does weight watchers work?

angel_une

So we have a weight watchers meeting at my job and people have talked about it and how much they like or dislike it. I'm trying to get help with my weight loss and one problem i have is that i cant cook to save my life! Seriously I burn water!!! I would say that's probably one of the reasons I am the way I am, that I cant eat healthy!! So I figured maybe try weight watchers, but I hate spending money on something that doesn't work. I tried to Google it and I got mixed reactions to WW. I dont even know how this all works, I mean people were talking about food they provide and how its not very good. Well I get that its healthy food so its not going to be as good as that unhealthy doughnut but I prefer my healthy food to at least taste a little good. So who is ever on WW or have tried it in the past can you shed some light on how the whole thing works. Thanks :-)

ValGogo

I don't like weight watchers, have never wanted to use it, but sure, it works. It all works. People just have to follow it and follow the suggestions.

ValGogo

my weight loss and one problem i have is that i cant cook to save my life! Seriously I burn water!!!

Everyone can cook. You just have to try. There is no excuse. But I say don't spend money on weight watchers. Use this web site. Stick around, you will learn lots of stuff here. Just make sure you put on your armor and thick skin helmet on because people here are really supportive and sometimes they can be really blunt.

But, it's ALL good.

Branstin

It all works. People just have to follow it and follow the suggestions.

+1
Weight Watchers works only if you do as well. Weight Watchers worked for me but MFP also works and it's free. If you want to spend money then buy some exercise clothes and a food scale and stick to MFP.

tonyamt2

Weight Watchers works but it can be expensive. MFP is free and works just as well! I have done both and prefer MFP over Weight Watchers. You don't have to cook to lose weight. You just have to eat foods that are within your calories for the day. I very rarely cook and have been successful. There are all kinds of food options available.

RodaRose

Some people do very well in a group setting. You can try it.

Krizzle4Rizzle

So we have a weight watchers meeting at my job and people have talked about it and how much they like or dislike it. I'm trying to get help with my weight loss and one problem i have is that i cant cook to save my life! Seriously I burn water!!! I would say that's probably one of the reasons I am the way I am, that I cant eat healthy!! So I figured maybe try weight watchers, but I hate spending money on something that doesn't work. I tried to Google it and I got mixed reactions to WW. I dont even know how this all works, I mean people were talking about food they provide and how its not very good. Well I get that its healthy food so its not going to be as good as that unhealthy doughnut but I prefer my healthy food to at least taste a little good. So who is ever on WW or have tried it in the past can you shed some light on how the whole thing works. Thanks :-)

I did weight watchers online and had success. It pretty much teaches portion control. There were things I really liked about WW (like the anytime points.) The only thing I wasn't a fan of was their mobile app. MFP's mobile app is by far superior and it's free. If you stick with WW it will work. But if you stick with MFP it will also work.

Cc215

I've dipped in and out of weight watchers a few times over the years. It works for me initially - the few 2 weeks can show pretty impressive weight losses. Then I stop / slow down on the water losses and my weight stalls.

I quite liked the points aspect initally, its smaller numbers to count than calories, and it sounds like you might win something if you get the points right. But in the end it's not really much different to tracking foods here - it's just here it's calories that are counted not "points." But here is a hell of a lot cheaper!

It's not bad - it's a system that followed correctly will limit your calorie intake. And it is done in a setting that encourages you to make healthier food choices and back it up with exercise. Again - all of that you can get here.

I've decided that weight watchers isn't for me - I was only using it online in the end - and paying through the nose for it! I have a friend that still goes - but only because she believes that the weekly weigh in makes her more likely to stick to the diet. In the end it works for some, not for others - it's about finding what is right for you.

sfbaumgarten

Worked for me. Without going into great detail, WW gives you points instead of calories. Stay within your points, exercise to earn more, attend meetings or don't... If you want to give it a shot, you can always do the free online trial and I believe your first meeting is also free. If not, MFP is also great tool. Like any program, you get out of it what you put into it. You just need to decide which tool fits your lifestyle best. Good luck!

Phatgirl420

I don't personally use WW, the actual program, I do however buy a lot of their food at the grocery store. I actually prefer the WW frozen meals over Lean cuisines and Healthy Choice. They have a lot of options, and they actually taste halfway decent, not to mention that they make other food options, such as shredded cheese and cream cheese, which I use almost everyday, and they taste no diff than the regular full fat brands. I highly recommend the ww whipped cream cheese with chive and onion! So like I said, I don't use their actual program, but their food choices are not bad, if you are looking to cut down and don't want to cook. Hope this helps a little.

workout_ninja

im not a fan of WW, it costs alot of money to get weighed and listen to someone sell their product. You dont need any of that. MFP is awesome and you can eat whatever you like(so long as it fits in your calories) - when it comes to cooking, you obviously burn water because your not watching the pot. Anyone can cook, stand there, follow the recipe and watch the food so it doesnt burn. Cook on a low heat if you must, but absolutely everyone can cook if they want to

galprincess

This i have experience with ultimately you will find those who love it and those who don't its personal preference but for me i think its great short term everyone i know gained after a year because they need it to be successful so people spread the word but it cant be that brilliant as they need to keep making money just my opinion

jkal1979

WW is not like Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem where you purchase entire meals. The foods that they sell at their meeting centers are things like smoothie powders, portioned pretzels/chips/crackers packs, oatmeal packs, snack bars, little things like that. Their smart ones are available in any grocery store.

You will still have to cook on Weight Watchers.

crunchergirl

It works... you just have to be willing to follow its rules. They basically assign points instead of calories to foods and you have to stay within your points. If you like to be in a group setting I think it is great. For me it was always my go to "diet" since I was 13. It never worked for me long term because I never stuck with it. However, I have family and friends that have been very successful on it. Counting actual calories seems to work better for me, I'm not sure why. I feel like I have more freedom when I do so.

jescamp9481

yes weight watchers works, and so does MFP. I have lost 63 lbs and never once stepped into a weight watchers meeting. Like you I am also a pretty bad cook. Please look at my diary and you can see what I eat that has helped me to lose this weight. I am still losing by the way. I would suggest getting a gym membership and some workout clothes before spending money on weight watchers. Get a really good pair of gym shoes... and for the real way you will change your body... LIFT HEAVY!!!!!

Pixiemops

WW doesn't work for me because I don't like being told what to do! I'm finding MFP so much more flexible. I make my own choices and take the consequences. I weigh daily and not dreading the one weigh day out of seven where I might be praised heartily or not ;(
The other great thing about MFP is the mobile app. It is brilliant for food tracking. I didn't find the WW one to be as good.

On the other hand if a few colleagues that you like are going and you get a good vibe going then it might be great for motivation. It's a system that does work if you can stick to it.

Good luck whatever you choose.

kristen2713

I lost my first 40 lbs or so following weight watchers. I found it very useful in teaching me portion control as mentioned and it still allowed me to enjoy the things I love and nothing was necessarily off limits. That being said, as I got lower, I stopped losing on the points I was allowed, and once I switched to calorie counting and started doing more of my own learning about TDEE and my body, I realized I was eating too low on weight watchers as I got to the lower weight. So does it work? Yes, I think it does...it's essentially an easier way to count calories and learn about eating healthy. I've found my friends on mfp to be just as good for ME to help me with accountability, which is where their meetings come into play. It's all about what kind of person you are, and what will motivate you! Good luck!

Eastern_Echo23

Any diet program would work. When i did weight watchers 6 years ago I lost about 70 pounds. Problem was i stopped the program and stopped counting calories and the weight came back in a matter of minutes. Any program you do, you need to remember that there is no magic formula they are trying to sell you. They show you how to eat smaller portion sizes, get your fruits and veggies, and offer you ways to eat healthy.

The pro about weight watchers (if you do it in person in a WW Center) is the lectures and community aspect.

The cons about weight watchers is the overall cost. There is nothing you can achieve at weight watchers that you can not already do here on MFP for free. No matter what program you do decide to do, you will have to make a conscious effort to eat better, exercise more, and change your lifestyle.

I wish you all the best and good luck!

WW_Jude_V2

Worked for me very very well. The aspect of having to pay wasn't that big of a deal for me. I was saving more than the monthly cost by no longer buying so much expensive 'junk' food. Huge bags of chips, chocolate, goodies.....not cheap....especially in the volume I was buying.

I lost over 60lbs and have been a lifetime member for about six years. We had the meetings at work for about three years and to this day most of the members from each session check in with each other (probably 100 or so of us). Wednesdays we have a support meeting with a few of us who still need to have that encouragement to continue. I know I do better with a cheering section behind me so doing something only online or without 'live and in person' interaction isn't really an option for me personally.

I learned portion control and that was my biggest challenge (still is sometimes). I never purchased any of their foods so I can't comment on that side of things. That was the reason I actually chose to join - I knew I'd have to learn how to eat in the real world...not the world of prepackaged stuff.

And, you'd be amazed by how fun it is to actually learn how to cook!!

lannlynn

Yes, it does. I liked weight watchers but I like MFP better because I don't feel as limited in my choices. I did the on-line version of WW and had success before I joined MFP. I've lost and been able to maintain over 50 pounds for several years. I just want to lose a little more. I believe that consistency is the key in any program you do.

JagerLewis

weight watchers does work, I've never tried their foods (other than the ice cream bars) but it works the same way as MFP. Instead of counting calories you count points. It's typically 1 point for every 50 calories. I'm sure you can grill a chicken breast (or bake), steam some veggies (or boil), and nuke a potato. Don't try cooking a bunch of fancy stuff...start with basic cooking, and once you feel comortable, you can start making other things. All cooking is, is following directions. Read recipes (basic) and know what temp it has to be and how long to cook. You will find that cooking isn't all that hard. Good luck to you!

kamh07

I initially had success with WW and then became complacent. If I could've stuck to it, I am sure I would be in a much better place. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the group setting. I learned food ideas, motiviation and inspiration from the other members. I also believe the accountability is good for you.

The thing I didn't like was while they encourage a healthy diet, I don't think they go far enough. Ie. you can have dessert but you just have to starve yourself the rest of the day. I have been reading a significant amount on my own and believe that there are much healthier diets out there.

I have considered joining again for the motivation and following my own modified diet.

I would encourage you to at least try it.

DeguelloTex

Does WW still count fruit as "free"? It's pretty easy to eat yourself into a calorie surplus even if you are within your points.

If it helps you stay on track, it can work. You can get that help for less money, IMO. Even so, that doesn't mean it isn't a good choice for some people.

nsala86

Honestly, I switched to MFP after being a long time WW member. Sure, it works (if you do the work). But so does anything else. I found with WW I really didn't have an understanding of nutrition, and the things that my body needs to be healthy. MFP breaks down all of your macros for you, so I am much more aware of the quality of the food I'm putting in my mouth, not just counting the points necessary to lose weight. Some people really like WW, and I lost 65 pounds following it several years ago, but I think you can do this just as successfully (if not more successfully) using MFP and getting support from fellow members here.

sargessexyone

I lost 70 lbs on WW. I did it for the meetings which at the time I needed. Life got in the way, scheduling changes, etc. So I quit WW and found MFP.

Some people have had a bad experience but I did not. I had an awesome meeting leader and a great group of people in my meetings. I was never pressured to buy their food. They will teach you portion control.

Whether you join WW or not I highly recommend getting a food scale. You will be amazed at the size of an actual portion. Teach yourself to cook. If you can follow directions you can follow a recipe. Pinterest is a great source for recipes of any type including WW friendly recipes.

In a nutshell, WW works but so does MFP. You get out of them what you put in to it.

Good Luck to you :flowerforyou:

erin6989

Weight Watchers works but it can be expensive. MFP is free and works just as well! I have done both and prefer MFP over Weight Watchers.

+1

I lost 30lbs on Weight Watchers, then gained 20lbs back. Using MFP I have re-lost that 20lbs and look leaner due to monitoring my protein and working out. 10lbs to go until my goal and I regret wasting all that money on Weight Watchers when I could have used it to buy more food!

VeryKatie

I lost 20 lbs in 3 months on Weight Watchers and I'm still going. It's pretty non-restrictive. It'll bring you down slowly in terms of how much you can eat too (it recalculates as you weigh in every week). So it won't start you off on a the equivalent of a 1200 calorie diet.

I didn't know how to cook worth beans when I started WW. I could turn chicken into rubber. Actually, I could turn ANYTHING into rubber (if only I was in the tire business...). But most of the WW recipes are pretty simple (at least the ones I chose). You can also enter any recipe you CAN cook into their calculator (I like the 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes from Company's Coming - they're surprisingly hard to mess up) - I just make little substitutions. Like if it calls for shredded cheese, I'll use low-fat shredded cheese. If it calls for ground pork, I'll use extra lean ground beef or chicken. Sometimes I use a little less meat and "fill in" with mushrooms.

So it goes to show, you can't cook now but you can learn. Cooking is an acquired skill, not a born talent. You have to make an effort. And you need to just throw it in the garbage if it didn't work! I did that a few times. Restaurant foods are also in their database (though I find I can't always find the restaurant - which is where www.exercise4weightloss.com comes in - they have a fantastic WW restaurant database. They have great introductions to the program too and it's free so you might be able to find out your points goal before even signing up).

I would say that the thing I like most about WW is the fact that steamed and raw fruits and veggies (other than starchy ones like potatoes, corn, peas, etc.) are ZERO points. In other words, it really helps you STOP THINKING about every little thing you eat. You can snack on as many fruits and veggies as you want. It really encourages eating fruit and veggies more than MFP will. Which for me was probably the number one thing I changed which improved my health. If you fill up on broccoli before eating pasta, you won't eat as much pasta (even as a self declared pasta fiend).

When I came on here it's because I was using WW Online which does lack a little bit on the community support aspect. But I've found the MFP has not worked nearly as well as WW has. And it's annoying to try to remember how many carrots or blueberries I ate. WW Online is far cheaper than the meetings version, but it lacks some things too. Although I should probably mention that I went the super cheap route regarding Weight Waters Online... I pay for half of a friends online subscription (which comes to $11 a month) and log my points and weight in a spreadsheet I made in MS Excel that I have saved on my phone... I log into her account using a computer (I plan for the whole day all at once) and look up the foods and exercises, save my recipes with "K" at the front so we know who's recipe is who's. It works well for me since I'm way too cheap (clearly) to pay for data on my phone (But who else do you know who has a phone plan under $30 a month?). With no data comes... no WW or MFP on the go... haha.

But I agree with other poster, MFP, SparkPeople, WW, etc... all of them will work but you must follow it diligently. You're only cheating yourself if you don't. And ALL of them take a lot of effort to get used to because none of them will allow you the freedom to eat like you always have and still lose weight. But that's just a fact of losing weight (sadly).

Edit:

I just wanted to add a major difference between MFP and WW is that WW calculates it's points off carbs, fibre, fat, and protein. Calories are not involved at all. I've noticed that sometimes my WW points will barely bring me to 1000 calories a day but sometimes they will bring me to 1500 calories a day. It all balances out though. I also think that when they convert your exercise to points that they are FAR more conservative than MFP (which tends to over estimate). So it's harder to accidentally eat too much after a workout.

Rowan813

I lost 50 pounds with WW. It is a good program, especially for those new to weight loss or those fond of a more structured program. I sometimes do a little better if I know that someone else is going to look at the scale and write it down each week. The group setting can also be helpful. They do a little cheerleading along the way. People encourage each other and exchange ideas. It can be nice if you join a friendly group. After being at this weight loss/maintenance thing for most of my life I am happy doing my own thing on MFP. I never bought any of their products and it is not required. I like the fact that WW never tells you to eliminate any food groups and they encourage a healthy variety. They also teach people how to eat out and enjoy special occasions without going completely off track. You could always try it.

xcalygrl

I started out on WW (lost 97 pounds in a year). I liked the program and the group aspect of it.

Just like any "diet" or lifestyle change, you get out of it what you put in. You can sign up, pay the fees, and not lose weight if you don't follow the program. Same thing goes for MFP: you can sign up (free), log your food, and still gain weight because you're eating a surplus. If you can afford it and like having the group, give it a shot. If paying for it or going to meetings as a group won't work, then start logging everything via MFP, and make sure you weigh your food.

As for their foods, they are hit and miss. I loved some of the stuff they sold and hated others. I ate their strawberry and cream oatmeal for breakfast everyday for several months. It depends on your taste and texture preference when it comes to their stuff.

I haven't followed WW for years. About a year ago, I looked up the program. I was not a fan of the new way they calculated points. I decided to stick to MFP since I was better able to see what I was eating and all of my macros.

Malgorzata79

I don't like weight watchers. I tried it 2 times. And both times I felt like I was starving. I know they give you a certain amount of points to get you on the right Track of eating. But I felt like I was so hungry all the time and there was not enough points to get me through the day.

sherisse69

Weight Watchers can be fantastic. I lost 50lbs on there 12 years ago. I know others that have lost a lot with them as well. I maintained my loss for about 6 years. I gained it back because of my own issues. I tried to go back, but I was sick of counting points, it was expensive and I needed a change to motivate me, which is how I am now here. Like others said, it is what you put in. You will lose if you follow the plan. Good luck to you!