Weight Watchers
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Formerly known as Weight Watchers, WW sells memberships that include online tracking, in-person meetings and one-on-one personal coaching. The app helps you track food intake and activity, find recipes, join local meetings and locate support within the online community. It also offers SmartPoints and FitPoints programs to help dieters stay on track.
BOTTOM LINE
WW weight loss plans offer a lot of flexibility to dieters. Workshop + Digital plans offer in-person sessions and support, but all WW plans include a private online community for long-term weight loss success.
PROS
- SmartPoints Budget System
- Digital WW app tracks progress
- Personal support
CONS
- In-person aid not always available
- Most meals must be prepared at home
Top WW (Weight Watchers) Reviews We Found
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I've been using WW for a month now and have had a very good experience. I've already recommended the service to two friends, one of which said he's signing up this week. The only negative issue I've had is with the App not giving me the same amount of flexibility as using a desktop computer...
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I’ve joined WW twice in the past, but find this plan the best they’ve ever had…The meeting I go to is amazing… it makes me feel part of a community, and supported. I love this program. I’ve been a member four weeks and am seeing a steady weight loss. I’m excited to go to my meetings.
Read full reviewAbout Weight Watchers diet
WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) is a global weight loss and health management program for both short-term and long-term dieters. WW Freestyle programs use the SmartPoints Budget system, which allows members to follow the WW diet easily. WW provides more than 4,000 recipes that can be made at home, plus guidelines for how to eat out on the program. The company also lets brand ambassadors earn a commission through an affiliate program when they share WW with others.
How does Weight Watchers work?
The key to success in the WW program is a specially designed SmartPoints system. Every food and drink item is assigned a number based on its calories, saturated fat, protein and sugar content. Members are then given a weekly and monthly “budget,” taking into consideration their activity, health goals and lifestyle. Dieters track their food, exercise and progress to make sure they're on target with their health goals.
With the points system, up to four daily unused SmartPoints can roll over into the next weekly budget. There are also 200+ Zero Points foods, such as eggs, salmon, chicken breast and beans, which don't need tracking while in the program.
WW keeps members motivated through its free rewards program — WellnessWins — where members celebrate creating healthy habits. Rewards include fitness class passes, wine tumblers, and take anywhere organizers. All WW memberships include a private online community and 24/7 support from a WW Coach, which is accessible through the digital app.
Weight Watchers programs
WW currently offers three membership options: Digital, Workshops + Digital, or Personal Coaching + Digital. WW Freestyle is the core program followed in all three of WW plans.
- Digital: For those just starting, the Digital plan gives dieters 24/7 support through an app and website. Members get access to WW’s database of more than 4,000 recipes and access to Connect, a private online community. The app also syncs with fitness trackers.
- Workshop + Digital: For dieters who prefer a more personalized program, WW offers in-person sessions in addition to their digital plans. There are more than 3,000 studio locations nationwide offering about 14,000 workshops a week. With the help of certified coaches, members learn how to manage and maintain weight loss through healthy strategies. Memberships also include weekly check-ins with WW coaches.
- Personal Coaching + Digital: The WW Personal Coaching + Digital plans provide tailored one-on-one coaching as part of its premium packages. The Personal Coaching + Digital plan doesn't include private check-ins, but it does include personalized action plans that help members meet weight loss goals.
Compare Weight Watchers pricing options
| Digital | Workshop + Digital | Personal Coaching + Digital | |
| Price per week* | $3.07 | $6.92 | $12.92 |
| Food and activity tracking | |||
| Weekly group Workshops | |||
| Personalized action plans |
| Price per week* | $3.07 | $6.92 | $12.92 |
| Food and activity tracking | |||
| Weekly group Workshops | |||
| Personalized action plans |
How to use the Weight Watchers food scale
The WW food scale comes pre-programmed with a database of more than 500 foods. It also gives you the option of adding in calories, protein, sugar and saturated fat for the scale to calculate, making it easy to weigh foods at home or on the go. The WW SmartPoints kitchen scale can be used to weigh foods and can save up to 10 favorites for future reference.
Foods to eat on Weight Watchers
Generally, WW dieters eat foods that are rich in whole grains and fiber.
- Eggs
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Oatmeal
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Greek yogurt
- Leafy vegetables
- Fish
- Beans
- Avocado
Foods to avoid on Weight Watchers
WW dieters generally avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, fat and calories.
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Fried foods
- Starchy vegetables
- Donuts
- Cake
- Pie
- Ice cream
- Cookies
- Alcohol
- Soda
- Butter
Weight Watchers FAQ
- What do you get when you join Weight Watchers?
- All WW members get access to the digital program, which includes a database of 4,000+ recipes, a private online community and 24/7 support from a coach. All memberships include access to WW’s app, where members can track daily activity and food intake to see your progress. Some members opt to attend in-person sessions or work one-on-one with a WW coach.
- How do you lose weight on Weight Watchers?
- WW encourages weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise. WW uses the SmartPoints Budget system, where food and drink items are given a number. Based on your weight loss goals, you’re then given a weekly and daily “budget” of points.
- What can I eat on Weight Watchers diet?
- WW diets are flexible enough that you can almost eat anything you want (in moderation). With the SmartPoints system, you can create foods at home that fit into your weight loss goals or eat out with family and friends.
- How much does Weight Watchers cost?
- Programs start around $3 per week, and the standard monthly cost for the introductory plan is approximately $19.95 before tax.
- How quickly can I lose weight on Weight Watchers?
- Most people on the WW program see a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week. How quickly you lose weight on WW depends on your goals, activity level and lifestyle.
- Where can I buy a Weight Watchers calculator?
- SmartPoints calculators for the freestyle program can be purchased through WW’s online store.
- Does Weight Watchers provide food?
- No, WW does not provide food. Members are responsible for all their grocery shopping.
- Does Weight Watchers have free registration?
- Occasionally WW offers exclusive online specials when members can sign up for $0 and get 2 months free.
Is Weight Watchers worth it?
Yes. WW services are excellent for individuals looking to be part of a healthy community and get accountability on their journey. For a low monthly cost, members get access to WW’s website and app, which includes their WW Freestyle program and guidelines on their SmartPoints diet. Freestyle gives members a flexible approach to healthy eating, allowing for a personalized approach to weight loss.
WW (Weight Watchers) Reviews
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Program is pretty good but food is a little pricey. I'd prefer if I could try it on my own for a little while without the constant "support" you get from everyone on the same program. I know a lot of people rather do it as a group but I like the loner way. Program is amazing and well worth it!
Program works as long as you follow the guides and product. It’s a loss of weight but steady. Cost is a little expensive, but compares better than many other weight loss programs. Will highly recommend. Internet has all the Information needed and made easy to use.
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Great choices to eat. Not very hard to find. Very expensive. I highly recommend it, if you need a good thing to eat while losing weight. They have normal things to enjoy as if you weren’t trying to lose weight. Even tastes similar to things.
I would never, ever choose another weight loss program. Because of the training in nutrition I've had in a registered nursing program, I trust the WW program to be a well-balanced, healthy diet. Anyone with common sense and some knowledge of nutrition would see the same. The WW program uses all the things necessary for a body to function at its optimum level. I highly recommend this program!
I've been on WW for about a month. I lost about 13 lbs. I'v been overweight all my life. I've tried Adkins but I gained my weight back on it. I've educated myself a little on food addiction.mOn this program you must know yourself. You also must know Sugar and fats is very addicting. You are given a bunch of points throughout the day and basically no food is off limits. Let me ask you Can you eat 1 Oreo? Can you really eat 1 oz of Wise potato chips? If you can then this program is the best for you "the way it's written." I tried the program years ago thinking wow I can lose weight and still have Cookies and chips, but it never worked. It didn't work for me not because it can't be done. It didn't work because I'm a sugar and Carbohydrate addict.
A lot of people don't like the new program, but I do. I can have sweets such as apples, Blueberry, and Protein steak chicken. I also learned I like fish (which I never ate before WW) and I'm beginning to see I can have beans and chickpeas (zero points) and I'm losing weight. I do monitor myself. It’s very important for me that I do. Even though the diet is written no food is off limits you still have to be careful. For example, I had to give up a free food called grapes. I was eating the whole bag. Yes it's zero points but I want to lose weight and it still has calories and carbs. On Amazon I bought Flex Protein chips 24 hips (1 oz is 2 points) 1 bag of Doritos around one oz is 5 points. The whole bag flex protein chips is 9 points (5oz) so if I eat the whole thing I won't get in that much trouble. I have found if I keep the whole bag in bed with me, I will eat the whole bag. So I put the bag back into the kitchen (after taking my oz) and that worked better.
I'm a man that loves pizza, pasta, cookies and chips and meats. With this diet I can stay away from food that they offer at customer service appreciation week at work or the muffin my roommate offers. I have nice alternatives tip steak, London Broil, mesquite chicken, fish I buy at Sam's club, Blueberry's, Strawberry, and I can have equal with it, tilapia, all the shrimp I want (3 lbs at Sam's club $14.62). The wonderful thing about this diet I don't feel deprived. Sure, I'd like some pizza and one slice is 11 points. But I like the fact I feel healthier (I have a ton of energy now and I’m losing weight). I want that more for now. One day after I lose ½ my weight I’ll treat myself to pizza or find an alternative beforehand.
WW is big on giving a lot of points to condiments. I can have more quantity if I get let’s say low fat mayo. But I don’t want to feel deprived so I put on ‘REAL MAYO’ one teaspoon is (1 pt) a tablespoon is (3) pts. So I can have my Ever roast Boars head Chicken sandwich on 1 slice of bread (2 points) with all the chicken I want 2-4 oz (0 points,) tablespoon of real mayo (3 points). Guess what I’m happy I had real food for lunch and it's only 5 points. On this program if you are in a rush you can have a Whopper jr sandwich with cheese for 11 points and value onion rings for 5 points for a total of 16 points and I'm happy. (I only did that once because I know me) For burgers I usually have 8 oz burger (90%) lien (12 points) 1 slice of bread (2 points) teaspoon of real Hellman's mayo (1 pt) a total of 14 points and I had triple the meat real mayo and less carbs (which also helps for weight loss.) and I'm full for hours
I love this diet but again you need to customize it for yourself. Yes they have zero point food and low point food but that doesn't mean you can over eat. They have stuff on it like candy cookies and ice cream. Can you handle it staying in your budget? if you can't then yes you need to stay away. Addiction is addiction whether it's sugar, drugs or alcohol no program can solve that but you can put it in arrest by staying away and having other things you enjoy but not addicted to. To conclude I’ve lost 13 lbs in a month. I feel great on this program. I wish everyone luck on it. Remember it’s not perfect but for me it’s the best one out there.
In January 2019, I joined WWI under a special promotion, so I could encourage my mom (already a member), as she prepared for hip surgery. Upon joining, I agreed for WWI to make (3) consecutive monthly charges to my Visa debit card in the amount of $29.96. My account was charged in January, February and March, 2019. Needless to say, I was only able to attend 1 Weight Watcher's meeting.
In March 2019, my mother's friend informed us that Weight Watchers had charged her credit card, without her permission, for an entire year and REFUSED to refund her. My mom then checked her statements to find charges she did not authorize either. She withdrew her membership and Weight Watchers REFUSED to refund her too. My mom went to her bank to dispute the charges. Upon learning this, I immediately called Weight Watchers and told them they were no longer allowed to charge my account. Since they did not charge my account in April 2019, I assumed the issue was resolved.
Fast forward to 2020. I am a 54yo widower with an 11yo Autistic child, work full time, and usually make plenty of money in my career. Since all my banking is online, I honestly don't have time to review my statements. I became unemployed due to Covid-19, and am now in my 11th week of unemployment that has still not paid. When my bank account became overdrawn, the bank reversed their service charges so my account could remain at a zero balance until I had some kind of income.
In the beginning of September 2020, my bank notified me that my account was overdrawn. Confused, I called the bank and found that Weight Watchers International made an UNAUTHORIZED charge to my account in the amount of $44.95. Upon further investigation, I discovered they have been charging my account $44.95 a month, since MAY 2019!! For 15 months, Weight Watchers International has made UNAUTHORIZED charges to my account, totaling $674.25, and all because I WENT TO ONE MEETING. My bank has blocked them from making any further charges and told me to call WWI for a refund.
Today I spoke with a Weight Watchers International representative who did have a record of my phone call in March 2019, but no record of me cancelling my membership (of course!). Interestingly it took her a while to find my account because my date of birth WWI had on file was incorrect. Although the representative cancelled my account AGAIN, I was told I could not get ANY refund. I will NEVER use Weight Watchers again. Tomorrow I go my bank to contest the charges with Visa, and at this point am pondering a lawsuit.
Some years ago when I was member Weight Watchers was a good company. Now this WW has ruined it!!!! They have the absolute worst customer service I have ever experienced. It took them 3 weeks to even get my account able to sign in. So why did I even have it if I couldn't use it at all? They offered a $50 shopping code for their store with the membership. The code they sent me never worked!!!! When I tried to use the on life assistant she said to call b/c she knew nothing about that. NO help again!!! So I called several times and wait time was 28-37 minutes. Finally I got a person who had less than no customer service skills. I cancelled and strongly suggest you don't cause yourself the stress of joining this group!!!!
I joined in May for the 3 month free trial but never used the service. I attempted call all August long but the hold time was always over 60 minutes and no one came to the line. I emailed customer service, canceled the automatic payment through PayPal. I then get a charge on the debit card that is linked to PayPal but was never given to Weight Watchers. It's impossible to talk to anyone for a refund so my bank credited me back the money and is changing my card number just in case.
After hearing tons of success stories, I joined and followed the program to the letter for nearly 2 months. All I did was gain weight. After reaching out for extra guidance, I was told that the program doesn't work and it's not about the scales only non scale victories and inches. They want you to count calories, which is not a feature of the program. They want you to commit for 6 months, knowing that it doesn't work and charge early termination fees. Do yourself a favor and sign up for SparkPeople for free.
I belonged to WW for over a year, on the advice of two different friends whom don’t know each other in different states. Both of those friends were ‘lifers’ and had learned to maintain the weight they’re at. I found myself STARVING almost every day. And I only wanted to lose 30 pounds, not the 70 and 80 they did. I found it impossible to stick with the plan. And the measuring and weighing portions made it difficult to portion and prepare meals for 3 teenagers who didn’t want to be on a diet.
WW (Weight Watchers) Company Information
- Company Name:
- WW (Weight Watchers)
- Website:
- www.ww.com
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