weightwatchers opinions please

I've never done WW, but I worked with a group of ladies that did. They spent their entire day talking endlessly about points, and more times than not, it was how many oreos, chocolates, brownies, desserts, etc, they could eat before they would decide they would have to skip dinner entirely. The most insufferable group I've ever had to spend time around. None of them kept any weight off in the 7+ yearsi was around, but then, who can?

I didn't like the "new" WW point system......was not loosing weight. Found MFP.....have lost 21# since April. End of story.
The proof is in the numbers!

Just want to add that WW pedometer that you are referring to is called ActiveLink. It's essentially tracks your steps and exercise points. It's similar to a Fitbit only it doesn't have a display so you have to sync it in order to see your stats. It also costs $5 a month extra for the service. A Fitbit doesn't have a monthly fee. You pay for it upfront.

So....IMHO I would use a Fitbit with MFP. You'll save some money. Then again, everyone is different, and WW is great for some.

I've never done WW, but I worked with a group of ladies that did. They spent their entire day talking endlessly about points, and more times than not, it was how many oreos, chocolates, brownies, desserts, etc, they could eat before they would decide they would have to skip dinner entirely. The most insufferable group I've ever had to spend time around. None of them kept any weight off in the 7+ yearsi was around, but then, who can?

I really don't understand this argument against Weight Watchers (or similair programs). Those ladies would probably be exactly the same if they were just counting calories. It's not the fault of the program that they want to spend all their points on junk food, it's the fault of the person.

Agreed. But a main selling point is the support group. That is not an example of good support.

I've never done WW, but I worked with a group of ladies that did. They spent their entire day talking endlessly about points, and more times than not, it was how many oreos, chocolates, brownies, desserts, etc, they could eat before they would decide they would have to skip dinner entirely. The most insufferable group I've ever had to spend time around. None of them kept any weight off in the 7+ yearsi was around, but then, who can?

I really don't understand this argument against Weight Watchers (or similair programs). Those ladies would probably be exactly the same if they were just counting calories. It's not the fault of the program that they want to spend all their points on junk food, it's the fault of the person.

Agreed. But a main selling point is the support group. That is not an example of good support.

Yeah, but the weight watchers leaders aren't standing up there and telling those ladies to spend their points eating oreos and brownies and skipping dinner is fine. You really get what you put into it, and if those ladies are determined to eat their oreos by the bag and use their points on them, they're going to find an excuse to do it.

I do agree that this can be a problem with the program though. You have to be willing to want to learn because the meetings do teach little lessons on healthy eating. But I think some people might go to the meetings and not really learn anything because they think just being there is going to make them magically lose weight.

I'm doing WW Online & have lost 3 lbs so far in a week. I do find myself hungry all the time & spend my points in no time.

To be fair I HATE fruit & vegetables & the only way I can eat them is by juicing them. So I am having a juice dinner (sometimes made up of 10 fruits!) & thought this was healthy but from what other people have been saying fruit shouldn't be free?

Now I'm scared I'm going to gain a whole load of weight when I thought I was being good!

I'm doing WW Online & have lost 3 lbs so far in a week. I do find myself hungry all the time & spend my points in no time.

To be fair I HATE fruit & vegetables & the only way I can eat them is by juicing them. So I am having a juice dinner (sometimes made up of 10 fruits!) & thought this was healthy but from what other people have been saying fruit shouldn't be free?

Now I'm scared I'm going to gain a whole load of weight when I thought I was being good!

I haven't done the plan in years but I don't think fruit JUICE was free, so you might want to check that.

Ok, I KNOW refried beans aren't free on points. :laugh:

They do have some alternative-to-counting programs that have you eat primarily from lists of healthy, filling foods. It wouldn't surprise me if the fat-free canned refried beans were on that list.

People can and do learn to stop eating at normal portions of healthy foods.

Well the individual fruit is free, & I'm just juicing it raw so I don't think it adds points?

However, just weighed myself after 2 weeks on it & gained weight. I've been in tears because I haven't cheated & have gone to the gym every night for an hour. I weigh more than when I started

Well the individual fruit is free, & I'm just juicing it raw so I don't think it adds points?

However, just weighed myself after 2 weeks on it & gained weight. I've been in tears because I haven't cheated & have gone to the gym every night for an hour. I weigh more than when I started

Yes juicing fruit adds points. Also fruit in recipes counts. Fruits are free in order to encourage people to eat more whole fruits and veggies. The fibre in the whole fruit makes it much more filling than juice. Also, most leaders will tell you right off the bat that eating more than three fruits a day without counting points will sabotage your losses. If I eat more than three fruits, I use the points calculator to see how many points it would be based on nutritional values, and add those points to my journal.

For the people talking about WW members spending all their points on junk food, those members are doing it wrong. There are requirements for produce, dairy, and healthy fats, and it's pretty hard to meet them without having at least 2 real food meals daily.
Also the junk is very high in points and eventually you just get too hungry and start looking for lower point options to fill you up.

Exercise is very much encouraged; the recommendation is to get 4 activity points daily, which is equivalent to about an hour if walking or a 30 minute run.

It is not for everyone, but it is a sound program. My mom has been on and off for most of my life. When she does regain, it is usually a few years later and it's because she has gone back to eating too many wings and too much beer (her words).

I am currently using the points app because I find it helps to guide me to healthier choices. I eat a lot more fruit and veggies than before and less processed food.

The app is much more reliable than it used to be, but sadly the database still sucks.

If you need a meeting setting you might see if there is TOPS group close to you. Much cheaper. And I have done WW, and see family use it. Big secret they don't tell you is their success rate overall isn't any better than going it on your own. It is like anything else...it is a tool...if you use it, then it will work for you...if you don't use it like it is intended and start fudging on it...then it wont.