Has anyone tried weight watchers in the past
Tanie98
Posts: 675 Member
I was going to join weight watchers online before I found out mfp but then I found out about mfp through google search shortly before joining weight watchers . I then read mfp reviews and decide to join mfp since its free and it also seemed easier counting calories and straight forward than the point system. So I was wondering for those who tried weight watchers in the past, Did you found it hard to keep the weight off when you reached your goal with the whole points system ? just curious:bigsmile: :flowerforyou:
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I tried WW at least 7 times, from their old classic program, through their Fat and Fibre program and then through Points in all its incarnations.
I'm currently the heaviest I've ever been. Take that as you will LOL.
I also note that over the last 20 years, I've found that each new incarnation of WW is less effective. I won't go back to WW. I guess the thing to keep in mind is that they are a business first and foremost, and people who succeed and keep it off aren't good for the profit margin!
It certainly doesn't do anything MFP doesn't, for free.0 -
I had good success while using the old no count / core programs (name in Australia not sure any where else)....haven't had any success with any of their pointed programs.
The current filling and healthy program (in Australia) is similar to the above programs.0 -
Ww got my first thirty pounds off, but after that i struggled. When i was younger i got alot out of meetings, but i wanted no part of them as i got older. But it also was too much food for me and i wouldnt lose, couldnt use all my bonus or activity points (i didnt want to have to modify it i just wanted to follow it!) and by saying i could have "some of anything in moderation" well, it just didnt work *for me* after the first thirty pounds. Moderation was never my strong point lmao.0
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I've had luck with WW in the past but like anything, when you stop, you regain.
If you're numbers-oriented and don't need the educational component of WW or the accountability of the weigh-in or the social support from the meetings, and don't get added motivation from paying, there's no reason you can't count calories instead and do just as well.
One unique thing WW does is basically pre-log your fruit and vegetables, so you eat more of those because they're 'free' (though they're accounted for in your goals already, really.) And the nature of the Points calc steers you toward foods higher in protein and fiber and lower in fat and alcohol. If that appeals to you.
Also, there is a way to count Points and calories at the same time here. The link to the thread about it is at the very end of my profile.0 -
Yep it worked for me! I got bored with it though so now I'm here. I loved their recipe builder. I would do it again. I just wasn't sticking to it because I easily get sick of counting and such. But I didn't want to give up so its nice to come to mfp because it has increased my interest again.0
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Lost about 40 pounds with them last time, but when I stopped, I gained it all back.
I enjoyed the accountability of the in-person weigh ins, but always skipped out from the meetings. I'd like to talk about the emotions and the real struggles, but most of the people just wanted to talk about their recipes. MFP lets us put it all out there and I love it.
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I've tried it several times in the past. I just can't restrict myself like I had to with the points system. Plus it's a pain in the neck figuring out points for everything. Counting calories has given me my best weight loss that is lasting. I no longer feel deprived and basically eat whatever I want as long as I don't go over my calories. Now I find that I'm naturally reaching for fruit rather than forcing myself to eat it.0
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I tried WW so many times in the past, both in NYC as well as here in Tucson, Az....it works as long as you follow the plan. I NEVER stuck it out long enough to get to goal. Going officially I lost approx 50 lbs twice, doing it on my own (no meetings but using points) I lost 63 lbs (and oddly got to goal weight but never was able to maintain..went back to my old ways).
Found MFP 817 days ago. Got to my goal "range" on day 640. Since then I've dropped another 10-15 lbs and am comfortable in my skin at this point & working on maintaining where I'm at.
I pretty much follow the WW idea that there is nothing you can't eat, I just eat in moderation (I weigh & log everything and pre plan/pre log my food in advance which keeps me on track)0 -
I did weight watchers many years ago can't remember the dates. I did loose weight and I learned to eat low fat items mostly bought from their frozen food items. With that being said I am also losing weight eating regular fat items and incorporating what I now know are healthy fats vs. starchy fatty food with no real nutritional value (which I still eat by the way if I want to).
My issue was that I knew realistically I could not count points for the rest of my life. That is just me. I also can say the same thing for MFP I don't feel that I will realistically log food or count calories for the rest of my life. I am using this as a stepping stone to eating better on my own. Anyway, their frozen savory meals were toooo high in sodium for me. I gained the weight back because of pregnancy and me just becoming complacent.
I feel that I did not really learn anything from weight watchers that I can say today I am doing this because of having Weight Watchers having been a part of my life. If you are able to take away anything from this post know that you must learn about nutrition and incorporating exercise above anything else. All programs MFP, Weight Watchers, LA Weight loss, etc will have no real value without those very important components. At the end of the day you have to be able to sustain any program or strategy long term, Great Luck! 0 -
If you are serious about wanting to lose those extra pounds, then get a good scale and start using MyFitnessPal. It isn't a miracle cure. It is a reality check which makes you realize how many calories you are putting in your mouth compared to how many calories you are burning. I started using MyFitnessPal in Sept. 2011 and by Dec. 2011 had lost 15 lbs. I lost another 5 lbs. in the next 3 months and kept it off for a year.0
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WW is like any other weight loss program, off course if we stop and go back to the same habits we had previously we are going to gain, same with calorie counting....
Needs to be a life long habit, but the thing is, what are we/you prepared to do for the long term?
Best way to lose weight is the you intend to maintain for the longterm/forever!0 -
When I was younger and very much over weight I did do weight watchers, attended the meetings, and then kind of fell off the wagon gained the weight back that I did lose. Then I noticed that I could combine WW and MFP together and both programs have worked wonders for me!!!
I am able to check on how many points I do have left to use, but also how many calories that I do also have. So I would have to say getting on both programs has helped me greatly!!0 -
I did Weight Watchers in 2006, for about 15 months. I lost 60lbs.
I put most of it back on from 2009-2012. I tried Weight Watchers again in 2010/2011/2012 but I couldn't get on with the new system and didn't see any substantial loss.0 -
I did weight watchers in 2008 to lose baby weight from our first baby. I did it online, and that was a mistake. I should have gone to meetings to be held accountable. Anyways, it wasn't near enough food for me. I only lost 8 pounds in 4 months or so. I counted calories along with figuring points for a week, just to see what my points equated to calorie wise because I was starving 24-7. I figured out the points I was supposed to stick to, was only 1127 calories. Yes, there are "extra points" they give you every week, but I would try to only use about a handful of those per day.
I dont know if it is because I'm only 5'3 or what, but the points WW gave me was insanely low.
Counting calories works better for me, but any type of program is tempting to try even though I know what works. 0 -
I joined weight watcher in Nov 2011 and lost 105lbs in 11 mths, I have kept the weight off and am just under my gaol weight, but I still attend meetings and still do the pro-points as well as MFP, I exercise most days, although having a little break at the moment other than walking every day. I can honestly say that I love doing WW and enjoyed the meetings, it wasn't hard to do either.0
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I joined WW in Feb of 2009. I had a starting weight on 238 pounds! It worked well with me! My first 6 months I gave it my all and lost a ton of weight. I hit a wall but didn't give up!
I got down to 160 pounds but was very fit and toned as I started at the gym 3 months before my wedding. My weight didn't change in that three months but my dress size went down 3 sizes!
I have since then been married and traveled and had a baby! I have always kept in the back of my head what I learned with WW and even AFTER having a baby and gaining about 50 pounds I am only 13 pounds above my smallest weight.
Yes I gained a bit back but that's life! I have kept the majority of it off for 4 years and am now back at it to lose the extra 13 pounds!
It doesn't matter what diet you do if you stop and go back to do whatever you want you will gain weight. That's all that there is to it!0 -
I had great success on Weight Watchers as far as weight loss (about 55 lbs in total).
I ate fairly healthy to begin with but it really helped with the portion control which was huge for me.
I think it was much easier to track than MFP but obviously you pay for that.
The only negative is that exercise was not promoted as much with that program so while I lost 55 lbs, I had no muscle tone and now, I'm in a very intense exercise program and utlize MFP instead since I'm not trying to lose weight just keep up with what I have accomplished while incorporating exercise.
Good luck0 -
I joined WW in June of 2009 at 148lbs. I went to meetings, did everything right and in August 2009 I was 128lbs and in fantastic shape. I moved and stopped following it for a bit, gained back 10lbs then tried it again but that was the new PP program. I don't think their initial set was meant for anyone already in a healthy weight range just trying to get in better shape. I ended up gaining 5lbs just trying to meet my points and not using any extra weekly points. I stopped that and decided that it wasn't the right program for me at that point in my life. I haven't tried it again since then.0
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Yes paid for the meetings twice, followed the points on my own a couple more times. Eventually just went back up to starting weight on all attempts.
Stuck with MFP for over a year, cheaper and easier to do 0 -
i done weightwatchers in past didnt lose as much weight lost more weight just using this and excercise and now doing 5.2 diet0
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I tried it back in 2005-2006. I initially lost about 65 pounds. I eventually fell off the program as I found while I was loosing weight I was just a smaller yet still very fluffy version of myself. I was disappointed in my appearance and honestly my blood numbers weren't what I was expecting at the time. I later added all the weight back plus about 30 additional pounds.
Basically it was a good program however I did not address the mental side of this process and the results were short term. I would only recommend that you include some type of activity in addition to your nutrition changes as well.0 -
I've tried it a few times and always lost weight, the most being 63lbs. I gained it back every time because I stopped counting points, and started eating more again. Which isn't Weight Watchers fault.
It's just a different way to achieve a calorie deficit. It is sustainable for some and not for others, just like everything else. If you need the support from meetings and accountability from weighing in there every week, then it's awesome.
If you like the program, there's lots of resources out there so you can follow it for free, without signing up for meetings or their online resources.0 -
I am currently doing both WW and MFP. I find WW to be very easy to follow, you will find after a month or so that you have memorized the points for the basic foods you eat on a regular basis and it becomes much easier to keep track. I have done both the online tool with no meetings and the online tools with meetings. And the meetings really do make all the difference. The key is to find the meeting that is for you, if you have a good leader they will keep the meeting on track and people will talk about strategies and motivation.
I use MFP to track the total nutrition picture, and the interface with my Fit-bit is fab.
It doesn't matter if you use WW or MFP, you won't lose, or maintain or keep it off if you are not emotionally and mentally prepared for the weight loss journey. Especially if you have used food to self medicate. I am working thru that now.
People gain it all back because they didn't mentally prepare. Whether it be WW or MFP you don't stop once you hit goal, this is a permanent change in your life. There is no going back. So make choices now that you know you can live with for the rest of your life. If it take a year to lose 50 lbs so be it, at least you know you have mapped out a plan that is manageable for the rest of your life.0 -
I HATED weight watchers. I guess it really depends on the meetings you attend and the leader, but it didn't work for me.
I tried it for a month after I had my son, and I dreaded every. single. meeting. All they talked about was trying new fruits and vegetables, and how to cook healthily ("use olive oil for frying" uhh, no, wrong. "eat low-fat foods instead" again, no).
MFP is all I've needed to lose the weight, and I feel it's a better resource when I have questions about calorie intake or exercising. One leader told me that I shouldn't be working out if I'm on weight watchers because it screws up the points system, so lord help you if you're trying to get fit and lose weight.
I hope this doesn't sound judge-y, but I'd much rather use a free system like MFP than pay to go to a Weight Watchers meeting and listen to people talk about how they make their desserts using FAT FREE cool whip now.0 -
I did WW back about 15 years ago. Back then I was given a range of 24-26 points a day.
I wrote down every single thing I ate, figured out the points, etc. Lost weight every week.
I will admit, the meetings did help me, because I felt proud seeing the weight go down and felt accountable.
HOWEVER, my discovery- 1 "point" on WW is 50 calories (it was back then anyway, I don't know the current plans), i know that they figured in fat and fiber , so i'm being overly simplistic. but anyway- ---- if you took my daily point range, it came to 1200-1300,
one day for some reason I wrote down the calories instead of the points. and then from that day on, i counted calories instead of points, lost a total of 50-60 lbs and kept that off for over 10 years, slacked off just a bit, now i'm up only about 10 and would like to drop it.
I guess what I'm saying is, they are basically the same. I know WW has some new enhancements and special rules etc. but calorie counting, or points counting is basically the same. Whether you actually do it, and stick to it is up to you!
Oh, as for the meetings, they can definitely be a plus. that would maybe be the only real benefit of paying rather than just using a free website, in my opinion anyway. Sometimes I even just weighed in then left, it was just the accountability of someone actually writing down the number... I quit the meetings after a year or so, I was dead-set on losing the weight and made myself accountable to ME.0 -
I did WW back about 15 years ago. Back then I was given a range of 24-26 points a day.
I wrote down every single thing I ate, figured out the points, etc. Lost weight every week.
I will admit, the meetings did help me, because I felt proud seeing the weight go down and felt accountable.
HOWEVER, my discovery- 1 "point" on WW is 50 calories (it was back then anyway, I don't know the current plans), i know that they figured in fat and fiber , so i'm being overly simplistic. but anyway- ---- if you took my daily point range, it came to 1200-1300,
one day for some reason I wrote down the calories instead of the points. and then from that day on, i counted calories instead of points, lost a total of 50-60 lbs and kept that off for over 10 years, slacked off just a bit, now i'm up only about 10 and would like to drop it.
I guess what I'm saying is, they are basically the same. I know WW has some new enhancements and special rules etc. but calorie counting, or points counting is basically the same. Whether you actually do it, and stick to it is up to you!
Oh, as for the meetings, they can definitely be a plus. that would maybe be the only real benefit of paying rather than just using a free website, in my opinion anyway. Sometimes I even just weighed in then left, it was just the accountability of someone actually writing down the number... I quit the meetings after a year or so, I was dead-set on losing the weight and made myself accountable to ME.
This. I've done WW and MFP. They are basically the same - counting points or counting calories except MFP is free.0 -
Yes ^
I didn't even know WW has an online program ? SO you have to pay and you don't go to the meetings or have to physically weigh in with someone ?
that seems out-dated to me. If so, my vote would go for MFP.0 -
I joined WW about a month ago, mostly out of curiosity and because I had plateaued over the summer and was looking to change things up a bit.
Unfortunately I've gained 4.5 lbs over the last month. I think it's because of the way WW treats fruits and veggies -- which are all 0 points. I was eating a ton of carbs on WW, while happily staying within my points allowance (and not dipping into extra exercise points).
I am surprised that all fruits and veggies are treated the same on WW, when there's a huge variance in calories and nutritional values in those food groups. Works for some people, but it very much didn't work for me.
Now I'm back to MFP starting today, and ready to start losing again!0 -
I have done WW many many times, all times with success, it is basically just calorie counting. The thing I liked most, and also love on MFP is that no food is off limits, you just count it.
I found that I did not have time for the meetings, everything that was said was not anything new and I was spending money On the meetings. I felt like such a failure if I spent the money and lost zero weight some weeks, which was just a mind bummer for me.
What I Love most about MFP is it is free, allowing me to use my money on Zumba classes! I also love being able to look at other people food journals to see what they are eating, I get so many great ideas and love seeing people eating real food and loosing weight. On MFP I am accountable to myself and can see the good changes I make even if I don't loose weight ( exercised 3x a week, logged)0 -
Did Weight Watchers when I was in high school. Hated it. My grandma pushed me towards it. When I was on it I was also playing rugby and captain of my high school water polo team. I talking to my doctor about weight loss and mentioned that I was doing weight watchers and she said to stop. That is was basically for people who were sedentary and really did nothing all day. So I did and was much happier just counting calories.0
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