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.
User Feedback
(Page 16 of 41, 805 total comments)Margie Phillips
+Great way to lose weight and I've tried them all! You can eat or drink anything you want; you're held accountable for staying within your points limit. Highly recommended. Not a diet, but a life change.
posted Mar 7th, 2011 11:47 amShannon
+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. Water based veggies really dont have a point value (e.g. celery) because its made up of only water. And water has no points.
posted Mar 6th, 2011 12:02 amWW isn't suggesting that a person STUFF themselves with fruit and veggies. If you eat what the healthy check reccomends, drink the water the healthy check reccomends 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.
Also, use the hunger check feature. If you feel hungry drink another water or add in a fruit or veggie. Don't eat until you feel super full. It's not good for you.
I think people need to stop looking for a quick weight loss fix and learn to make life style changes, which is what this program is helping people to do.
If you stop trying to find a way to eat all day and still lose weight....and replace eating with something else....you will find success with this program. I have lost weight every week for 9 weeks except when I was on steroids for one week for a sinus infection and bronchitis.... but I lost that water weight quickly. and then some.
It works if you do it right and stop making excuses.
Joyce
I love P+. I have lost 16 pounds in 6 weeks and my husband has lost 18! I have not felt this good in years as I am eating HEALTHY food. The naysayers really surprise me. Guess they just want their 100 calorie snack packs to stuff in their piehole.
posted Mar 5th, 2011 5:03 pmMinnie Mouse
I am going to have to vote dislike on this new plan. While it is nice that WW wants people to eat healthier, they should remember that the number one thing their consumers want is weight loss. Nutrition advice is secondary to its consumers. I have read countles negative reviews and have a friend that gained weight on this program. Eating unlimited bananas? Calories are calories. I have no faith in new Points Plus based on what I've read and on experiences of my friend. Seems like there are too many variables. I will stick to my old WW materials. That plan actually works. It's fine to promote nutrition but not at the expense of the reliability of your product. Consumers have spoken and lost confidence in WW. To restore your repuation go back to old points plan and just promote nutrition with flyers instead of forcing it down people's throats. Not everyone has time or money or tastebuds for fresh produce and food preparation. My friend gained 8 lbs in one week by following this plan religiously. Or at least give customers choice between 2 programs before you lose credibility as the number one weight loss plan.
posted Mar 4th, 2011 11:57 amchristine
+I am very new to WW. I just joined and attended my meeting today. In the one week, I did loose 3 pounds. I ate till I felt sick. I ate so much fruit and vegies and air popped popcorn between meals. I don't even crave sweets anymore ( I used to all of the time) and I don't want what's on my children's plates either (another bad habit I had). The food seems to satisfy me. So, so far so good. It's really not that hard to keep track of what I eat too. I'm still trying to figure out the points but for basic things, I know it.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 9:59 pmJoie
-Lost 57 pounds with the regular point system...this system does not work well for me and I just do not have faith in it. I will continue to finish my weight loss with the old point system.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 7:44 pmSherry
-I dont like it. Why? read below.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 1:25 pmThe app: Not a good app. Its not thorough at all. It only has minimal foods and all kinds of bugs. If you are just starting the program, it doesnt have much help for you at all, especially which foods to eat or good point breakdown ideas for the day. Its a worthless app IMHO.
The website: A little better than the app, but very confusing. I joined the app to get an idea what it was like. Whew, that end up costing alot... I think it was too expensive for what it was, its a website and the cost (discounted) was $50 for 3 months. After 1 month I decided to cancel the membership because of the lack of support and I received $5 back, as a refund?! but that was my fault for not reading the fine print. Back to the website, its overly packed with information and its hard to find your way around it. There is little direction and needs a serious re-org.
MY opinion: Weight watchers is a gimmick. All they want is for you to buy and continue to buy their products. They have a name that has been marketed to death and thats what they sell. Its not the best diet plan out there, just one with a LOT of money thrown at marketing. So.... If you are looking for a job in marketing, Weight Watchers might be good... but diet wise, I think theres lots of better and cheaper plans available... A Body for life book goes for $.01 on Amazon these days... :) Good luck
Pamela
I absolutely agree with the 90% of people on this page...the new Points Plus system is not good. I find it difficult to believe that you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want and not have any repercussions from it. There needs to be points allotted to each. It doesn't matter how healthy fruit & veggies are for you, they are in the end afterall - calories - and either you burn them off or they end up as extra weight during your weigh-in. I think I'm going to find one of the old WW programs and go that route. I used to lose a LOT every week when I did that program. The new program, even if based on modern science, is NOT doing the trick by far.
posted Mar 2nd, 2011 9:59 pmTracy Love
I lost 170lbs with the old WW program. I started the new program as a lifetime member and within one month gained 10lbs. I had to start paying again. I went back to the old program and lost the weight. I wish Weight Watchers would have given their members an option of what program they would like to follow. I do not go to meetings anymore and do not follow online. I use my old WW points calculator and a notebook. I am back on track and in control
posted Mar 2nd, 2011 4:37 pmLaura
I did very well on the old Flex Points program. Since joining Points Plus, in exactly two months I have lost .6 of a pound. I still have 30 pounds to goal, and at the rate I am going, Weight Watchers is going to make a fortune off of me before I ever hit Lifetime status. I used to lose 1.6 a week on the Flex plan. I'm buying the old plan materials off of Ebay, will be canceling my monthly pass to Weight Watchers, and will be continuing with the old plan!
posted Mar 1st, 2011 6:02 pmSALLY M
I have always been very successful on W.W. but
posted Mar 1st, 2011 3:41 pmI really do not like this new program - I was gaining a lb then would loose 1 lb the next week - went back to the old plan and have already lost 3 lbs in a week - yea - I wish you would put the old plan back up for the I phone because I have paid for 3 months and can not use the plan.
Momacelli
-I hate this new program. I did give it a good try. I've kept most of my information, including a calculator, from the Momentum/or Flex plan (same Points for both of these programs) I think this new plan is a gimmick. It's slower, you have to buy all new cookbooks. I am disappointed. I would be VERY INTERESTED in a blog or online group that has discussions/suggestions about the program pre-Points Plus. I have a lot of info but would love share and have feedback.
posted Feb 27th, 2011 5:48 pmJane Walker
It's so easy because I can eat anything I want within reason. I am still using the old flexpoints plan. I haven't tried the newer plans.
posted Feb 26th, 2011 2:11 pmKari
Weight Watchers is overall the best diet plan. There is a multitude of sources that state a successful weightloss program includes committment, motivation, setting realistic goals, making healthier food choices, getting active and changing our perspectives about diet and food. Weight Watchers provides for each of these basic principles. The program recently got overhauled and it is better for it. The new program still uses the points for daily food intake, but it calculates those points on fat, fiber, carb and protein content of the food. The old program did not consider protein content and only allowed 4grams of fiber. Foods higher in fiber, protein and good carbs are given lower point values. Another huge change for the better is that vegetables and fruits are ZERO points. The old program had an average two points for a serving of fruit. These changes are helping members to choose healthier whole foods. Weight Watchers also provides members with accountability by teaching journaling. Research shows if we write it down, it makes us more aware of our choices. Realistic goals are set at each meeting. All weight losses are celebrated, even if it is less then a pound. WW encourages a slow weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week, this is supported by evidence and data that this rate of weight loss is more likely to be sustained rather than regained. The first major goal celebrated is a 5% weight loss. This is not difficult and gives members the confidence to keep on going! I love weight watchers new program and I am a lifetime member of the OLD program. I think they have done a tremendous job keeping up with ever changing evidence to healthy and sustainable weightloss. I recommend weight watchers to anyone that really wants to lose weight and keep it off. It is NOT a quick fix, but it will work!
posted Feb 25th, 2011 11:14 amCrystal
-Don't do Weight Watchers Online. It's hard to navigate through the website and even after 24 hours if you are not satisfied with it you will have to pay out more money.I think it's a waste of money! I will not recommend weight watchers to anyone!
posted Feb 25th, 2011 8:55 amBill
?What can you eat on weight watchers?I'm nervous to start Weight Watchers because I don't know what the food is like. Is it good?
Weini
I'm 148 would like to loss 8 pounds.
posted Feb 23rd, 2011 11:44 pmm e
WW IS A SCAM!! All they want is your money, they do not care about helping anyone lose weight or live a healthy lifestyle!
posted Feb 23rd, 2011 6:39 pmDonetta
I have lost over 80 lbs using this program and I am still going.
posted Feb 22nd, 2011 5:12 pmSandra
I have mixed feelings about the WW PP program. I joined at the beginning of Jan and the first week I lost about 2 lbs and the second week 1.5 lbs and then I gained 2 lbs and then I lost 1lb. What I'm leary about is, I weighed in today and I had only lost .4 but I weighed myself at home and I had lost 2 lbs. My scale is accurate I had it checked recently. And I had a dr's appt today and I was down 2 lbs just like at home. Perhaps WW should check their scale. That's awfully strange. If you want to test your scale to ensure it's accurate, lay a 10 or 15lb barbell on it and if it's accurate it will match. So I'm skeptical about weighing in at WW. Not to meantion, all my clothes are very loose.
posted Feb 21st, 2011 9:14 pm