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Of all the diet programs out there, Weight Watchers is one of the best known, and possibly most successful.

The Weight Watchers Diet was based mainly on a community concept (the �meeting�) in which area centers acted as a touchstone for those struggling to lose weight. Within past years, though, the Weight Watchers brand has added an online component that can be used instead of, or in addition to, the storefront community meeting.

How Does Weight Watchers Work?

New members meet privately or with one or two other new members. At this first meeting, Weight Watchers main system- the Points system- is explained. Each member is given a goal of a certain number of �points� to eat each week. Every food has a point value, which is published in WW books, online, and often right on some foods. Members are urged to track their �points� in proprietary printed materials, and also record other nutritional data, such as the amount of water consumed, vegetables eaten, or exercise undertaken.


WW members then attend a members-only meeting in a storefront center weekly. At each meeting, a line forms at the door, and members are weighed in. Weights are recorded, and weekly printed materials are handed out. After all members are processed, the session begins. The community is encouraged to share victories and defeats from the past week, and other business is taken care of. After this introduction, a leader generally gives an informal talk about a weight loss topic, or shares some additional insight or lessons. For example, a summer talk may focus on �Ways to Lose Weight During Your Vacation.�

Members often leave with a sense of purpose, along with Weight Watchers support products (for purchase!) such as measuring spoons or additional books. They return a week later for a new weigh in, and new information.

Caveats

Weight Watchers is essentially a low calorie, heightened activity diet. Those who are willing to count Weight Watchers points and stick to their points total can be equally successful simply counting calories. In addition, meetings are often used to encourage movement and exercise, another hallmark of successful dieters. Essentially, Weight Watchers can be followed for free with common sense eating and exercise.

Those looking to lose just a few kilos/pounds, or those looking to learn how to eat healthfully without losing weight will not be well served by Weight Watchers. The first goal of all Weight Watchers new members is to lose 10% of one�s body weight. Therefore, if you don�t need to lose 10% of your body weight, you won�t find a place at the WW table.

Weight Watchers members are given a new book, or a new portion of the WW plan, each week. You will not have the entire �program� to work on all at once, instead being dealt small portions and new advice over the course of weeks.

Weight Watchers Community

The Weight Watchers concept probably works well due to the community support aspect. However, it is important to realize that individualized, educational fitness support can be found in other ways, such as through the services of a personal trainer and/or nutritionist.

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