Comments on: Poll: Does Weight Watchers Really Work?

By: Skinny Guy

Skinny Guy — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:02:34 +0000

Success following Weight Watchers, as with any weight reduction program, depends chiefly on what you bring to the table. I’ve lost 130 pounds following Weight Watchers and have kept it off for 7 months so far.

My experience following the program and watching others who have followed it tells me that it is possible to follow the program and even lose weight without adhering to a healthy diet, especially on the Flex (Points) plan. But their Core plan emphasizes whole, healthier foods and discourages reliance on processed white flour foods. Most people shy away from that aspect of the program, with most of the comments I hear being along the lines of “I can’t give up my bread,” or something similar.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:43:21 +0000

Thank you for the contribution. I’ve heard about the Weight Watchers Core program. I’ll have to look into it.

By: Welmoed

Welmoed — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:19:04 +0000

I was on WW about ten years ago, and what struck me the most was the emphasis on “trying to have it all”. They were fanatical about discussing low-fat, low-sugar desserts, cookies, candies, treats of all kinds. It really wasn’t about learning any new eating habits… only about finding substitutes so you could keep eating what you wanted. I wanted to learn about healthier eating patterns, but didn’t find any real support there.
Now I’m finally losing, through a combination of exercise and diet, with some help from acupuncture.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:10:28 +0000

I lost weight doing weight watchers, but I didn’t have the energy to exercise. I do not think it is very well suited for an active 20 something looking to lose 30-40lbs with exercise.

By: Christina

Christina — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:24:33 +0000

WW was the first attempt I made at losing weight. However, like many members I took the weight off and then rejoined because I began to put in on again. It wasn’t until the second time that I realized that it wasn’t teaching me healthy eating habits and I was becoming a slave to the scale. I know that it can work but for the majority, it is not a long term or life plan.

By: Cure Slabire

Cure Slabire — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:36:57 +0000

The result’s are for “yes”. Is good that you’v made this pool

By: Meghan

Meghan — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:57:40 +0000

I had successful weightloss using the weightwatchers program two years ago. I was not significantly overweight to begin with and lost 20 pounds in two months. I was able to keep the weight off and in my opinion weight watchers really puts things into perspective for you. It makes you more aware of what you are eating and how much. I liked the program and still wanting to lose about another 10 pounds Ive tried to begin the flex plan again and am not quite as successful now. I am not interested in the core program and am trying to learn more about it.

By: Mindi

Mindi — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:06:43 +0000

I lost 35 pounds with WW. It is a good way to take a long term approach to losing weight while teaching you to be thoughtful about how you live your life and plan your eating and activities. They are good about bringing you back to the same principles, avoiding fads, and giving encouragement through support of fellow members. This is very helpful especially to people who need to be educated about food, and have grown up in dysfunctional eating situations.

I have not returned because I felt like a slave to the little book which kept me accountable, and I was weary of measuring everything. I honestly preferred fasting to feeling constantly nagged by my own conscience about food. So, yes it works. Yes, you learn a great deal. Yes, it tends towards good health guidelines.

I used the flex program, and not the core program. Long time members told me that flex is good for losing weight, and core is good for keeping it off because you don’t have to measure and count so much.

I may return to the program eventually, but I needed some time off.

It also makes a big difference who your leader is. Some are absolutely excellent, and some are not very helpful.

The harsh reality is that you can’t lose weight and eat whatever and whenever you want. Most people kids themselves about this truth, and get nowhere. You have to face that early on in WW.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:18:14 +0000

Mindi, thanks for your comments.

I would tend to agree that results may very well vary depending on who your leader is. I was not aware of that term “leader”, but realize that the program is held in many places within one city and of course all over the country. If the leader isn’t “on” with their stuff, the members may suffer as well.

good point about flex being useful for weight loss and core being useful for keeping it off.

once again, thanks for your valuable feedback.

By: sharpchick

sharpchick — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:07:16 +0000

I’ve lost 50 pounds with Weight Watchers in about 15 months. I did most of the losing with flex, but now I’m on core. I think there are people who “game” the program and eat crap on it, but it’s really not designed to work that way. The 8 Good Health Guidelines are the cornestone of the program, something which a lot of people forget.

I lost half my weight going to meetings and half doing the online program only.

By: marci

marci — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:21:34 +0000

I lost over 60 pounds on the WW Core program. I have kept the weight off for over a year now. I attended the meetings almost every week, I am now a lifetime member. I was fat my whole life. I have amazed my friends and family, I am in the best shape ever. I do workout about 4 to 5 days a week. I have become addicted to spinning. I do not think I would have ever been as successful counting points on the flex program. The Core Program was exactly what I needed.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:41:30 +0000

Awesome Marci - thanks for the feedback on the weight watchers core program.

By: Scot

Scot — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:01:20 +0000

I never had luck following any “Diet”. I had to create my own plan for eating.

My opinion is that weight watchers will work for anyone as long as they commit to it. This goes for South Beach as well. Losing body fat is all about self-control, deciding it is time to lose the weight, and exercise.

Scot

The Chub Chronicles

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:25:23 +0000

I’ve lost almost fifty pounds on Weight Watchers and have just started the core program (I was previously on flex). It’s interesting figuring out my comfort zone and I’m looking forward to how it works this week.

They do stress the healthy eating guidelines but I think people still have a diet mentality about it and look for the easy outs like low fat, highly-processed foods.

By: Riccioli

Riccioli — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:35:44 +0000

I lost 47lbs on WW about 5 years ago became a life-time member and kept it off for over 2 years. Changes in my life, work and increased stress got me eating out of wack again.
I gained almost all the weight back. But it’s clearly my doing… not eating right and not being active.
I went back last week and was warmly welcomed. I think I have found a group & leader that will work. When I heard about Core, I was skeptical. I decided to try it and I think it may be a little harder but probably better long term. Can I start connecting with my sense of hunger, being full etc?
I am very hopeful and excited. WW did wonders for me in the past and I know it will work again.

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:19:50 +0000

IF anyone is interested, Rob has a forum dedicated to Weight Watchers.

http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/community/viewforum.php?f=8

The forum as a whole itself with provide you with interesting ideas, reader comments and is dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. I’d encourage you to check it out. I’m glad I did!

By: Patience

Patience — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:05:29 +0000

I have been on WW since Jan 3, 2008. I love this program. Sunday is my high point day and is also my chance to have my “bad foods” throughout the week I eat healthily and exercise vigorously. I do believe this is a long term/life long program that works and has worked for many many people!! This program has been out for 45 years… they must be doing something right.

By: Patience

Patience — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:07:20 +0000

I wanted to add in that I’ve lost 42.5 pounds in 18 weeks on WW.

Totally worth it!! I actually get to have my cake and eat it too!

By: tfoxsail

tfoxsail — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:39:31 +0000

I am a 40 year-old male who has been on WW Flex plan for 13 weeks, and I have already lost 20 lbs. In regards to healthy eating, WW encourages it (at least our leader does), and through the change in my eating habits (less fat, more fiber), I have succeeded in not only losing the weight, but my cholesterol has dropped as well.
I noticed that some talk about WW honing in on substitution….and they are correct. However, the substitution is healthier than the original. For instance: I love pizza, and instead of picking up the phone and ordering one, I make whole grain pita/low fat cheese/turkey pepperoni & mushroom pizzas. They have even shown me how much fat content is in some sauces, and I have found spaghetti sauces to put on my pizzas that have little to no fat and high fiber.
I love WW, and will continue to strive to become a life member.

By: Christina

Christina — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:49:59 +0000

tfoxsail: Good for you. If you learn about nutrition and it is an improvement upon what you did know to live a healthier lifestyle, more power to you. Best wishes and much success to you!