Good For: A trusted proven weight loss programme with peer support

Overview:

Weight Watchers is based upon a points system – called ProPoints – that is said to be based on the latest science. Food and drink is allocated a points value, allowing you to mix and match your intake until you reach your daily points allowance with an emphasis on nutrition and foods that keep you feeling fuller for longer.

The ProPoints plan was a radical departure for Weight Watchers when introduced late in 2010; previously its Points system (used since 1995) assigned points based on calories and saturated fat. ProPoints was introduced when the science moved on. Now The ProPoints plan is based on the amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre in the food, taking into account how different nutrients are processed by the body, how satisfying they are and therefore how positive (or negative) they can be for your weight loss efforts. A daily allowance is usually around 26 ProPoints.

Weight Watchers focuses on four key principles – diet, physical exercise, positive thinking and community support. The latter is either offered via in-person meetings in your local area, or online via forums.

Pros:

• The ProPoints plan is flexible enough to fit in with your life.
• No banned foods; the points system allows you to eat what you like, when you like until you reach your daily target
• An extra weekly ProPoints allowance (on top of your daily allowance) allows you to enjoy the odd treat and nights out without blowing your weight loss plan.
• Confidential weigh-ins even at meetings.
• Fruit and vegetables are zero points on the plan so you can eat as much as you like.
• Weight Watchers is tailored for both men and women.
• Weight Watchers’ own extensive range of foods offers lower point alternatives to traditional foods, allowing you to make more of your points.
• Extensive community and peer support; likewise your Weight Watchers Leader (if you attend meetings) will also be available between meetings on the phone or by email.
• Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
• Strong emphasis on exercise as well as diet.
• Ability to create your own recipes by searching for your dietary preference.
• Emphasis on nutrition means the plan guides you towards healthier foods (that carry fewer points).
• There is a strong emphasis on keeping the weight off permanently.
• Backed up by independent studies. A study published in the Lancet found that overweight adults sent to Weight Watchers by their GPs lost more than twice the weight of those who were not.
• Extensive recipes online; more than 1,000 recipes and 30,000 food options to choose from.
• Easy to find meetings near you. Search the Weight Watchers’ site for your nearest meeting.
• Guidance is available for any weight goal and for specific circumstances, such as getting married or being a nursing mum.

Cons:

• Some people may find the ProPoints system to be a little finicky
• May need to stick to the smaller serving sizes in order to lose weight
• The in-person meetings are not gender specific
• Weight regain could occur if you don’t continue to count points in the long run

Sample Meals:

Here are some typical meals and recipes offered on the Weight Watchers’ site and their corresponding ProPoints values.

Fish and Chips: ProPoints® Value:    8
Thai Style Chilli Chicken: ProPoints® Value:    10
Chicken Drumsticks and Chips: ProPoints® Value:    8
Chicken and Potato Casserole: ProPoints® Value:    8
Little Apricot Cheesecakes: ProPoints® Value:    4

Exercise:

Weight Watchers places a strong emphasis on exercise, with points for workouts. There are more than 60 video exercise demonstrations online.

Checklist:

Alcohol: Yes. As long as you count it as points
Family friendly meals: Yes.
Eating out: Yes. Weight Watchers has tips for eating out and suggestions for your favourite restaurants

Summary:

Weight Watchers dieting is a well-known name in its field and has had proven success. Its emphasis on information as well as points offers a long term approach to a healthier way to live. All weight loss is sensible and its community element is really second to none.

Where to Buy:

Sign up at www.WeightWatchers.co.uk

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