Weight Watchers Points

The exact formula is protected by a U.S. patent. However, the basic idea behind the calculation is simple. Foods with higher calories contain more points, while foods with lower calories contain fewer points. Foods with higher fat content contain more than low-fat foods with similar calorie counts. Foods with higher fiber content contain fewer points than low-fiber foods with similar calorie counts.

When you’ve reached your allotted total for the day, you’re expected to stop eating. If you use all of your points on lunch and mid-day snacks, you’ll go to bed hungry. This means that the Weight Watchers diet requires a bit of advance meal planning.

Benefits of the Point System

If you hate counting calories, refuse to weigh meal portions, and have little interest in learning about the specific nutritional content of various foods, the Weight Watchers system may be the right plan for you. It’s convenient, easy to follow, and less restrictive than most other popular weight loss techniques.

Since Weight Watchers stresses the importance of moderation, no foods are “off-limits.” However, some foods should only be eaten in small amounts since they are worth a large number of points. For example, a Big Mac is worth 14 points, while one serving of Jello non-fat pudding is worth only two.

If you’re juggling work, family commitments, and other obligations, it can be difficult to find the time to prepare a balanced meal. For your convenience, Weight Watchers has produced a line of snacks and frozen entrees clearly labeled with their assigned values. These products can be found in most major grocery stores.

The Weight Watchers system works because it’s based on the simple principle that weight loss results from consuming fewer calories than you burn. The plan also incorporates behavioral modification techniques that can encourage good eating habits. For example, keeping a written record of your food intake has been repeatedly shown to result in weight loss. Attending weekly Weight Watchers meetings is also helpful, since group support is an important component of any lifestyle change.

Disadvantages

While the system is tremendously popular, the plan is not without its critics. For example, some nutritionists claim the calculations fail to consider the importance of protein in a well-balanced diet. A low-calorie diet combined with a low-protein diet can result in a loss of muscle mass. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, protein is thought to be an important component of any plan for successful long-term weight loss.

Another disadvantage is the plan doesn’t make exercise a priority. Regular exercise is important for both overall physical health and long-term weight control. Most people will find it difficult to reach their target weight without increasing their daily physical activity.