Weight Watchers vs. MFP

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Replies

  • StrongAndHealthyMommy
    StrongAndHealthyMommy Posts: 1,255 Member
    fitness pal: life change... learn how to eat well.

    weight watchers: diet= gain all the pounds back
  • I lost 43pds on WW and learned about portion control, reading labels ect.. but felt I like the meetings got repetitive and most of the focus was on points and food and not enough on exercise. They give you weekly points and activity points but they were totally optional if you wanted to use them. I was in the habit of hoarding points thinking the less I use the more weight I would lose but that wasn't the case. I feel like I'm learning more about nutrition here on MFP and I'm eating more because I eat back about 80% of my exercise calories and I'm losing way faster, and exercise a lot more.

    Also MFP's sit is way more user friendly. The mobile app is easier to use and the food database is way more extensive. Also, MFP IS FREE!!
  • eweedon
    eweedon Posts: 3
    I have done WW a few times and been successful every time, I think it is a good organization, however I am a complete convert to MFP! Obviously is is FREE!!! but I also just find it much more flexible and the food list is so much more extensive than WW.

    My other personal reason to favor MFP is that I have a Fitbit too and that automatically links into my MFP account which is awesome! Just makes the whole thing easier and a bit more fun that WW, it is very motivating to work towards more steps every day.

    Do you like your fitbit?

    I'm assuming WW and MFP are kinda the same?

    I love my fitbit!! I think it is quite expensive initially but completely worth it as it is really motivating. I have had a couple of teething problems but now I understand how it works more I think it is brilliant.

    I do set MFP to 'sedentary' though so that all my steps are giving my extra calories otherwise if you put an activity assumption into MFP you might not actually reach that level and then get a negative adjustment from Fitbit which can get confusing as it is hard to know how many calories you really have left for the rest of the day if you don't sync very regularly. This was I can only end up with extra calories rather than a deceit.

    WW and MFP are similar in terms of tracking what you eat but MFP uses simply calories whereas WW uses protein, carbs and fats in food to calculate a points value for that food and then you have a daily allowance of point to eat.
  • CCusedtodance
    CCusedtodance Posts: 237 Member
    I have done WW online and the meetings, several times in fact throughout my life and I LOVE MFP compared to either of them. Why?

    The message boards online at WW were not as supportive as here on MFP. I read a LOT of nasty comments from members at WW, especially if anyone mentioned the extra skin that comes from large weight loss. I did not like the atmosphere.

    The meetings varied greatly on the leader and their teaching style. Some leaders were fantastic and some just downright put me to sleep. I did not like the pressure some put on sales of the WW products either. Nothing like going to a live infomercial.

    The ever changing program at WW got to me too. They are constantly changing the program in order to get you to buy new scales, new calculators, new books. etc. They are definitely into profit and not always into making you successful. After all, the longer they keep you on the hook; the more money they will make.

    I found MFP two months ago and have since lost 13 pounds. It is free, has a GREAT support system and I find that using calories instead of points is a LOT EASIER. It also has taught me about TDEE, BMR and fitness. WW hardly touches on the actual teaching of fitness. Plus, it is a program that the professionals have been telling us for years work and it is not going to change. What you put into your mouth, must be less than the amount you burn or you will not lose. I finally get it!
  • honeylissabee
    honeylissabee Posts: 217 Member
    The WW boards are vicious. I was attacked and accused of being mentally ill for mentioning that I poured artificial sweetener over my fries to keep from eating more after I was completely satisfied. Honestly, even with following WW, I'm still using Sparkpeople and MFP for support and advice.
  • You don't have to pay a billion $ corporation money every month to tell you that you have a weight problem. Just look in the mirror.

    I have been using MFP and FitBit for over a year. These programs help me lead a normal life. Calories in calories out. MFT is easy to use. Love everything about it.

    Bottom line do what you need to do to lead a healthy life. It doesn't matter what you do, pay WW, free MyFitness Pal, purchase a FitBit. It's all good
  • tiggerlgh
    tiggerlgh Posts: 73 Member
    I realize MFP is free but at this time I feel both programs our helping me so I will do both. If it is working that's what counts, Good luck all

    This is me as well. WW has been working well for me, but I just started this again as well to help double track. Also paying for WW helps keep me accountable. I know this may not work for everyone but it helps me.

    I think both plans work well if you stick with them.

    I will say i see some posts here saying WW tells you what to eat. That has not been my experience at all, I can eat whatever I want. It has helped me make smarter choices but that is it.