Why Does Weight Watchers Work?

I attend weekly Weight Watchers at my local YMCA, and have maintained my goal weight for three years. At the meetings, I have friends and a leader who are tops. I am healthy and happy. I believe that, if one continues to follow the program, it will continue to work.

Nancy Hickey

For me WW works because I can eat what I want, not follow "rules" of what to eat when. Most times I eat clean, but when I want pasta, chips, ice cream, etc I just have to find a way to make it fit in my points.

Kerri

I've been a member of WW for 10 years. I've had my ups and downs but overall have kept off 45 pounds - I feel that's a success...because as I get older it gets more difficult to lose weight. However, with that being said, I believe that the reason a lot of people lose, then gain is because THEY QUIT coming to the meeting. A lot of people feel like they KNOW what they're supposed to do and will be able to do it on their own. Unfortunately, without the continual support and yes, getting on that scale at least once a month - being accountable - you will regain the weight.

The reason people go to WW in the first place is because they have a WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROBLEM. That weight management problem never goes away. It doesn't go away once you lose any amount of weight that you had set as your goal...that WM problem is going to be with you the rest of your life. I came to terms with that realization several years ago - and still make poor choices from time to time...but overall, I try to make better choices...and it's still a test for me. Life is full of ups and downs...sometimes I'm on my game, sometimes I am influenced by other things going on around me - and it causes me to think about eating things that I know aren't going to help me keep and achieve my weight loss goals...

So I try to think about my weigh in - that coming Saturday - and try to make a better choice. So far, it's worked. But WW requires that we stick with it. For me, I'll be attending WW meetings until I can't drive anymore. It's a healthier choice! :)

Sue

I have been a WW member since 2010 have lost 100+ lbs. I just had my 3 year anniversary of keeping off 100 lbs. Yes the WW approach is not a "diet" and you will have to make some forever changes to keep the weight off. It is worth trying embrace the support from the meeting and OL community if you can.

Karen G

As a Lifetime member for 34 years- I can honestly say WW works! Even going once a month to check in (maintenance) is enough to keep me on track and cutting back if necessary. Beyond the scale is without a doubt, the best focus WW has had in many years.

Elaine R

I'm a Lifetime member of WW. I' also a yo-yo dieter. I've been affiliated with WW for more than 10 years. At the ripe old age of 69, I think I've FINALLY gotten it through my head that I need to stay with WW, as a motivation and accountability partner.

Losing 20 this time has been agony. I've followed the WW Smart Points program and have faithfully tracked everything that goes into my mouth...mostly - lol!

My big mistake has been not continuing with the weekly meetings. I believe THAT is what is a huge factor in maintaining weight. If I need to face my leader AND the scales, I'm more apt to be compliant.

This is a lifestyle change; a different way of looking at food. I firmly believe that this is the last time I'll have to start over.

YAY, WEIGHT WATCHERS!

Sharon

I have no comment as the other Sue said it so well.

Sue

I love Ww like everyone is saying meetings r very important n if u have a great leader it matters also. I have lost 50 pounds have kept it off for 4 years yes I do fall off n have my cheat time. But I get right back on the program. It is a life time adjustment not a diet.

Bobbie

I went on vacation and didn't gain weight because WW was on my brain. I need to keep a food journal and go to meetings or I go astray.

Marilyn Harris

Like most weight loss programs, WW works but you are imprisoned for life on their products. God forbid you decide to normalize your food choices with healthy mainstream food.

Most people gain all the weight back plus a couple more because this program doesn't teach you to retrain your brain that in moderation, you can eat any food that exists.

Your friends and family are victimized by your lack of comaraderie at dinners and social gatherings. To succeed, you must always be the outlier.

Wallace Lane

The Weight Watchers Wallace describes does not resemble the one I know. Sounds like one or more others.

Nancy

Don't know what Wallace is describing, but it sure isn't WW!

Chris Shaw

In response to Wallace, I would say that I am not at all "imprisoned" by their (WW)products. In fact, the only WW products I use are for the occasional sweet snacks, which I could well do without - lol! Everyday food is my mainstay. I have wonderful dinners with friends and family, whether at home or at a restaurant. Planning points beforehand and knowledge of which foods are better or healthier to choose, make dinner with friends much easier. And if the choices are less than optimal, I eat some of each and adjust my meals afterward. It's very doable!

Sharon

Wallace, I am not imprisoned by their food, in fact I never buy it. I am a 13 year lifetime member and if you do the work, you get the rewards. I also agree that meetings are a must, it's a social hour for me and I love being able to help new members.

Karen

I have said it before and I will say it again, Weight Watchers WORKS if you WORK the program. I am living proof of that. When I first joined (about 7 years ago, I lost 44 lbs). My leader became ill, I hated the new leader, I thought "I had this" and left. I was gone 14 months and gained back 51 of the 44 I had lost. Then, about 2 yrs ago a new leader came (who is FABULOUS).......I lost 30 lbs. Then, WW changed to their current program. I was rebellious for a LONG time because I resented that a brownie was no longer approx 7 points, but jumped to approx 15 pts. I resented that my bonus points went from 49 to 30. So, I played around, rebelled against the program and gained back 15 of the 30 I lost. Now, a few weeks ago, my leader (who has become a dear and cherished friend) was tired of watching me play around. She said she was going to start weighing me. That put the fear of God into me lol and I started working the program again. I have now lost approx 5 of the 15 I had gained back.........I am FINALLY on my way again. If one sticks with the program, is honest about tracking.......IT WORKS.

caren gittleman

Just read Wallace's comment too, he couldn't be more wrong. I don't use the majority of the weight watchers products. I don't know what program he is talking about (maybe Jenny Craig?) but it sure isn't Weight Watchers!

caren gittleman

I have a love/hate thing with WW. I lose weight but get annoyed with whatever version of "tracking" they make me do. So I stop and the weight comes back. The lifestyle/maintenance part just doesn't "click" for me...

JoAnne

On top of using WW as a basis for my eating, I also eat according to the Heart and Stroke recommendations. Low fat (watching all the time the saturated fats), NO trans fats at all, low sodium (I do not use additional salt, no processed meats, etc.) and no additional sugar (I do eat fruit but noting like squares, cookies etc.) This becomes a way of life - not a diet and you can get used to it very easily.

beverley

I don't know what Wallace Lane is talking about maybe he is getting WW mixed up with some other program....You do not have to buy their products (I don't) I eat mainstream food and cook the same for my whole family...I have lost 20 lbs so far and intend on following the program for the rest of my life because it is a lifestyle change.

Joann Marrone

I changed where I go to the meetings because I didn't care for the leader. A plus also was I now get weighted in the morning. It's worth getting up early on a Saturday morning. 😃

Sue