Weight Watchers began in the 1960s as a small group of individuals meeting regularly to offer support and share weight-loss strategies. More than 40 years later Weight Watchers can be found in over 30 countries worldwide. During this time hundreds upon hundreds of fad diets, pills, and support groups have surfaced and disappeared. So what has given Weight Watchers the staying power it has to survive this volatile market? Let’s investigate.

The Model:

The TurnAround Program is the focal point of the Weight Watchers' plan. This program is intended to facilitate members in developing an overall healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. Members are allowed to choose from 2 different weight-loss strategies: The Flex Plan and The Core Plan.

The Flex Plan:

Design:

At some point or another, you have probably heard someone reference “Weight Watchers Points.” These Points are the focal point of the Flex Plan. Here is how it works:

• Each member is assigned a number of Points he or she can consume daily based on gender, height, weight, age, and activity level.
  - Points cannot be carried over day to day
• Each member is allowed an additional 35 Bonus Points per week
  - These Points can be distributed in any way throughout the week, but cannot be carried over week to week
• The number of points a food item provides is calculated using the number of calories, fat grams, and fiber in the food.
  -  Members can calculate the points themselves, or purchase tools to assist in the calculations
  -  Using the Weight Watchers formula, along with the USDA dietary guidelines for fat consumption (<30%    total calories): 1 Point = 40-45 calories and 1-2gms of fat
• Exercise can be used to earn more points

Logistics:

What weight loss really comes down to is math. You must consume fewer calories than you burn in order to lose weight. It can be broken down like this:

• 3500 calories = 1 pound
• Consuming 500 calories less than what you need each day, will result in losing 1 pound per week.
• This can be accomplished by either eating less or exercising more…or both!

Let’s look at a case study in order to test the Flex Plan:

A 35 year old female is 5’5” tall and weighs 175 pounds. She spends the majority of her day standing, sitting only occasionally.

Per Weight Watchers:

• Prescribed Points = 25 per day
• 25 Points = 1100 calories per day
• Additional 35 Points per weeks = 1500 calories per week
• Totals 9200 calories per week

Metabolic Evaluation:

• Basal Energy Expenditure = 1419 calories per day
• Calories needed to maintain weight with light activity = 1700 calories per day
• Totals 11.919 calories per week

With a difference of 2719 calories between the number needed and the number allotted by Weight Watchers (11,919 – 9200), this person can expect to lose about .78 pounds per week or 3 pounds per month. This may not be the most rapid weight-loss program, but the scale will definitely be moving towards the right direction.

Staying on track, this person will lose about 37 pounds in a year, putting her at her ideal body weight. This decreases her risks for diseases associated with being overweight!

Evaluation of The Flex Plan:

• The Flaws
  -  Because weight loss is slow, members may become frustrated and give up due to unrealistic expectations
  -  Calculating and keeping track of points is tedious
• The Truth
  -  Gradual weight loss has been shown more effective in maintaining goal weights than rapid weight loss.
  -  Any weight-loss program worth doing is going to take time and effort.

The Core Plan:

Design: Members who chose to follow this plan will not be burdened by calculating or keeping track of points. With this plan, individuals can eat as much food as they would like from a list of “core” foods. These include:

• Fruits, Vegetables, and whole grains
• Non-creamy soups
• Fat-free dairy
• High fiber cereal and/or cereal with no added sugar
• Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs
• Healthy oils
• Condiments
• Non-sugary beverages

The trick is for individuals to eat until they are satisfied, but not full. “Non-core” foods can also be included. The same point system for the Flex Plan is used to assign points to the “non-core” foods, and is allowed at 35 Points per week.

Evaluation of The Core Plan:

• The Flaws
  -  Members may have a hard time determining the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full
  -  This program is designed for people not wanting to keep track of points, but they still have to calculate and track “bonus points”
  -  The importance of portion control is not emphasized.
•  The Truth
   -  This is True!!! If people stopped eating when they were supposed to, no one would be overweight!
   -  This is True!! However, in theory, the people who chose this plan may be so turned off by calculating/tracking points, that they will eliminate their “bonus points” leading to an intake of less calories! (It’s possible…in theory)!
   -  This is True!! The word “unlimited” does not teach good habits for long-term weight loss.

Support and Education:

No matter which plan is chosen, all members attend weekly meetings. Meetings are headed by individuals who have had weight-loss success using Weight Watchers. Although they have first-hand experience and receive extensive training on the Weight Watchers program, they lack the credentials of being weight-loss professionals. However, many members claim that they feel very comfortable working with someone who really understands what they are experiencing.

During the meetings, members are weighed in order to track progress. They also are involved in discussions teaching weight-loss strategies, and addressing any personal obstacles. This is probably the most beneficial part of the Weight Watchers program. Instead of providing a list of foods they can and cannot eat, members are taught proper nutrition and lifestyle strategies for long-term success.

In addition to the weekly meetings, members can also access information and track their progress anytime on-line. Here, members can calculate and record their points, track their weight, and view recipe and exercise demos. There are also interactive Q&A’s to address specific concerns. A study published in a 2001 Journal of the American Dietetic Association concluded that computerized activities along with group meetings resulted in a higher success rate of weight loss than either one alone.

Cost:

The cost of becoming a Weight Watchers member includes a one-time enrollment fee, and weekly fees thereafter. The enrollment fee is generally $20-$30, but is often waived as part of a promotion. Weekly fees can be purchased in bundles, or paid weekly, and range from $10-$13 per week. Once a week has been paid for, a member can attend an unlimited amount of meetings for that week, at any location around the world. If a week is missed, the member must pay for the missed week and the current week before they can once again attend a meeting.

Online access is an additional $13 per month. A monthly pass can be purchased giving members unlimited access to both meetings and online services. These are generally about $40 per month, and require automatic monthly billing. Be prepared for a somewhat complicated process for enrollment cancellation and refunds using this method. Also be warned that not everywhere will offer or honor the monthly passes. I found 7 entire states, and up to 75 counties in other states, that did not participate in the monthly pass program.

The most impressive aspect of the cost is that some insurance companies will reimburse the member depending on specific criteria!

Overall Evaluation:

In conclusion, the Weight Watchers program seems to provide the right keys for weight-loss success including healthful food choices, portion control, exercise, and support groups for accountability. I would recommend the Flex Plan over the Core Plan as a good starting point due to the more structured design.

Weight Watchers is still around after 40 years because the design of eating less and exercising more is effective. If the consumer can be patient and dedicate themselves to this program, success can be long term and beneficial.