Weight Watchers?? Love it or no?

I am a former WW user, I lost 45lbs on the old program in 2005. It was fantastic for me because I had 27pts and once my points were gone, that was it. For me, that was really helpful. I managed to keep the weight off for 4 years.

Then I started back on the new program (currently being used by WW) and failed. Just failed miserably. Don't like the new program at all. it works for some, but the new program doesn't work at all for me. I don't know if it's because I'm so used to the old program or what, but the new one :sad:

my wife does WW, and I thought about not giving my opinion for fear that it would tick off my favorite MFP friend, but she already posted that she hates the new system (which my wife does).

Lets just say there are things I don't like about it, especially for individuals doing lots of strength training. Just some foods I think are overpointed.

For example, under the points plus system I ate 70 points yesterday...and if I ate everyday like yesterday I'd still be losing weight/fat.

It worked for me for a while, and then I started gaining weight again even though I was following the program. Nobody could explain why so I just gave it up.

I think it's a decent program, but not worth the money. It doesn't do anything for you that you can't do for yourself.

So it's basically like counting calories only it's converted into points? There's nothing special about it?

Yes, the program is basically couting points, instead of calories. they use fiber, protien, carbs, etc to give each food a 'point' value and then you get so many points a day with a weekly allowance also.

The only thing, IMO, worth paying WW for is the meetings if you need face to face interaction and accountablilty and a group weigh in setting. Other than that, MFP calorie counting make life 300% easier than trying to figure out point values, and its free.

It has the same foundation as MFP, calories in, calories out, but in points form. It can be educational for those that don't know about living a healthy lifestyle (good nutrition, how to cook healthy, how to eat out healthy, how to begin exercise). I am still a member and on here becuase I use the weekly weigh in as a way to stay accountable. The exercise resources are a little weak, but I have personal trainer friends that have helped me as I advanced beyond basics. I know others who join for a few months, once they've grabbed the basics they can do it on their own (or with the help of MFP, spark people etc.). I think if you want in person support it can be helpful, but if you are just doing online I don't know if it is that much different from MFP. I lost 25lbs via weight watchers but hit a mental/physical roadblock so switched up how I was tracking by joining MFP. You can always do a month trial, if you don't like it, super easy to cancel.

It really works for some, others lose, gain and keep coming back, and others don't like it. You'll have to try for yourself. You could find stuff online to find the old programs but they've rolled out the new 360 program to help deal with your "environment," honestly to me it's common sense (carry healthy snacks with you, stock your house full of healthy things, try to pair produce with everymeal...tips you can get on here on other sound weight loss/health sites). If you follow the program truthfully, you will lose.

I think it's a decent program, but not worth the money. It doesn't do anything for you that you can't do for yourself.

So it's basically like counting calories only it's converted into points? There's nothing special about it?

Well when my mom was doing it, yeah, it's basically calorie counting.
They do a group support thing too with meetings and weigh-ins.
And you get to take home nifty swag like a fiber-protein-calorie-point conversion slider chart made of recycled cardboard and paper.

Say what you will, but the point converter was neat.

If you are thinking of found WW online, just stick to MFP and save your money.

If you will be going to meetings, some people need the monitored weigh ins to keep them honest and some people need face to face interactions to feel supported. If that is you, it is worth it.

I have done WW for many years and a lot of the different programs over the years and all have worked for me, I just got lazy and back to old habits.

Thats said, I started WW back in November 2009 after my son was born, and went back and forth on it and doing it in my head and since then I have lost around 85-90 pounds depending on the day. I also like counting calories so I use this site when I need to count calories instead of points to give me a break and switch it up.

I love WW and once you know the program, you shouldn't have to pay for it anymore.

Yes, there IS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT IT....it in a say, does convert calories to points...but it isn't just calories...it he calulator Evaluates the QUALITY OF THE FOOD you are eating...higher pt value for foods with Hugh carb and fat content...lower pts for those with higher fiber and protien content.
I am a WW Online member and LOVE it!

It is affordable, (costs for a month what 1 meeting costs.)"""it has tons of tools to use,...and quick strategy advice in MY SPACES in the website/app. I t is worth your time...I have 26 daily pts, but upped it to 29...you can earn more points through activity...and you get 49 pts every ek xtra, to use ...or not...a little at a time or all at once...TRY IT, you'll like it..
Sue

I do weight watchers along with my fitness pal, and I love the new points system. I started weight watchers January of 2012, and I lost 40 lbs. I just pay weekly, so if I can't make it to the meeting, I won't be charged. Being with people with the same challenges really helps me! It is a program I can live with. I am not depriving myself, but I am teaching myself when to stop! I had to choose a program that I can do the rest of my life, and I can do this! I am loosing slow, but this is the first time that I have kept it off! I do need to exercise more which I will do this year! Try it, and do what works for you!!!
Life is a gift...enjoy it and live! ????

I think it's a decent program, but not worth the money. It doesn't do anything for you that you can't do for yourself.

So it's basically like counting calories only it's converted into points? There's nothing special about it?

Yes, the program is basically couting points, instead of calories. they use fiber, protien, carbs, etc to give each food a 'point' value and then you get so many points a day with a weekly allowance also.

The only thing, IMO, worth paying WW for is the meetings if you need face to face interaction and accountablilty and a group weigh in setting. Other than that, MFP calorie counting make life 300% easier than trying to figure out point values, and its free.

^^ This. If MFP is working for you, then it's not really worth it. However, if you need the additional motivation, accountability and support, then it is. I've done it a few times. Granted the weight has always come back on, but that's me, not the program.

I totally agree about the food database...MFP a lot better....but, I still think the tools are way better on WW...also, the MFP app in general is way better....but I find it too generous with calories...I live the power foods on WW.
Actually, I track on both every day....very informative to see both...also, WW has a scanner app for your phone/iPod/iPad...AND a points calculator built in...it is all what works for each of us....

Stick with MFP... I am also someone who was very successful with past programs (lost 35 lbs twice-a baby was the reason I gained it back each time). I also failed miserably on the new program.

IMO-MFP is much better.
1. It is free
2. The database is so much better and so much more comprehensive.
3. The support here is great.
4. MFP emphasizes exercise so I really think it will be helpful in maintenance.