Why Doesn't Weight Watchers Work?
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TimothyFish wrote: »I think you answered your own question. It doesn't work because there are calories in everything. It would be possible to get fat eating nothing but fruit. When you include other things in your diet and then add fruit on top of that, those extra calories start adding up. I'm sure WW works fine for people who don't care to eat fruits and vegetables.
Actually WW doesn't say you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want. I went 3 years ago, and it was recommended to do only 5 servings at 0 points. And some did have points, like avocado and peas and corn. Just like with MFP, you get out what you put in.
But I like MFP better.
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ninasharpe228 wrote: »booksandchocolate12 wrote: »If a pound of strawberries = 145 calories, that translates to about 4 points. so yes, that's definitely doable. But I remember reading on the WW boards about a woman who couldn't understand why she wasn't losing and then revealed that she was eating an entire watermelon every day.
My point (no pun intended) is that there are no "free" foods. Zero points does not mean free. I really think that when leaders explain the program to new members they need to stress this more, because so many people come away from their first meeting with the idea that they can eat as many fruits and veggies as they want.
This is so true. A few weeks a go a mini argument started in a meeting because a new member was upset that someone mentioned eating too much fruit. "But aren't fruits free" was thrown all around the room which is what got me thinking on this subject. I don't know if it's selective hearing on my part or others, but whenever I talk to someone about why they love the plan, the free things comes up. Thinking back, the amount of fruits I insisted on every day (including days I went over my allowance into the 49 extras) means I was probably not eating at a deficit at all. I think I'll stick with MFP for this reason. I like all my calories where I can see them.
When I was doing WW, fruits were not "free" but non-starchy veggies were. It made sense to me to be able to make a giant salad with greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, etc and only have to count the dressing. It made much less sense when they added in fruits.
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TimothyFish wrote: »I think you answered your own question. It doesn't work because there are calories in everything. It would be possible to get fat eating nothing but fruit. When you include other things in your diet and then add fruit on top of that, those extra calories start adding up. I'm sure WW works fine for people who don't care to eat fruits and vegetables.
Actually WW doesn't say you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want. I went 3 years ago, and it was recommended to do only 5 servings at 0 points. And some did have points, like avocado and peas and corn. Just like with MFP, you get out what you put in.
But I like MFP better.
I've never done Weight Watchers, so I had no way of knowing that. To me, "free" seems to indicate that you can have as much as you want, since it wouldn't push you over the point limit. If you are supposed to limit yourself to 5 servings, then it appears that Weight Watchers has a communication problem with some of the people who sign up for it.0 -
jessica22222 wrote: »Ww works. I tried it and lost weight. I gained it back. What failed for me is you're taking an extra step changing calories into points. I could never wrap my head around the points system.
This is what I always think. I've never done WW, so maybe there's some benefit I don't see, but if you are going to count why not go with the actual calories?0 -
TimothyFish wrote: »TimothyFish wrote: »I think you answered your own question. It doesn't work because there are calories in everything. It would be possible to get fat eating nothing but fruit. When you include other things in your diet and then add fruit on top of that, those extra calories start adding up. I'm sure WW works fine for people who don't care to eat fruits and vegetables.
Actually WW doesn't say you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want. I went 3 years ago, and it was recommended to do only 5 servings at 0 points. And some did have points, like avocado and peas and corn. Just like with MFP, you get out what you put in.
But I like MFP better.
I've never done Weight Watchers, so I had no way of knowing that. To me, "free" seems to indicate that you can have as much as you want, since it wouldn't push you over the point limit. If you are supposed to limit yourself to 5 servings, then it appears that Weight Watchers has a communication problem with some of the people who sign up for it.
This I would agree with.
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ninasharpe228 wrote: »SingRunTing wrote: »Weight watchers worked for me when I actually stuck with it. I think I did it before the "free" fruits and veggies though.
My downfall with weight watchers was that it didn't give me enough points (calories). I was hungry all the time and would give up eventually. I'd rather eat a little more and lose a little slower with a plan that I can actually stick to. That's why MFP works better for me.
I was talking to my bf about this, why did they switch from the former model. It seems like allowing for fruits and veggies made a lot more sense than their current model.
I remember reading an article when they made the switch to 'free' fruits and why they were suddenly free when previously they had two points or four points. WW saw people choosing 'unhealthier' options instead of the fruit. The example in the article was pretzels, I believe, instead of an apple. A snack pack of pretzels had fewer points than the apple for whatever reason so people were eating the pretzels and missing out on the fiber, vitamins, etc that the apple has. The reasoning was that making fruit have zero points, people would be more likely to eat those and get more nutrition out of their food.
It's been so long since the change was made that I would not be able to find that article again if you paid me a million dollars. Heck, it might have been on the WW site because I used them for a couple months and read tons of stuff on the site.
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Weight Watchers does work, but you have to read the instructions, and follow it, just like any other plan..... Just because they believe that they cater to mostly adults who can read and follow the instructions, does not make it their fault when people eat seven bananas or a whole watermelon each day and then blame it on the plan.....0
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Weight Watchers work's just fine. It's one of the most successful approaches to weight loss in the world. They've consistently updated their approach to keep up with nutritional guidelines. Anyone who follows their program will lose weight successfully. I used their program successfully for years.
My issue with them was my unwillingness to integrate the point system into my daily life. My sister-in-law is a long time member and has been successful at using the point system with no argument as well as maintaining her weight for years. And once you get to maintenance, the plan is free. Also, since it's a paid program, you are not bombarded with ads and spam on the forums.
Short of referring someone to a dietician, my recommendation to anyone looking to address a weight issue would be either WW or MFP.0 -
WW worked for me for my first 30lbs. Then I just stopped losing weight, and it was not until I joined MFP and looked at my macros that my weight started dropping again. I think WW works well for people who have a lot to lose, but when it comes to the last 10/20/30lbs, it's just not accurate enough anymore.0
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I lost over 30 pounds on the "old" WW points system. I was still in maintenance when they converted to the "new" Points Plus system and it did not work for me at all (I gained while following it). I think they've adjusted it since then because that happened to a lot of people (when they first rolled it out there wasn't a limit on fruit and the minimum points level was 26). I'm not sure what changed, though, because that's when I left WW.
The minimum points were set too high if you were already focused on healthier foods and the free fruit (even just 5 servings) does really add up. For example, two bananas in a day is only 4 servings, but it's 240 calories! If you're on 1200 calories for weight loss (as I am), then that's 20% of your daily allotment. In order to avoid gaining, I had to be really vigilant of what I was eating, in addition to the points, which just made it too much work (more than simply calorie counting because you end up counting calories and points).
I prefer MFP now because it's free and allows me to adjust things more transparently based on my own needs. I agree with Arliah, too, that the new WW system seems to work better at helping people who have more to lose and who need to learn healthy eating habits (it really does help with that).0 -
This exactly. Following the weight watchers plan is to focus on what you're eating, not just eating all of the zero points you want.I've never done WW, but from what I've seen, some people take "free" to mean "free-for-all" and eat all the fruits and vegetables they want. Which can add up. And if you aren't counting calories, that can destroy your deficit.
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Fruits have hella calories. People commonly grouping "fruits and veggies" together like they're in the same category is very misguided, IMO. The only thing they have in common is that they're closer to their origin as plants than most things people eat.
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booksandchocolate12 wrote: »Weight Watchers does work, until you stop doing it. That's true for any weight loss plan, even counting calories.
Please go back and read your WW materials. Nowhere does it say that you can eat all the fruits and vegetables that you want.
This totally! I was more successful on WW then on MFP. Sadly I could no longer afford WW so I'll try to stick to this but I think I need to go back to WW. As far as "free" fruits and veggies, they try to encourage you eat that instead of cake and cookies but I agree that NOWHERE does it say you can eat fruits and veggies all you want. Everything in moderation.0 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »jessica22222 wrote: »Ww works. I tried it and lost weight. I gained it back. What failed for me is you're taking an extra step changing calories into points. I could never wrap my head around the points system.
This is what I always think. I've never done WW, so maybe there's some benefit I don't see, but if you are going to count why not go with the actual calories?
I had a friend get upset with me when I said this same thing. Her logic was that WW's point system "encourages" you to make better nutritional choices. As I told her, I don't doubt that but I feel I am capable of making those choices on my own. Perhaps some people need the guidance? Maybe? Makes no sense to me either.0 -
I have had SO MUCH SUCCESS with WW, currently lost 90 and still have about 20ish to go. I like to experiment a little and I was told at the beginning of this life style change that I deserve a free day, so I gave myself a "free" day and i ate...the next day my stomach hurt so bad and I felt that when I let myself go I had to make up what I messed up on the day previous. With any diet excersise should be part of the plan. I shattered and almost lost my leg a yard ago because I fell down the stairs at 90 pounds heavier hence why I lost weight. I started running, doing zumba and walking and my body loves it, and so do i! Any diet comes with sacrifice and hard work, it hasn't been easy to get to this point, but time passes either way and looking back I DID IT! And so can you!!! Stick to it!
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I also believe weight watchers does work. They do tell you to limit your "free" fruits & veggies to five servings a day. You should also make sure you weigh everything! It's surprising sometimes how much a "serving" really is!
even with 5 servings i can abuse the WW system lol easily
i love avocado.....( almost 300 calories for 1 soooo 1500 calories only for eating 5 avocados) And yes really i loveee avocado so would eat them.
Of course this is silly but what i mean with this is, that when you dont count calories and you eat to much you gain weight! Even with the rule 5 servings only.
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TheOwlhouseDesigns wrote: »I also believe weight watchers does work. They do tell you to limit your "free" fruits & veggies to five servings a day. You should also make sure you weigh everything! It's surprising sometimes how much a "serving" really is!
even with 5 servings i can abuse the WW system lol easily
i love avocado.....( almost 300 calories for 1 soooo 1500 calories only for eating 5 avocados) And yes really i loveee avocado so would eat them.
Of course this is silly but what i mean with this is, that when you dont count calories and you eat to much you gain weight!
But one serving of avocado can't be the whole avocado, just a portion of it, right. It's still common sense.
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WEight watchers was the one thing that actually worked for me the best. I grant you I have gained back my weight. But when on weight watchers I lost fastest and kept it off the longest. I worked for weight watchers and had to quit my job when I moved and then I got Prego with my 2nd kiddo and gained it all back and just don't have the time and money to get back into meetings :-(0
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thats why i said its silly to do so...and indeed common sense. But a lot of people dont want to use that when they see the words "free"
After all every diet works as long as you eat a deficit, its quit simple lol
And everybody should chose what suits them best. And use common sense indeed.
For me that is weighing all my food and counting0 -
TheOwlhouseDesigns wrote: »thats why i said its silly to do so...and indeed common sense. But a lot of people dont want to use that when they see the words "free"
After all every diet works as long as you eat a deficit, its quit simple lol
And everybody should chose what suits them best. And use common sense indeed.
For me that is weighing all my food and counting
I agree. I prefer weighing and counting, too.
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WW is just a simplified form of calorie counting. Like anything else it won't work if you aren't prescriptive in your counting. Also not counting fruits may be detrimental to your progress. I prefer MFP because I like looking at all the variables rather than just assigning "points" to food.0
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TheOwlhouseDesigns wrote: »I also believe weight watchers does work. They do tell you to limit your "free" fruits & veggies to five servings a day. You should also make sure you weigh everything! It's surprising sometimes how much a "serving" really is!
even with 5 servings i can abuse the WW system lol easily
i love avocado.....( almost 300 calories for 1 soooo 1500 calories only for eating 5 avocados) And yes really i loveee avocado so would eat them.
Of course this is silly but what i mean with this is, that when you dont count calories and you eat to much you gain weight! Even with the rule 5 servings only.
Avocados still have points on WW, along with starchy veggies.
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I hear you on the strawberries. I eat 2 cups of blueberries for breakfast every day. When I did weight watchers in 2004 I had wild success, but after that they started Core, which let you eat high-fiber foods (including pasta!!!) without counting it. I can eat 1,000 calories or more of whole wheat pasta and fat-free mozzarella cheese no problem. All the weight I'd lost came flooding back. They obviously did away with that horrible idea less than a year later, but by then I had dropped out. . I haven't had any success with WW since then. The system now, with its high point values for whole foods, pushes you into totally fake foods with loads of sugar alcohols and fiber and protein additives, which in me cause uncontrollable cravings and leads to never feeling full. Compare to MFP and clean eating - I just had 200 calories of shrimp with olive oil and a cob of corn with butter and I feel fantastically satisfied. Don't know if that's the whole explanation, but it's been my experience. 0
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TheOwlhouseDesigns wrote: »I also believe weight watchers does work. They do tell you to limit your "free" fruits & veggies to five servings a day. You should also make sure you weigh everything! It's surprising sometimes how much a "serving" really is!
even with 5 servings i can abuse the WW system lol easily
i love avocado.....( almost 300 calories for 1 soooo 1500 calories only for eating 5 avocados) And yes really i loveee avocado so would eat them.
Of course this is silly but what i mean with this is, that when you dont count calories and you eat to much you gain weight! Even with the rule 5 servings only.
Avocados still have points on WW, along with starchy veggies.
Dang what a shame
but more comfortable and it make more sense to eat it all and just count the calories i consume.
Feeling happy that way.
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TIL that free isn't the same as free according to common sense.0
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LiftAllThePizzas wrote: »TIL that free isn't the same as free according to common sense.
When I was in WW, they weren't free. They were 0 points, and to be used in moderation (about 5 servings). It's possible some leaders made them out to be free. But it is common sense. And reading directions. And all those things you complain about here on MFP.
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booksandchocolate12 wrote: »Weight Watchers does work, until you stop doing it. That's true for any weight loss plan, even counting calories.
Please go back and read your WW materials. Nowhere does it say that you can eat all the fruits and vegetables that you want.
This totally! I was more successful on WW then on MFP. Sadly I could no longer afford WW so I'll try to stick to this but I think I need to go back to WW. As far as "free" fruits and veggies, they try to encourage you eat that instead of cake and cookies but I agree that NOWHERE does it say you can eat fruits and veggies all you want. Everything in moderation.
Just out of curiosity I've done some googling tonight about WW, and I was able to find everything online for free, including online calculators to find my points, and also to calculate my food into points. If the system is a better fit for you it would be pretty easy to do it for free 0 -
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If you get a good leader, the meetings can be awesome and worth the membership fees.
Like anything, WW works if followed properly.
I am a former WW member. I'm sticking with MFP because I don't want to pay, and because I just prefer counting calories instead of points.0 -
Weight Watchers originally used an exchange system (there were several that came up after WWII). They switched to points sometime in the 90s. Either way, it's a proxy for calorie counting. That made a whole lot of sense when nutrition labels were non-existant or not well standardized, and detailed food databases hadn't come around yet. You can pick from a list, measure out the right portion, and the calories tend to fall in the right range to allow for losing weight. WW was one of the better programs and included a good social support program.
Now with apps like MFP and several others, calorie counting is not as labor intensive as it was prior to 2000. So we have more ways to accomplish that goal, and that's a good thing.0
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