Weight Watchers Online?
sachasalviax
Posts: 73 Member
Does anyone on here use weight watchers online? I've just joined and starting to think it was a waste of money!
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Replies
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I do not do ww its actually one of the only "diets" I've never tried:).
Some who have will tell you its a waste of money. The point system is a variation of counting calories which you can do on mfp for free.
If you put ww in the search bar you will find a lot of folks had the same question.2 -
why do you feel that way?1
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Their Points system is no longer scientific as WW fell for the "sugar is evil" myth. Foods with sugars, even skim milk, increased in points dramatically even when the calorie content remained the same. Their explanation was to "steer" people away from certain foods. You are correct. It is a waste of money!
It honestly depends on your perspective, i've been gaining and losing the same 5-10lbs while using MFP, WW, with the weekly weigh ins, keeps me more accountable. So for me, it's worth it, especially since it's free once you hit lifetime.3 -
I successfully lost 45lbs with WW Online 11 years ago. Since then their points system has changed. The new system imo is hogwash (I did a free trial). MFP works the same as the old system did, and is actually much simpler, you're just dealing with bigger numbers and it's free!3
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If you are only using the online version and not going to meetings, I do think that WW is a waste of money because you can basically get the same thing on MFP for free. WW works well for many, but most of the time that is because the live meetings and weigh ins help keep them more accountable. I have used WW over the years and have had some success, but ultimately decided that I like MFP better for the following reasons:
1. MFP is FREE and WW was really expensive
2. With work and kids schedules I wasn't able to attend meetings anymore
3. Their community tends to be much more snarky and not as helpful as this community
4. They are constantly trying to sell their processed foods to people which I think takes away from the message
5. The point system was confusing and their data base didn't have enough foods in it - the scan function would not have like 60% of the foods I ate. I have yet to not be able to find something in the MFP data base!5 -
Their Points system is no longer scientific as WW fell for the "sugar is evil" myth. Foods with sugars, even skim milk, increased in points dramatically even when the calorie content remained the same. Their explanation was to "steer" people away from certain foods. You are correct. It is a waste of money!
This^
If their points system does not reflect the way you will eat during maintenance......then you are more likely to re-gain the weight you lost. Demonizing sugar is not for me.
The in-person meetings and weekly weigh-ins work are helpful for some. If you are getting that aspect then maybe it's worth it.2 -
You might ask this question to the GOAD group here on "MFP (link below). That group is mostly current or ex: WW members who might give you a different perspective.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/115013-guys-on-a-diet-goad
(Don't let 'Guys' in the group name scare you off...
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I did WWs 10 years ago...online and meetings, and lost 25 pounds. It was my baby weight! I kept it off for 5 years, then started adding a bit on---up 15 from what was my goal. I liked WWs, but their data base in nowhere near as comprehensive as MFP, which is free. The point system has changed a bit, and to me, it seems more restrictive for carbs/sugars. What I do miss is the accountability...I loved going in every week and having them weigh me and log it in...for whatever reason, that made it more "real" for me---couldn't waver, opt to weigh in later in the day....it worked for me! I'm giving this a try now because I'm trying to stick to clean eating, and I don't have much to lose....already in my healthy weight range. WWs does get expensive---I would recommend MFP first.
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I did it for years but never lost any weight. I finally dropped it last year when they yet again changed the program and just started logging on here and have lost 71 pounds. It's not that there's anything wrong with the diet, it is relatively healthy. I just felt that the whole points thing which was constantly changing complicated things more than necessary. Also we have the same support here on MFP and it's free!5
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I find their approach to nutrition to be outdated and overly restrictive. Much easier and cheaper to count calories for free on MFP!4
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I'm a WW veteran for sure, having joined and had some success several times along the way. I really began to find that the meetings were too big and not particularly helpful, supportwise. I ended up standing in line to be weighed for half the time. YMMV, obviously. A Fitbit and MFP is a lot cheaper and in my opinion just as effective. Support can be much better here -- you just have to reach out. There are so many people here who are supportive and in the same boat.6
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I did the old Points Plus system, and lost weight. I did Jenny Craig and lost weight. I've done MFP, and lost weight. I gained it all back on each system. IMO, the problem isn't losing the weight. It's keeping it off. This is my 2nd time on MFP, and I've lost all of the weight I need to (gained a few pounds during the holidays but that was inevitable for me), and I am striving towards maintenance. IMO, the MFP message boards help prepare people for maintenance better than WW or JC.
I say, try free first. If it doesn't work, look into the other method.4 -
Personally I love WW online. I did the meetings in the past and loved them too, but now it's just too difficult for me to get to one. I tend to be a perfectionist in that if I go over my calories, I'm likely to throw caution to the wind. The weekly points help me maintain my sanity a little. I also think that their making sugary/carby foods more points was a good thing for me, because I naturally started to eat less of them. It has helped me make much better food choices as opposed to JUST counting calories and eating whatever I wanted. Some people don't do well with a little more restriction though, so I could see how many people here didn't like it. I also really like their community, called "connect." Everyone is very positive, supportive and helpful. Good luck in whichever route you take!6
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I did a few years back but found the points systems were too complicated as they kept changing. I find more success here with CICO as long as I log faithfully.2
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WW veteran here too, until I realized that if WW online was successful for me, then I had achieved self-accountability, and I really didn't need them. I could use MFP for free. Doesn't really matter if you count points or count calories - just know what your target is and stay under it.2
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I'm a former WWer. I was a member on and off for many years, through many programs. I finally gave it up when I realised that MFP could do the same thing for free, and that WW was tweaking its program into insensibility.3
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I did WW online and lost 20lbs on it a couple years back but the monthly fee got a little old and also I don't like the new points system. I was happy enough with Points Plus that I did check it out again before landing here. I liked WW because it almost wasn't like counting calories, but I disliked the way they make some choices and judgments for you which as an adult I would prefer to maintain for myself. I know it can work, it's not nonsense, it's just fancied up calorie counting.3
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Their Points system is no longer scientific as WW fell for the "sugar is evil" myth. Foods with sugars, even skim milk, increased in points dramatically even when the calorie content remained the same. Their explanation was to "steer" people away from certain foods. You are correct. It is a waste of money!
Yup, this is my big issue with it. They also don't use total fat to calculate Points anymore, just Saturated Fat. For weight loss the difference doesn't matter at all. Points are becoming more about what WW deem to be healthy rather than a weight loss tool.2 -
Is it too late to cancel
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If you are only using the online version and not going to meetings, I do think that WW is a waste of money because you can basically get the same thing on MFP for free. WW works well for many, but most of the time that is because the live meetings and weigh ins help keep them more accountable. I have used WW over the years and have had some success, but ultimately decided that I like MFP better for the following reasons:
1. MFP is FREE and WW was really expensive
2. With work and kids schedules I wasn't able to attend meetings anymore
3. Their community tends to be much more snarky and not as helpful as this community
4. They are constantly trying to sell their processed foods to people which I think takes away from the message
5. The point system was confusing and their data base didn't have enough foods in it - the scan function would not have like 60% of the foods I ate. I have yet to not be able to find something in the MFP data base!
THIS!!! I LOVE IT, IT'S EXACTLY HOW I FEEL AFTER ONE DAY! LOL! Thanks everyone for your comments of corse I know everyone will have there own opinions! I love MFP like I've only realised how much I love it after joining ww hahaha the database on ww is SHOCKING yet I heard so many people rave about it, I got a deal and paid £25 for 3 months it was a deal so I'm not that annoyed but the app crashed on me the first time I tried to use it the person on the chat thing that's meant to help was so blunt to me it was unreal! Put me off! But did speak to a nice women yesterday about getting started, also the community is nothing like here! I asked for help and no one even looked at it! The only problem for me Is I don't like calorie counting as much as I think it's Great idea it just doesn't work for me!2 -
I've lost 45 lbs doing WW online and exercise back in 2011 using their Points Plus version. Was allowed 29 daily, used their tools all the time. Then they tweaked program in 2012 and my daily points changed to 26. I got lazy, stopped tracking and exercising, gained it all back. This was all before I discovered MFP. I tried WWs newer programs (simply filling and smart points). Hated it. I discovered an app called Ultimate Food Value Diary. It's $3.99 and it is EXACTLY like WWs old PP program app, scanner and calculator. As you log your food, it deducts point values for the day. I paid for premium and it includes my step intake. I love it. I am also using MFP. I'm actually doing both to compare. As easy as both apps are to use, I like MFP more.2
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I think it just depends on the person. I don't think every weight loss plan works right for everyone. So you have to find what works best for you. I didn't enjoy WW either. It felt like I could barely eat anything without my points adding up drastically. I constantly felt hungry/unsatisfied. It didn't work for me, but I've know others it's worked wonders for.3
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I just joined ( with meetings) I think it sucks. Glad I only payed for one month. MFP I think is way better.3
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It always bothered me how much WW meetings preached the 'eat whole foods' message but then over-promoted and sold the WW branded junk food.
All about the $$$ not about the healthier lifestyle and weight loss. A bit too much "do as we say but make sure you buy this for when you want to be a bit naughty".3 -
Hey! I used WW online for 18 months and lost 2 stone. Then, they changed to "smartpoints" and re-branded, removing the blogs which was the best bit! I couldn't get on with smartpoints, it was just too restricting. I would give it maybe 3 months and see how you get on - the best bit about it for me is not having to count your fruit & veg as it is "free food" - it really encouraged me to eat more of it! Good luck x 1
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I just joined and like it for the reasons many do not. I've been up and down on mfp for almost 7 years. Lost 80 pounds and couldn't figure out how to maintain and put it all back on. I'm now halfway to my goal again and panicking about maintenance.
I joined weight watchers because I need the 'sugar is bad' reminder. I'm hoping once I've done my 5 months with WW maybe I'll be at a better place to maintain on mfp. Also, I don't have anything to compare it to. . . It's my first time on WW.1 -
I loved WW back when it was Points Plus, I lost the baby weight after both kids using it and was a huge advocate. The new Points system is terrible, the ease of guesstimating points on the fly was changed with the new formulas and the outrageous high counts for sugar items.
I went so far as to buy old materials and calculator from the old Points Plus on eBay (quite the market for them..... WW should take note!!). But I needed the ease of an app, which is how I found MFP. Have never looked back!0 -
I joined last week....and cancelled this week. I know I was quick to jump the gun, but I hated it. I totally hate the "Points" system. I want to see how much sugar, sodium, fat I am consuming. And eat all the fruits I want? Sure, fruit is definitely good...and yes I am aware fruit is natural sugar. But I don't agree with eat whatever fruit you want. Can you imagine if you ate 3 bananas or apples in one day??? I much prefer MFP. For one, it's free....and I find it much easier to stay on track by seeing what you log.0
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I thought about it, and then joined a Diet Bet instead. It gives me the incentive of having paid for something, but the chance to win it (and more!) back if I succeed. It's given me a good framework for my goals (10% loss over 5 months, plus a month of maintenance).
So yeah... I really don't like their current system. I'd drop out - and look at Diet Bet if you want extra incentive.0
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