Weight Watchers (my theory).
MondayJune22nd2015
Posts: 876 Member
I've never been a member of WW but I've read many threads concerning it because I was considering joining, not for the points but for the meetings. It's not that I need someone to hold my hand & reward me, it's that I have no social life because of my disability & figure that a group of local's, whom have the same interests/goals as me; would be a great avenue to acquire "associates", instead of "friends" because friends require so much more attention weekly, than someone that I'll only interact with; once a week & the associate relationship is built upon one specific subject/hobby (this has become a hobby for me, sort of like with the people; that go to car shows but don't have anything to do with each other, beyond that one hobby/interest).
Here's what I figure, concerning what I've read:
1 When WW members came to MFP & calculated what they consumed via their points, into calories here; they where under 1200 (for women) & exercise put them under, even further; hence why so many complain about feeling starving. I assume WW did/does this because if you under eat, you're more than likely to binge & thus not meet your weekly weight goal. If they keep you overweight, they keep you needy & thus they keep you paying.
2 I believe that the introduction of "free fruits", was meant to corral those; that didn't binge and/or binge enough, to put them over; their weekly goal weight. Fitness/nutrition isn't common sense & this possibly convinced some, to think that they can eat a ridiculous amount of fruits & still lose weight, only for that not to be so; when they get on the scale.
3 They don't factor in weight fluctuations via water retention, etc., so that they; charge you for that (If your a lifetime member & don't stay within 2 pounds, of your goal weight; when maintaining). I think this tactic just makes a person, feel defeated & then subsequently gain weight because of it, then attempt again to lose weight; via WW. This seems to me, to be an abusive relationship, that induces Stockholm Syndrome (WW helps one lose some weight because one did actually lose weight, WW will blame you (penalize you) & so those members'll also then, blame themselves; when their weight naturally fluctuates, they can't stick to under eating and/or overeat "free fruits" & can't attain/maintain their goal weight). myfitnesspal.com/blog/annekenlon/view/i-m-breaking-up-with-you-weight-watchers-but-can-we-still-be-friends-757840
4 Their meetings are more like "Tupperware parties" because they have their products on display, for sale & peddle them to you, during their meetings.
5 Another issue concerns cancelling the membership, I've read complaints from former members; about their inability to cancel their membership & still having automatic payments occur, after their cancellation. So I'd recommend (if possible) only using a gift card and/or a debit card, that you only put enough funds on; to cover known withdrawals & don't allow overdrafts, for that card (if applicable).
Any business that's charging you, isn't there for your benefit; just their own! Basically they want you to lose some weight but they don't want you, to maintain; that loss because then they'd go out of business, since their best customers; appear to be repeat customers. It's your responsibility to make the program benefit you, more than them. It's sort of like with grocery shopping, you can pay full price & get less for your money or you can acquire a member card (if applicable), go through their circular/competitors circulars, buy only on sale items/price match, clip corresponding coupons for those on sale items & stock up, so that you won't run out & then have to pay regular price & also without a coupon.
To me the price of the meetings only, seems reasonable because they have a brick & mortar store, to fund. However it's still above my current budget, so I'll ponder joining; within a few months. If I did join, I wouldn't use their points; I'd use CICO here (which would also ensure, that I achieve my expected weight loss there; as well) & if I did buy a consumable item, that they offer; I'd consider it a "treat" (as I do with Atkins/Slim Fast products).
Here's what I figure, concerning what I've read:
1 When WW members came to MFP & calculated what they consumed via their points, into calories here; they where under 1200 (for women) & exercise put them under, even further; hence why so many complain about feeling starving. I assume WW did/does this because if you under eat, you're more than likely to binge & thus not meet your weekly weight goal. If they keep you overweight, they keep you needy & thus they keep you paying.
2 I believe that the introduction of "free fruits", was meant to corral those; that didn't binge and/or binge enough, to put them over; their weekly goal weight. Fitness/nutrition isn't common sense & this possibly convinced some, to think that they can eat a ridiculous amount of fruits & still lose weight, only for that not to be so; when they get on the scale.
3 They don't factor in weight fluctuations via water retention, etc., so that they; charge you for that (If your a lifetime member & don't stay within 2 pounds, of your goal weight; when maintaining). I think this tactic just makes a person, feel defeated & then subsequently gain weight because of it, then attempt again to lose weight; via WW. This seems to me, to be an abusive relationship, that induces Stockholm Syndrome (WW helps one lose some weight because one did actually lose weight, WW will blame you (penalize you) & so those members'll also then, blame themselves; when their weight naturally fluctuates, they can't stick to under eating and/or overeat "free fruits" & can't attain/maintain their goal weight). myfitnesspal.com/blog/annekenlon/view/i-m-breaking-up-with-you-weight-watchers-but-can-we-still-be-friends-757840
4 Their meetings are more like "Tupperware parties" because they have their products on display, for sale & peddle them to you, during their meetings.
5 Another issue concerns cancelling the membership, I've read complaints from former members; about their inability to cancel their membership & still having automatic payments occur, after their cancellation. So I'd recommend (if possible) only using a gift card and/or a debit card, that you only put enough funds on; to cover known withdrawals & don't allow overdrafts, for that card (if applicable).
Any business that's charging you, isn't there for your benefit; just their own! Basically they want you to lose some weight but they don't want you, to maintain; that loss because then they'd go out of business, since their best customers; appear to be repeat customers. It's your responsibility to make the program benefit you, more than them. It's sort of like with grocery shopping, you can pay full price & get less for your money or you can acquire a member card (if applicable), go through their circular/competitors circulars, buy only on sale items/price match, clip corresponding coupons for those on sale items & stock up, so that you won't run out & then have to pay regular price & also without a coupon.
To me the price of the meetings only, seems reasonable because they have a brick & mortar store, to fund. However it's still above my current budget, so I'll ponder joining; within a few months. If I did join, I wouldn't use their points; I'd use CICO here (which would also ensure, that I achieve my expected weight loss there; as well) & if I did buy a consumable item, that they offer; I'd consider it a "treat" (as I do with Atkins/Slim Fast products).
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There are other groups for weight loss that are not a business model. I'm in Canada so I'm not sure about other places but we have a group called tops (taking off pounds sensibly) they meet one a week weigh in and encourage each other. A friend joined it and they helped her to meet her goals.0
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There are other groups for weight loss that are not a business model. I'm in Canada so I'm not sure about other places but we have a group called tops (taking off pounds sensibly) they meet one a week weigh in and encourage each other. A friend joined it and they helped her to meet her goals.
I am in the United States but I'll look into, if something similar; exists here. Thank you!
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See if there is an Overeaters Anonymous near you.
I was a member of Weight Watchers a few times. The first time I lost forty pounds and was very close to goal. If I could go back in time I would tell that younger self to be bold and insist on switching to maintenance.
I think the organization is committed to success for its members.
The meetings are motivational and supportive.0 -
I don't feel this way at all about the program other than the cost. The old days, meeting and online tools were included but now there are different plans. I lost 30 pounds and 5o pounds on the program (1-2 pounds a week). I didn't feel hungry, in fact I liked the forgiveness of eating my sinful indulgences and exercising/planning for them. I liked the people and advice that was given. Basically you have points and some free foods, but there is a strong correlation to exercise and how much you can eat. (Exercise = more points). The employees are all success stories of WW so if there is a problem then you can talk to somebody that understands.
Why am I fat now and not going back? Fat, was my fault and neglect of my physical health due to family crisis and drastic changes. I let anxiety and depression leave me not caring or having energy. (Plus is is easy to eat like crap and not exercise) I didn't want to admit to my family that I was having issues with self and health. WW was a counselor, confessional, and supportive.
Why I am not going back is that they still allowed a lot of processed foods and I am an addict and I tempted to stick to old habits. I also feel I need to walk the walk and do the things I was taught (log food and find something to do that makes me feel great). So I stopped the membership and am focusing on doing this differently, though if I had more self control I would consider rejoining.
I don't think WW is conspiring to keep us fat. There is enough profit from product, membership fees, and people out there that are looking for help. It does work and I am glad that it isn't medication and a fast fix. But, we all have to find our path and what works. So different strokes for different folks.0 -
See if there is an Overeaters Anonymous near you.
I was a member of Weight Watchers a few times. The first time I lost forty pounds and was very close to goal. If I could go back in time I would tell that younger self to be bold and insist on switching to maintenance.
I think the organization is committed to success for its members.
The meetings are motivational and supportive.
I'll look into that, as well. Thank you! 0 -
hayashiclan wrote: »I don't feel this way at all about the program other than the cost. The old days, meeting and online tools were included but now there are different plans. I lost 30 pounds and 5o pounds on the program (1-2 pounds a week). I didn't feel hungry, in fact I liked the forgiveness of eating my sinful indulgences and exercising/planning for them. I liked the people and advice that was given. Basically you have points and some free foods, but there is a strong correlation to exercise and how much you can eat. (Exercise = more points). The employees are all success stories of WW so if there is a problem then you can talk to somebody that understands.
Why am I fat now and not going back? Fat, was my fault and neglect of my physical health due to family crisis and drastic changes. I let anxiety and depression leave me not caring or having energy. (Plus is is easy to eat like crap and not exercise) I didn't want to admit to my family that I was having issues with self and health. WW was a counselor, confessional, and supportive.
Why I am not going back is that they still allowed a lot of processed foods and I am an addict and I tempted to stick to old habits. I also feel I need to walk the walk and do the things I was taught (log food and find something to do that makes me feel great). So I stopped the membership and am focusing on doing this differently, though if I had more self control I would consider rejoining.
I don't think WW is conspiring to keep us fat. There is enough profit from product, membership fees, and people out there that are looking for help. It does work and I am glad that it isn't medication and a fast fix. But, we all have to find our path and what works. So different strokes for different folks.
I forgot to mention, in my OP; that they also don't help you to wean off of them either. For me someone and/or a business that has a noble interest in my success, should be encouraging me by implying that; it'll be great when I don't need them anymore. I believe that the point system, keeps one dependent on the program because they don't teach anyone about CICO, without the use of the program & that's why it seems, that once someone ceases using them; they gain the weight back & thus have to return to WW, to start the process; all over again.0 -
I don't mean to be rude but if you have never been a member, how would you know all of this? My personal experience is WW is great and it does work. I lost 65 lbs, still have 20 to go. I still pay and attend meetings but need a break from points so I am trying this. The meetings are great. Tons of support and I've met people I talk to outside of the meetings. Please try it before you make such assumptions. Typically people only complain in posts so you tend to find more negative than positive.0
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I don't mean to be rude but if you have never been a member, how would you know all of this? My personal experience is WW is great and it does work. I lost 65 lbs, still have 20 to go. I still pay and attend meetings but need a break from points so I am trying this. The meetings are great. Tons of support and I've met people I talk to outside of the meetings. Please try it before you make such assumptions. Typically people only complain in posts so you tend to find more negative than positive.
I never made the claim, that I know anything. I used the words "I assume", "I believe", "I think", It seems", etc., those are opinions; based upon other's knowledge. It doesn't matter what the ratio of complaints, to compliments are; what matters is their experience & how I use that information, to decide whether or not; to join. It's not like it's 100% free, so current/former members are helping me to evaluate the pros/cons; through them & thus possibly saving me money, time, weight gain, frustration & disappointment.0 -
Just wanted to add that going to Weight Watchers previously helped me because it made me aware of a large group of people that were also eating in a healthy manner like I was.
I was having hard time losing weight because I felt so deprived of what I wanted to eat. My husband was tall and very thin and could eat anything. Then the TV commercials were telling me I "could have it my way". I did want to lose weight but did not want to eat less and miss out on what others were able to eat.
Now I am at a different stage in my life. It does not matter as much if I have to eat less. I am more comfortable eating less calories and MFP works well for me. I am losing slowly, though.
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Quite the expert considering you've never been a member. Not one of the things you listed is even close to my experience with WW. I joined ww again (quit without a single issue when I was working full time and going to law school at night - didn't have time to focus on my eating) because with MFP I wasn't spending my calories wisely, I was eating junk, hungry 100% of the time and absolutely miserable. WW really focuses on healthy eating, whole foods, nutritious choices. I love the meetings, my leader is so inspiring and I've never once been scolded or shamed for a weight fluctuation or even a big gain after a bad week. They know those things happen and life isn't all about the scale. Anyway to each their own, what works for me may not be right for you and vice versa and that's okay. No need to shame anyone for having a different path than you.0
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Weight watchers helped me to know what is healthy and best diet for me... MFP help me in calorie count, correct exercise and a lot of weight loss tips...0
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Ready2Rock206 wrote: »Quite the expert considering you've never been a member. Not one of the things you listed is even close to my experience with WW. I joined ww again (quit without a single issue when I was working full time and going to law school at night - didn't have time to focus on my eating) because with MFP I wasn't spending my calories wisely, I was eating junk, hungry 100% of the time and absolutely miserable. WW really focuses on healthy eating, whole foods, nutritious choices. I love the meetings, my leader is so inspiring and I've never once been scolded or shamed for a weight fluctuation or even a big gain after a bad week. They know those things happen and life isn't all about the scale. Anyway to each their own, what works for me may not be right for you and vice versa and that's okay. No need to shame anyone for having a different path than you.
Theory & expert aren't synonyms, I made no implication of having expertise (theory's antonym); concerning WW & how's my opinion, which is a reflection of other's whom're or were members, shaming them? Especially since I said that I might join myself, I'd be shaming myself then.0 -
I like it. I used to go to meetings but switched to online only. The things I like are that I have most of the points of foods I eat frequently, and keeping track of 40 points is a hell of a lot easier than 1800 calories if I can't get onto my WW app right away (I get a lot of points/calories because I'm nursing). Also, I like it that there are weekly points you can use however you want, so if you overindulge one day, you can just use those points and eat less on other days and it all balances out for the week. Technically, I could do the same thing with calories, but MFP is not set up to do that and I wouldn't know where to begin to do it on my own. Weight Watchers is just simpler to me. I did better when I went to the meetings though.0
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There are many different programs out there that can help you to lose weight. Someone here on MFP could say this is the best way because it works for them and it's free. But someone else may find counting calories and weighing everything they eat too demanding. Others may need the local meetings and a support system that Weight Watchers offers to help keep them on track and motivated. The best diet plan for you is the one that you can stick to for the long haul.0
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Can't speak to the WW issue since I've never been a member but as for the first thing you mentioned about wanting to meet people with common interests: try meetup.com! Depending on where you live, they have groups for all sorts of things including exercise/weight loss groups. I joined a few groups on that site when I first moved to a new town and it's very good for what you're describing - a casual way to get out and meet some people without pressure or long-term commitment.0
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See if there is an Overeaters Anonymous near you.
I was a member of Weight Watchers a few times. The first time I lost forty pounds and was very close to goal. If I could go back in time I would tell that younger self to be bold and insist on switching to maintenance.
I think the organization is committed to success for its members.
The meetings are motivational and supportive.
I've been a WW member for about 4.5 years; lost almost 3 stone & got to goal 4 years ago. Continued to attend meetings as a Gold member for a further 2 years until the leader (who was amazing) retired. I still track online & have remained @ or below goal since then. Once in a while I wander in to a meeting just to see what is new.
The meetings were great, inspirational, & there are different ways to do the program depending on your preference (regular points, filling & healthy, gluten free, etc). Fruit & veg aren't "free" as you mentioned; most are zero points within moderation. You don't have license to gorge on anything.
You have to pay...it's a business, & makes no apology for it. So are gyms, vitamin & supplement companies, Under Armour, etc. WW isn't everyone's cup of tea, & to maintain after reaching goal you have to be disciplined, same as MFP calorie counting. But it helped me, loads of folks I know. Different strokes & all that.
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I agree to a point, which is part of why i only lasted 2 months on WW and why i cringed when my mom offered to pay for a membership so i could go with her.
I was STARVING all the time, partially because i wasn't using my weekly points but also because i was under-eating without realizing i was under-eating until i put my food in MFP.
I agree with the "free fruits", fruits have calories! However, i think it is more to encourage members to eat fruit and veggies vs other junk.
I agree with the weight fluctuations. I could always tell by the persons face, who was weighing me in, if i had gained or lost. There were weeks where i'd lose 3,4,5lbs and the next i'd gain 2, and instead of saying "that's normal especially with the loss last week" i'd get get a disappointed look. This on top of making lifetime members pay if they're over 2lbs is RIDICULOUS!
Completely agree with the "tupperware party" theory. The only fitness tracker that synchs with the app is THEIRS so you have to pay for the tracker on top of the monthly fee...really?!? On top of which, all the snacks they have is PROCESSED CRAP, why not offer members fresh fruit after weigh in versus enticing them to buy PROCESSED CRAP?!?
I didn't have an issue with the cancellation, the only thing i had an issue with was figuring out how to do it. The only way to do it is online, and it's a pain in the *kitten*!0 -
Eh, that wasn't my experience with WW. I don't think it's any better or worse than MFP.0
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my mom lost a ton of weight with WW years ago and she has had no issues keeping it off. I don't really think it matters if you're counting points or calories..if you're counting points, there's still an assigned value to certain things that is more or less going to correspond to calories...higher points, higher calories.
the whole "free" fruit and veg is not without limit, but the idea is to get people eating more of that stuff because it's nutritionally rich and calorie sparse and anyone who eats anything remotely resembling the SAD is not getting enough fruits and vegetables. This gets people to do that.
i'm sure the meetings and whatnot aren't for everyone, but my mom seemed to enjoy them as we had just moved from a state where she had loads of friends to a state where she didn't know a single person...the meetings allowed her to socialize and meet people with common interests and goals.
as far as keeping the weight off goes, it really doesn't matter if you're doing WW or counting calories or doing low carb or this diet or that diet...the fact is that only about 5% keep their weight off long term...it has nothing to do with the diet or eating plan and everything to do with the fact that people tend to go back to old patterns and habits of eating and many, if not most so closely associate exercise with weight loss rather than fitness that they stop exercising once they've lost the weight...and while you don't need exercise for weight management, it certainly makes things easier.
like i said, my mom did very well with that plan and has kept the weight off for a couple of decades...it introduced her to proper nutrition and portions as well as fitness. she has been a regular in the gym for over 20 years now and dances a lot...she's even done a couple triathlons. she did what many fail to do...she didn't just talk about changing her dietary lifestyle, she actually adopted a new life and kept on with it.
i think different things are going to work and click for different people...but ultimately it comes down to adopting a new "normal" and avoiding falling back into old, well ingrained habits. in my experience, my newer and more healthful habits took a bit of work early on...but over time they have become more second nature and I hardly think about that old me much anymore.
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I didn't learn anything of value from WW when I did it; certainly nothing about nutrition. But yes, every time I walked into a meeting, every product was on display.
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I loved Weight Watchers. Lost 40 lbs on it about 8 years ago, and kept most of that off to this day. The meetings were supportive and felt like a "safe space" where you could be at one with your struggle, and get advice or just sympathetic head nods from other real, struggling, 3-D people. The leaders I had over the years never pushed the WW products. They were more like "I'm supposed to tell you that this cookbook is on sale this week!" and then move on. I wish I could go to WW meetings now, but can't find one at a time that's even close to convenient.
What I learned on WW was how to pay attention to what I was eating and how much I was moving. It may seem like a no-brainer to a bunch of people already ON MFP, but back then I was pretty clueless. I learned a LOT, and truly my entire way of thinking about food, calories, fat, fiber, etc. changed drastically for the better.0 -
I lost a lot of weight doing WW years ago (before they came out with the WW app). I didn't go to the meetings because it was a waste of MY time and I didn't need a counselor or leader to cheer or motivate me. I just got the point books so I can look up my foods and log manually. I found MFP was a lot easier to log and track food without paper and pen. Both work the same and I had good results with both. MFP is a lot more convenient for me.0
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Look for a TOPS (taking off pounds sensibly) chapter in your area. There is one that meets in my town. It's like $20 for a year of weekly meetings.0
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I've known more than 5 people IRL who lost over 50 lbs with Weight Watchers. These people did not measure everything, one lady worked nights and babysat her grandchildren during the day, she ate fast food around the clock.
My biggest beef with WW is that the program was not really explained to me.
YMMV as far as what is pushed. My leader does not push Smart Ones. When I told her I liked the Smart Ones cheese thin pizza she told me I could get the same item at a restaurant for similar points.
I thought I would be receiving information on balanced meals. That is what I need!
It's not what I thought but the meetings are great for learning how to navigate the big bad world of fattening food tempting us at every corner 24x7.
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MondayJune22nd2015 wrote: »I've never been a member of WW but I've read many threads concerning it because I was considering joining, not for the points but for the meetings. It's not that I need someone to hold my hand & reward me, it's that I have no social life because of my disability & figure that a group of local's, whom have the same interests/goals as me; would be a great avenue to acquire "associates", instead of "friends" because friends require so much more attention weekly, than someone that I'll only interact with; once a week & the associate relationship is built upon one specific subject/hobby (this has become a hobby for me, sort of like with the people; that go to car shows but don't have anything to do with each other, beyond that one hobby/interest).
Here's what I figure, concerning what I've read:
1 When WW members came to MFP & calculated what they consumed via their points, into calories here; they where under 1200 (for women) & exercise put them under, even further; hence why so many complain about feeling starving. I assume WW did/does this because if you under eat, you're more than likely to binge & thus not meet your weekly weight goal. If they keep you overweight, they keep you needy & thus they keep you paying.
2 I believe that the introduction of "free fruits", was meant to corral those; that didn't binge and/or binge enough, to put them over; their weekly goal weight. Fitness/nutrition isn't common sense & this possibly convinced some, to think that they can eat a ridiculous amount of fruits & still lose weight, only for that not to be so; when they get on the scale.
3 They don't factor in weight fluctuations via water retention, etc., so that they; charge you for that (If your a lifetime member & don't stay within 2 pounds, of your goal weight; when maintaining). I think this tactic just makes a person, feel defeated & then subsequently gain weight because of it, then attempt again to lose weight; via WW. This seems to me, to be an abusive relationship, that induces Stockholm Syndrome (WW helps one lose some weight because one did actually lose weight, WW will blame you (penalize you) & so those members'll also then, blame themselves; when their weight naturally fluctuates, they can't stick to under eating and/or overeat "free fruits" & can't attain/maintain their goal weight). myfitnesspal.com/blog/annekenlon/view/i-m-breaking-up-with-you-weight-watchers-but-can-we-still-be-friends-757840
4 Their meetings are more like "Tupperware parties" because they have their products on display, for sale & peddle them to you, during their meetings.
5 Another issue concerns cancelling the membership, I've read complaints from former members; about their inability to cancel their membership & still having automatic payments occur, after their cancellation. So I'd recommend (if possible) only using a gift card and/or a debit card, that you only put enough funds on; to cover known withdrawals & don't allow overdrafts, for that card (if applicable).
Any business that's charging you, isn't there for your benefit; just their own! Basically they want you to lose some weight but they don't want you, to maintain; that loss because then they'd go out of business, since their best customers; appear to be repeat customers. It's your responsibility to make the program benefit you, more than them. It's sort of like with grocery shopping, you can pay full price & get less for your money or you can acquire a member card (if applicable), go through their circular/competitors circulars, buy only on sale items/price match, clip corresponding coupons for those on sale items & stock up, so that you won't run out & then have to pay regular price & also without a coupon.
To me the price of the meetings only, seems reasonable because they have a brick & mortar store, to fund. However it's still above my current budget, so I'll ponder joining; within a few months. If I did join, I wouldn't use their points; I'd use CICO here (which would also ensure, that I achieve my expected weight loss there; as well) & if I did buy a consumable item, that they offer; I'd consider it a "treat" (as I do with Atkins/Slim Fast products).
OBVIOUSLY you don't know what you are talking about...
So if you don't get to your goal, tracking cals for X reason MFP is to blame????
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I had lost 40lbs. With WW. In the past and gained it back.
I had a few problems. I was I wasn't eating my exercise pts. I was losing 4-5lbs a week and my hair was falling out. I had no counselling on this issue I had asked of it was okay to lose weight like that. They didn't really give me an answer
I was to eat 22-24pts was about 1100-1200 calories. For my height and job need about 1500. I didn't care for the leader it seemed like she was jealous of my losses.
I still think ww is a decent weight loss program.
I just think our leader..... For lack of better words.....sucked.
Mfp is better
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I've lost the same 30 pounds 3 times: once on my own, once on MFP and once on WW, but it's always my own fault I don't stick with it, so here I am for Round 4. I liked Weight Watchers for the year I was on it. My employer subsidized memberships a couple years ago, I joined, I lost the 30 pounds and made goal, the points system worked, I was seldom hungry and felt that I learned a lot about food. I also tried a lot of foods I had never eaten before and really liked some of them (steel-cut oats... yum!). I "fell off the wagon" due to my own carelessness on an extended vacation and then I was too cheap to go back and have to pay for meetings again until I got back to goal. The meetings were okay... not great, but that will depend on individual opinions. The location had several leaders but there was only one whose meetings I enjoyed. I agree with the poster above that the leader never seemed to be "pushing" WW products, she just mentioned them in passing like it was something she needed to check off her to-do list (which it probably was). For someone who is looking for in-person support, I think the meetings would be helpful... if you go to the same one every week, you'll find the same folks and you might strike up some friendships. The on-line tools were similar to MFP's.0
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I tried Weight Watchers; it was just a struggle. For me, MFP is better because I can actually see the calories for every single thing going into my mouth. I had a great group for awhile, just wonderful supportive people that motivated, but when I moved the next group wasn't as good. Plus all their foods are processed, and while I bought them thinking that it would help, it just wasn't good for me. After the leader of my second group, when I approached her almost in tears because I had been below my points goal but was barely losing weight, tell me that I might be starving myself and to 'treat myself to a piece of pizza if I'm below my points' I was out of there. Plus by the end I would be shaking by the time I stepped on the scale I was so scared of the numbers.
I find for me that MFP, building a solid network on my own, as well as utilizing my FitBit goals (with another network there to challenge me) has been working better with less sterss. But everyone motivates and loses weight differently. I saw people like me attempt WW and then leave; but at the same time I saw several people who hit their goal weight using WW. If someone doesn't like WW it's not a crime, just the same as those who stand behind WW.0 -
I personally don't find any difference between WW and MFP in terms of how well it works and likelihood of losing weight and keeping it off. It's just tracking to me on either plan, the harder part is sticking with it. I don't think either program is better than the other or that I ate/eat any differently on one versus the other.
I did WW for a billion years, meetings and online. I did WW the most recent time beginning in 2009 and up until this past spring. I lost ~115 pounds and have kept it off for 3+ years. I switched to MFP earlier this year because WW's app and website are terrible and MFP is free. Otherwise, they're the same to me.
I liked meetings and if you are looking for a more social component, you will probably enjoy meetings. Check out a few. Or don't. In the end your success on any weight loss program is primarily contingent on you and not the people around you. Good luck.0 -
If you join WW and still use CICO, I think it is a complete waste of money. WW is based on points. The app and their whole system works on points. I get it that it is basically calorie counting, but it is still their point system. The WW boards are great. They have some of the nicest motivating people. I would image the meetings are the same. The WW blogs are great. Some really great successful people contributing. The app was ok for the tracking points but you will find you need to be adding alot of custom foods. MFP database is by far the better. I had no problem canceling.
Whatever you do...stick with it. Do what makes it easier for you. I think you would benefit with sticking with MFP and adding more active friends.
"Food is not your remedy for problems. Food is not going to change your life. ... If you're going to lose weight, you have to do it by changing your way of thinking about food. It cannot be the highlight of your life."
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