The Weight Watchers Approach: It’s All in the Points

Michael C., a CEO who lives in the northeast, has lost 50 pounds
since he joined Weight Watchers a few months ago. He credits the
program with helping him to achieve his ideal weight. He also
feels more energetic and healthier as a result of his experience
with Weight Watchers. Thanks to Weight Watchers, he is no longer
self-conscious when it comes to taking family photographs. In
addition, he has received numerous compliments from his family
and friends as a result of his weight loss.

Weight Watchers has been part of the American vocabulary for
decades. The organization has become synonymous with weight
loss. All across America, people are planning their daily menus
according to Weight Watchers’ innovative point system, which
assigns a certain number of points to different foods based on
calories, fiber, fat, and serving size. For instance, a Quarter
Pounder with cheese from McDonald’s is 13 points; corn on the
cob is 3. Each day, dieters attempt to stay within their maximum
point range in order to lose weight.

There are a number of advantages to the Weight Watchers
program. For instance, its point system is easy to follow–much
easier than counting calories. Also, the program represents a
holistic approach which includes not only sound nutrition, but
also a sensible exercise program. In addition, dieters get a
chance to meet with other dieters, who can form a network of
support. On the Weight Watchers plan, few people complain of
feeling tired or hungry.

A number of nutritionists heartily endorse the Weight Watchers
program because of its balanced approach. Interestingly enough,
no food is banned under the Weight Watchers program; however, if
you want to indulge in a piece of banana cream pie, you might
not have many points left for the rest of your day. Yet another
advantage to the Weight Watchers program is that you can buy
Weight Watchers food at your local supermarket. This aspect
makes the program especially convenient. Certainly, some people,
such as Michael C. and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, have
lost an appreciable amount of weight using the Weight Watchers
program. However, the vast majority of people only lose about
six pounds–hardly enough for an individual who is considered to
be obese. It’s a fact that you won’t see advertised in Weight
Watchers literature. In fact, only 5 percent of dieters are able
to maintain their weight loss over five years using the Weight
Watchers system. Other individuals find the Weight Watchers
program too expensive to use. In addition to the registration
fee, there is an additional weekly fee you must pay. Also, some
individuals find little comfort in the weekly meetings–they
feel that the other dieters often seem to be more competitive
than supportive.

The point system can also cause dieters to become preoccupied
with food, hurting their relationships with other people. Once
you leave the Weight Watchers program, you might find it
extremely difficult to maintain your weight loss. Also, if you
don’t succeed in losing weight in the first few weeks, you may
become frustrated and quit the program altogether.

Interestingly enough, Weight Watchers has won an endorsement
from an unexpected source–the restaurant chain known as
Applebee’s. Applebee’s now offers Weight Watchers entrees on its
menus. These dishes include a tortilla chicken melt (10 points),
onion soup au gratin (three points), and chocolate raspberry
layer cake (four points), among other entrees.

Another advantage to the Weight Watchers program is that you
can find the point values of a number of fast foods online. This
means that you are not choosing your food in the dark–you have
some idea what these foods can do to your waistline. Any weight
loss program that improves your knowledge of nutrition should be
considered beneficial. Choosing a weight loss program is an
extremely personal decision, one that should not be taken
lightly. You will have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of
the Weight Watchers program in order to decide whether it’s the
right plan for you. However, if you do select Weight Watchers,
be sure to remain committed to it for at least six months in an
effort to maximize your weight loss.

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