What do you guys think about Weight Watchers?

I generally am not inclined to programs like "weight watchers" "Jenny Craig" "Nutri-system" because of how expensive they could be. I already pay a lot of money for a gym membership. But I just found out today that my employer has a relationship with Weight Watchers and because of that, I'd only have to pay $7 a month for a membership....so now I'm thinking, should I try it being that it's right there and basically, almost free compared to the $200-$300 a month people normally pay for those kinda things.

Is Weight Watchers really effective? Some opinions on this please :)
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Replies

  • I did weight watchers on the mobile version and I really liked it! it was very easy to follow and easy to navigate. Im currently doing the medifast diet and yes it is expensive but I wanted to have a quick jump start to my weight loss journey.
  • ashleey1000
    ashleey1000 Posts: 256 Member
    I think it's a good program but u can basically do all the same things on here for free.
  • rekite2000
    rekite2000 Posts: 218 Member
    IMO- just another form of calorie counting. I did online and was frustrated how small the database was. I often used MFP to figure out points in recipes and stuff. The barcode is also limited. I get everything on MFP that I got with weight watcher, but for free. I just really like knowing more about my food than just a point value. That is just what I need to be successful.
  • EmilyAnn89
    EmilyAnn89 Posts: 564 Member
    It was a waste of money for me. Anything I could do with weight watchers I do here for free.
  • Guisma
    Guisma Posts: 215
    scheme
  • slainger
    slainger Posts: 150 Member
    I've done WW in the past, and have longer more continued success logging on MFP. The thing I think that makes WW the hardest is converting everything to points, when its so much easier to count calories. However, the meetings were fantastic for gaining knowledge on nutrition, the encouragement received, and the motivation of weighing in every week in front of someone else is beneficial. For $7 a month, it would be worth it for the meetings/classes alone, if you are into that kind of thing.
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    Works for some people. I was never fond of the food.
  • emtjmac
    emtjmac Posts: 1,320 Member
    I think that anything that isn't sustainable for a lifetime is probably not worth the expense or effort for most people. Your time would be better spent learning how to eat in the real world vs. learning to eat by some sort of arbitrary "system".
  • leishamaree
    leishamaree Posts: 62 Member
    I started on WW and joined MFP later for added support. On WW I have lost 65lbs, and really enjoy the programme. I think the reason some people find it a bit simple is because they do the points part and thats it. There is a lot of fantastic science, thinking and 24/7 support available on WW, and I personally think it is a great programme.

    Yes you can get some of the same stuff on MFP, but sometimes counting calories doesn't work for everyone, and they may need to look at weight loss from a different perspective :-)
  • KenosFeoh
    KenosFeoh Posts: 1,837 Member
    At first it was fun, but by 3 months in I was sick and tired of calculating points. It's not exactly like counting calories. Here, 100 calories of greek yogurt = 100 calories of cheesecake, but they'd work out quite different in WW points. I liked that aspect because I do not believe that all calories are created equal.
  • doc800
    doc800 Posts: 148
    My experience is only through a friend and I will share it. For this person it has been a blessing. They need to lose a lot of weight and the person also has zero confidence. To the point where I would go to the gym, after I worked out just to be a friendly face to them. This is what I witnessed, The weekend weigh ins have been a boost to the ego. combined with the gym and WW they have been losing almost 2 pounds a week. I no longer have to go to the gym as they feel that weight loss is possible.

    So, if you need a little extra structure and motivation to get started then as I have seen, it can be great.
  • pastancil
    pastancil Posts: 10
    I combine the best parts of WW and MFP---I don't count "points" but just calories as per MFP. I don't use WW online because it is not as easy as MFP and their database is smaller. I use WW for "accountability". I go in faithfully every week to weigh, but don't attend the meetings. Just the fact that someone actually sees my weight loss (or lack thereof) makes me be careful all week. I actually reached my ultimate goal about 3 or 4 months ago and now go in weekly to weigh just to be accountable to someone and (so far) it has really helped me avoid the temptations that have always led to gaining the weight back. I would surely take advantage of $7.00/month!!! Great deal!
  • kayaksara
    kayaksara Posts: 157 Member
    I liked weight watchers when I went about 10 - 15 years ago. Another way to log but I lost and maintained for years. For $7 I would even do it now. Meetings can be inspiring.
  • devil_in_a_blue_dress
    devil_in_a_blue_dress Posts: 5,214 Member
    I lost weight on WW and worked for them --- IMO, don't. Just don't. They are overly focused on the BMI, with very little focus on providing facts and accurate acknowledge about nutrition.

    Their focus is to make money (ie keep you from your goals because then it's free). Use a free site and don't fool yourself into thinking fruit doesn't have calories.
  • Lind140
    Lind140 Posts: 140 Member
    Go for it! I love Weight Watchers and would gladly go if I could still afford it.
    They helped me lose over 100 pounds, and the fellowship with the
    other members was great. I learned more about food and nutrition there
    than anywhere else and a good leader can answer questions and help
    if you have problems. Good Luck!
    Linda
  • A lot of people have had great success with it. That being said, I only lost about a pound total after three months on the program. It works for some people, does not work for others.
  • postrockandcats
    postrockandcats Posts: 1,145 Member
    I know people who were successful at it and I've know people who weren't successful at it. Of those three, I think WW is the best of the mix, though. They seem like they try to teach you how to eat properly, not just stuffing you full of diet food. That said, you have to be willing to walk the walk with any diet change in your life :)
  • olDave
    olDave Posts: 557 Member
    As a lifetime member of WW, I have nothing negative to say about it. I haven't attended a meeting in 20 years though.

    I do however tell people all the time that the program one chooses is not as important as whether they are ready to make a lifetime change. That undescribable "click" has to occur in one's psyche before any significant changes in life can be made.

    Good luck with whatever path you choose.:smile:
  • misskerouac
    misskerouac Posts: 2,242 Member
    I've learnt more about fitness and nutrition on MFP along with researching on my own than I ever did on WW.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    My mom did WW years ago and lost a ton of weight...which was good, but it never really taught her a whole lot about proper nutrition or true calories in/out because it was all just points. It worked for her actual, initial weight loss, but left her in no mans land when it came to maintenance and especially when it came to fueling her new love of fitness.

    She's been calorie counting and macro counting now for about 8 years and has benefited greatly from that as she has learned what her body actually needs fuel wise, particularly as she's turned into quite the gym rat over the last decade or so. She's almost unrecognizable from the mom I knew growing up...she's now a triathlete and she's also big time in the weight room @ 60 years old.

    My personal opinion is that weight watchers is just a different form of counting...instead of actual calories, you're counting points. I don't really see the appeal when you can count calories for free. I guess the one benefit would be going to the meetings, etc if you're into that kind of thing.
  • Nerdybreisawesome
    Nerdybreisawesome Posts: 359 Member
    It wouldnt hurt to try it. The old program I lost 70lbs. The new program I can't lose an ounce so personally I don't like it.
  • misskerouac
    misskerouac Posts: 2,242 Member
    I lost weight on WW and worked for them --- IMO, don't. Just don't. They are overly focused on the BMI, with very little focus on providing facts and accurate acknowledge about nutrition.

    Their focus is to make money (ie keep you from your goals because then it's free). Use a free site and don't fool yourself into thinking fruit doesn't have calories.

    I KNOW RIGHT!
    I remember one of our leaders saying she had 3 bananas that day, I was like "Ummm that's like 300 calories??? How the hell does this equate to 0 points?"
  • Isakizza
    Isakizza Posts: 754 Member
    Once I learned the program I did it on my own for free for a couple yrs. It helped a bit and I did lose about 20 lbs on it. But honestly the most success I've had for over all weight loss & fitness is here on MFP alone. I love it so much better than any program I've tried in the past.
    I personally think it's all about commitment. WW or MFP, if you don't dedicate yourself and stay committed for the long run, you won't have the success you are looking for.
  • sszbarber
    sszbarber Posts: 45 Member
    I thought the expense was NOT worth it for me when I could do basically the same thing and get support through MFP......Another less expensive option is TOPS....take of pounds sensibly....weekly weigh ins, support group and cost is minimal. 34 for a year and 50 cents a week. I guess it all boils down to what you want to get out of joining the group? The accountability, the support, the program........there is pros and cons to everything. Make a list and decide if it is worth the expense. To me with many children and not a lot of money it is not, but to others it is. Best of Luck!
  • sszbarber
    sszbarber Posts: 45 Member
    Great thoughts!
  • blaaaaah
    blaaaaah Posts: 11
    I find Weight Watchers & all related things to just be terrible. While it may help lose weight, it's a calorie restriction diet which essentially depletes your muscle mass & that's why you experience a weight loss. If you do it for long enough, you'll also reach a plateau. They simply aren't effective in the long term - you get a large spike of weight loss followed by a plateau & slowly gaining it back (sometimes plus interest).
    It's the same with if you ever stop doing Weight Watchers.

    If you really feel the need/want to do it, then go ahead. But just know that it isn't really the healthiest way to lose weight, despite the way they market it. It's also interesting to note that all these companies - Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig etc - are owned by a larger company and often they are the companies who produce chocolate bars & other high calorie, not-so-good-for-you products.

    TL;DR - I guess what I'm trying to say is it presents a false sense of healthiness. If that makes sense.
  • bsmith404
    bsmith404 Posts: 333 Member
    I love Weight Watchers. It's the only program where I lost weight and kept it off. I don't know why I do this to myself but I always reach goal, stop WW thinking I can do it on my own and then gain up to 20lbs and then start again:( I had no problem counting points. You get so used to it. I wanted to try something different this time so I am trying to count calories. I'm giving counting calories until June and I have yet to lose weight but I have not been counting calories religously like I should so I only have myself to blame. I've been doing good so we'll see but I can see myself going back to WW.
  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,831 Member
    I've belonged to Weight Watchers several times since the 1970s and each time I learned more about eating right and lost weight that stayed off for several years. I'd recommend Weight Watchers to anyone starting out who doesn't know much about healthy eating and portion control. Yes, everything you do with Weight Watchers you can do here but the going through a set of weekly meetings (you'll know when they start getting repetitive) you will learn a great deal.

    The Weight Watchers points systems rewards eating healthy food and reminds you that you have to pay for unhealthy, weight-gain-inducing foods. So, for example, you might be able to eat unlimited amounts of green beans for zero or very few points, but eat bread, French fries, etc., and the points will add up fast.

    So, I'm not going to Weight Watchers now because I don't need it but I wouldn't have missed those times I did it for anything. It really taught me the basics.
  • iggyboo93
    iggyboo93 Posts: 524 Member
    I've done WW, Jenny Craig and TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) - I had the best luck with TOPS for some reason. All the programs held you accountable at the weekly weigh in. I would have to say that you generally get out what you put in. I had a much better sense of community with TOPS. WW was OK but I never got to know people in my group. Jenny Craig was like being an Army of One - I only really talked with my "counselor".
  • lveh8lve
    lveh8lve Posts: 162 Member
    I've done Weight watchers (I reached goal and lifetime status) and Medifast (baby vomit). Weight Watchers is expensive over time and you get dependent on the system. When I found MFP It was like a whole new world to me. And I had that WW motivation ON MY PHONE!! I can't post a status like "OMG Work making me go out to mexican for lunch! What can I eat" And my friends give me advice before we hit the restaurant. It's a built in support system!

    I also found the WW website & mobile apps (I havent used them in about a year) very clunky and most food wasn't in there. MFP works much better and it's FREE!!!

    Im my eyes, WW is a waste of money. It's the same thing as MFP but with smaller numbers.