Also don't beat yourself up for falling off the plan.

posted Jul 29th, 2008 10:34 pm

Nicole

Gina I am interested to see your recipes??

posted Jul 25th, 2008 5:51 pm

Libbie Sallee

I once borrowed the 1-2-3 diet from a friend and it worked very well for me. I lost 30 lbs. in 2 months. Well, there came a time when I had to give it back. I have not been able to find another diet that works. I have severe back problems. I have had 3 surgeries and am still experiencing a lot of pain. My Doctor tells me the only way I can relief is to lose weight. I need to lose approx. 70 lbs. Please advise me as to whether and how I can purchase the 1-2-3 diet. Thank You

posted Jul 22nd, 2008 11:26 am

Gina

I have been doing ww and I love it. I lost weight on it and stay on it to maintain my weight. I started a blog with my recipes and points if anyone is interested.

posted Jul 17th, 2008 10:45 pm

katie

CHELSEA & others: I did weight watchers about a year ago and lost 20 pounds in about 5 months. ( was 5'1" weighing 165lbs). After hitting a plateau at about 145 lbs, I somewhat stopped vigorously counting my points but did maintain the weight watchers lifestyle and my weight at around 140 pounds. But now I'm ready to start again, with my goal being my "ultimate goal weight"--which WW defines as a BMI of less than 25, so for me that is 126lbs. I"m going back on my points system...only 14 pounds to go!!!! WW is great because it is flexible,and once you do it, you forever think about what you are really eating and how many points it is, even if you're not vigorously counting them.

posted Jul 16th, 2008 2:24 pm

Kathy

This will be my first week w/WW and reading the positive results in the comments is motivating. I know several friends that have lost on the program and look great! I look forward to a 30lb loss.

posted Jul 14th, 2008 9:49 am

Chris

WW is good start. But most people who need to lose more than 50lbs should asked themselves are they an food addict? A food addiction is just as bad if not worse than any drug, drinking or gambling addiction. You can stop vices but you can't stop eating. What you can do is stop eating out of control. No Flour, Sugar or any artificial sweetner that is not natural.

posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pm

Mikki

I have been interested in joining weightwatchers for many years. I need to lose about 60 pounds. I am 5 feet 2 inches but my body is muscular for a women. Based on what I have read and seen I think this would be the best Life Plan for me. I say Life Plan because in order for an older person in particular to maintain the weight it has to be a Life Plan decision. (smile)

posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pm

LaTonya

I did WW for 4 months and lost over 20lbs; I did this online so I didn't have to go to any meetings unless I wanted; The only downfall is when I couldn't afford to renew my membership I got of track and have gain some of the weight back. Wish I could do it alone w/o WW. As soon as I am able I will start it again.

posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pm

Chelsea

I am subscribing to weighwatchers tomorrow when i get paid. I am 5`1 and weight 165. I would like to lose 50 pounds. On this program does anyone know how long this will take me?

posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pm

Terri

I have been on WW since January and have lost 35 lbs. Our school faculty decided to try the program at the encouragement of our school nurse. We have what is called a "worksite program." Since we have 15 people participating, they will come to our school. It makes it so easy since we don't have to go anywhere else for a meeting. It is also alot of fun working together to improve our health and our looks. Some of our teachers have shared their loss with their students each week and students have had a lesson in charting/graphing as well as how to make healthy choices. Our insurance pays for 50% of our WW cost. I also understand that one of our participants has her fee covered completely because her doctor wrote a "prescription" for her due to back problems. My 20 yr.old daughter joined our group and has lost 16.5 lbs. in about 8 wks. She is thrilled! One of our teachers has brought her younger daughter. Her goal is to help her daughter learn to live a healthy lifestyle. She is doing well. Both of us are enjoying a special bonding experience with our daughters. It helps us stay focused on our losses so that we can model healthy behavior for our children. This is the first program I have found where I can be successful without medication. My husband is really proud of me and has really been encouraging!

posted Jul 10th, 2008 9:11 am

Sherry

Weight Watchers is the easiest lifestyle I know of. You just go to the store, buy food, count points, and eat. I find that people that who feel limited or deprived are not too creative. I go online to the recipes,, which is a great source of recipes with points. Determination to lost weight is not so easy, but weight watchers helps lesson the "work". If you want to lose weight, this is the way to go. There's no miracle diet, pill, or drink, just eat right, exercise, and be healthy.

posted Jul 9th, 2008 5:48 pm

julie saphire

Lost 5 stone twice after having children...weight watchers is great but you have to be patient and stick to it! I cannot shift a stubborn 10lbs so have tuned to cambidge diet for more rapid loss...however i do feel weight watchers is the way to go for bigger weight loss!

posted Jul 7th, 2008 7:06 pm

liz

My husband and I went on WW 2 yrs ago to "eat healthier". We both lost 60lbs each, felt great. Our lifestyle became more active and we felt proud of our achievement! Unfortunately, we started to "slip" on our diets and gained some of the weight back. That is until we went back to portion control, more excersise and healthier choices. Now, I've lost the 20lbs that I gained back and we both are enjoying our increased energy levels. I have to give kudos to WW. The program is easy to use, and if you just apply yourself, you WILL see results!

posted Jul 6th, 2008 11:45 am

Judith

I can't get into anything I paid for 3 months and my user name or password can't seem to get me in, so so far I am very unhappy.

posted Jul 3rd, 2008 7:36 am

DF

The plan works. If you're hungry, eat. eat a HUGE salad, with 0 pt. dressing - there are many online. Or eat some Garden Veggie Soup - eat a barrel if you must. Eat a bushel of strawberries. There really is no reason at all to feel hungry, and actually letting yourself slip into hunger repeatedly slows down the weight loss. I lost 41 pounds on the flex plan about 3 years ago, decided I had the plan down and stopped going to meetings, gained back 18 pounds in short order and am back and the meetings as of three weeks ago and down eight pounds again. It works, it's healthy and the meetings, even when they seem all too familiar, are doing their job: reminding me every week that I have to be aware of what I'm putting in my mouth. I totally recommend it.

posted Jun 26th, 2008 5:23 pm

Pizzalover

I'm in my 2nd week on the plan. Lost 1lb in week 1, maybe 2 or 3 more this week. It's very hard, a huge change in lifestyle and a lot of food planning.

posted Jun 25th, 2008 9:31 am


 

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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

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

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.

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WEIGHT WATCHERS RESOURCESWEIGHT WATCHERS RESOURCES

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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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