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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.

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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 40 of 41, 805 total comments)

Mary

I have been doing weight watchers for six weeks and lost ten poundsd( i really havn't applied my self like I should) but I was thinking about quitting the meetings and just doing weight watchers online. Has any one tried it? Doed it work? I fell like ten pounds for me is alot and I don't want to do something top mess up any progess I have made. Anyone have any suggestion???

posted Mar 30th, 2008 9:55 am

Aaliyah

I just canceled my membership today actually. I have been on WW since July 07...I have lost a total of 15 pounds. haha. Sad, huh? WW is a wonderful program for people who are self-modivators. The meetings are big, short, and not to personal. It is easy to slump your chair in the back seat and go un-noticed. For me, It didn't work simply because I didn't do the work. I would reccomend this program to people who need to loose small amounts of weight 5-30 pounds only. But for someone who has battled with their weight for years like me and has a lot to loose needs something a little more personal than this. I just signed up for LA weight loss today...so far so good. I hope this works for me. God Bless.

posted Mar 28th, 2008 9:39 pm

Tami

I am leaving a second comment- I am now up to 20 lbs lost on the WW plan and I couldn't be happier! I have been on the plan a little over two months. I have learned a lot about how much food I really need to eat each day, and it is less than I used to eat. I have formed new, healthy eating habits. I just can't say enough good about this plan!

posted Mar 25th, 2008 3:22 pm

Roxanne

Today is my first day back on weight watchers. I did this about a year ago, and dropped weight speedy quick. At the meetings I was told I was loosing it too quickly. At that point, I became discouraged, and gave up. So now I am back and trying to look the best for my husband. Remember that support helps.

posted Mar 24th, 2008 4:37 pm

Erin

I did WW back in 2001 and went from 245 to 165 in 11 months. I felt great. But like many people, I got comfortable and started eating like I used to. It was 100% my own fault. I now weigh in at 285. :( You need to really look at WW as a permanent change, not a temporary solution. If you can't permanently change your eating habits, you'll never keep the weight off. Statistically, most people gain the weight back on ALL diets within a few years. It's not the diet's fault, it's your fault. It's simple math people: eat less, exercise more and watch portions. If you can't get a handle on that, you'll always battle with your weight. Don't get me wrong - I've fought this battle (and lost) for years. Good luck to everyone. I'm on WW again for round two!

posted Mar 19th, 2008 2:12 pm

susan

I love weight watchers it is by far the only diet program that I have had any success with!

posted Mar 5th, 2008 7:53 pm

Anonymous

I started WW's in jan 2007, and by august 2007 I had dropped 67lbs. It is the by far the best diet plan I have found.

posted Feb 28th, 2008 8:54 am

val

Weight Watchers is truly the best diet program out there! I mean what other diet program has been around for more then 30 years! The best thing about weight watchers and why it works is because they teach you how to eat... they dont starve you.

Tami

I am in my 4th week of WW now and I have lost 10 lbs total. I have another 20 to lose. I began this plan to lose the weight I gained from having two babies in less than two years (I am apparently somewhat insane) and it is working far better than the strict calorie-counting I did last time. I use the Flex Plan, and I have better milk production (for breastfeeding) than I did with calorie-counting. Many veggies are zero points which encourages you to eat them. If you are hungry, there is always something you can eat. Great plan!

Anonymous

JennyB, i went through a pjase in the beginning where I felt so limited on my choices however I had to keep looking at the bigger picture. Fruit is always a wonderful. low point option. there are also low point cheese such as the laughing cow (these are fabulous) so versatile, you can put them on anything. Not to mention the 1 point WW yogurt. Progresso has a 0 point soup too. I find these are good fillers when you feel a little hungry and don't know what to eat. Use WW english muffins and make an egg adn ch sand or mini pizzas with low fat cheese. Good luck.

Anonymous

I am on my 2nd week of WW. The first week was kind of hard for me. I lost 6lbs so far so Im excited.

Anonymous

Sara B how much time did you spend excercising?

Anonymous

6 years ago, I started WW just after my 50th b'day. I was faithful to the program and lost 85 lbs from Jan. through September. Due to family emergency I was unable to attend for several weeks and I just thought I could handle it on my own. As is the typical story, I did not do well, and it has taken 6 years but I'm right back where I started. It's a great program but you have to be mentally and totally committed. I've tried to go back several times since my first successful time but it's always harder the second time around. Also embarrassed to have done so well then failed. Try it is you're really mentally ready. If not, nothing will work.

Anonymous

I'm on my 7th week of WW and love it! The first week was difficult, but after my body adjusted to the reduced calorie intake, I felt better and have more energy. The flex plan works best for me, because I enjoy foods that aren't really "healthy" and I do want to indulge now and then. I know that I can't stick long term to a diet that cuts out all unhealthy food. I would recommend WW to anyone. Don't feel bad if you need extra support, especially from others on line who are have been where you are or are going through the same thing. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I'm not in a hurry--I know this plan works and the weight will come off in time (I certainly didn't put the weight on overnight).

Anonymous

I found WW fab, i lost 4st 2lb in just 9months. I was a complete WW freak and wouldnt even smell anything if it wasnt in my points haha. It has now been 2years and very slowly i have put on 1st 7lb, yes you can say its my fault for not carrying on going to the meetings, but WW really does get boring after a while. Its really good and im forever mindfull of the food im now eating, BUT i will suggest that if you do WW and once your at your goal, make sure you carry on with it. Because i have tried and tried to get back into it, but just can't. Now gonna try the Cambridge diet to get this weight off.

Anonymousm

Just started the WW program. Am having trouble finding the points assigned to flex plan foods. Any web sites available?

Anais_Morr

I've tried the Points System several times and failed at it. The Core plan is good, but you need to know about portion control. Personally, I loved WW before they switched over to points. I lost 40 lbs on the old WW exchange plan. If you can control yourself using Points or Core, great. But for people who cannot handle the many choices and need to retrain themselves to eat healthy, I think WW is a real miss now.

Sara B

I am begining my 49 th week of WW. I have lost over 60lbs in this time but not only from following the plan but from working hard at the gym & remembering this is not a diet its a lifestyle change. Were we all go wrong is thinking that we can loose then go back to doing what we used too. I know that I can not do this I must be fit for life not only for myself but to take care of those I love who will need me when they get older. WW is a wonderful program the point system works for me because its so diverse I can still have my chocolate. I just remember that I did not loose this weight by sitting on my butt waiting for it to come off. I had to work it off !!!! I am about 30lbs away from my heart healthy range now is the time i need guidence to help me gain muscle & tone. I feel so much better than i have ever felt before in my life. If you want to start WW do it right, for the right reasons. get healthy. The ladys & mean on the Biggest Looser have been my largest inspirations. Lets fight all the illnesses that come with being obese.

Anonymous

I joined ww a year ago and started out doing very well. I seemed to enjoy the food and I was full all the time. Then I decided I didn't want to spend $12 a week to only sit in a class and actually learned nothing new. So I quit. Well, you guessed it, I gained the weight back and then some. So, I am going to start again right after they reopen after New Year's. I am looking forward to it and this time, I refuse to quit. I am going to Florida for a month in Feb. and I would love to lose about 20 lbs. Is that possible? Wish me luck.

Anonymous

I joined WW's in the fall of 2006 and proceeded to lose 30 pounds. I became a life time member in Feburary 2007. WW's has changed my life! I attend meetings every week and I also still weigh in once a week even though I only have to weigh in one a month. I also journal every single day, even when I am on vacation. What I really like about WW's is there are no foods you can't eat, you just have to make the right adjustments to fit them in your daily points allowance. So going out for a meal has never been a problem, going on vacation hasn't been a problem either. I went from a fluffy size 12-14 to a size 4-6. Trust me that is enough incentive to stick with the program.


 

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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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