Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers International is a public company that offers methods, products and assistance for weight loss.http://www.weightwatchersinternational.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=130178&p=irol-IRHome According to the official Weight Watchers website, the program is not promoted as a diet but rather a healthy way of life.http://www.weightwatchers.com/plan/index.aspx Weight Watchers operates around a point system, in which different foods are designated with a specific number of points. The number of points consumed in a day depends on a person's current weight and target weight.

Weight watchers offers free access to their etool resources with the purchase of their membership. According to Weight Watchers, these interactive tools are designed to help the member stay on track with the weight loss programs and act as a companion to provide weight loss tips and recipes. The monthly pass is accepted at most locations across the U.S. and they have a search tool on their official website to help in finding the nearest locations. Most members can purchase a the monthly pass, but there some exceptions. Details are available at their website at www.weightwatchers.com. http://www.weightwatchers.com/monthlypass/faq.aspx

In November 2010, Weight Watchers revised their Points Weight-Loss System for the first time in 13 years.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40438519/ns/health/ The new system is called PointsPlus.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40438519/ns/health/ The bottom line of the new system is still the calorie deficit -- burning more calories than the number of calories being put in; however, a new method for counting points is employed. According to Weight Watchers, where the calories come from is now very important. In the new system, fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables are allowed in unlimited quantities.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/weight-watchers-diet?page=2 Foods that are on the decadent list are still allowed; however, in more limited quantities. There is a pocket guide that lists the most popular foods as well as an online list.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/weight-watchers-diet?page=2 There will not be an increase in fees or extra charges for the new PointsPlus program.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/weight-watchers-diet?page=2

Weight Watchers has existed since the early 1960s and states that the program addresses the consumer's lifestyle as part of the diet program and is also based on weight loss and dieting science. According to WebMD, the program's focus has always been on long term weight control and management as well as a commitment to a healthy lifestyle based on the individual's goals and needs. It is based loosely around key lifestyle activities and include healthy eating and diet habits, healthy exercise habits, taking advantage of support groups and developing and maintaining better lifestyle and health habits.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/weight-watchers-diet

• 1963: Weightwatchers founded

• 1978: Sold to the H.J. Heinz Company

• 1990: Sponsored Healthy People 2000http://www.dwlz.com/WWinfo/historyofww.html

• • Jenny Craig, Inc.
• • NutriSystem, Inc.
• • eDietshttp://www.hoovers.com/company/Weight_Watchers_International_Inc/hysrti-1.html

• Support meetings

• Food lists

• Online interactive tools

• Recipeshttp://www.weightwatchers.com/plan/index.aspx

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning a Weight Watchers program.