Weight Watchers

Popular diets have become increasingly prevalent. Each year, millions of Americans enroll in commercial and self-help weight-loss programs. For example, in the United States, approximately 45 percent of women and 30 percent of men are attempting to lose weight at any given time. Unlike diets that may not be based on scientific recommendations, Weight [Page 793]Watchers International is based on long-standing medical advice which recommends restriction of portion sizes and calories. Started in the early 1960s by Jean Nidetch, Weight Watchers International modestly started with a group of a few friends talking about weight loss to an international company with millions of members around the world.

Weight Watchers International applies a comprehensive approach including a food plan, an activity plan, and a behavior modification plan focused primarily on cognitive restructuring. It is based on the belief that sustained weight loss comes from taking a holistic approach which addresses food, exercise, behavior, and a supportive atmosphere. Individual members determine a goal weight which must be at least five pounds less than their joining weight. In addition, for health benefits, members are encouraged to select a goal weight within a healthy body mass index (BMI) range of 20–25.

Weight Watchers International awards lifetime membership eligibility to members who reaches goal weight and maintain the six-week maintenance program. Successful completion of the program is defined as achieving and maintaining the goal weight within two pounds. The goal weight may be prescribed by a qualified health professional who has stated that the recommended weight is considered healthy based on an individual assessment of the member. With lifetime status, the member receives free services. Because most members have a substantial amount to lose, the considerable majority choose goal weights equivalent to a BMI of 25. The initial goal is to lose 10 percent of body weight because a weight loss of 10 percent confers significant health benefits.

Although rooted in the fellowship of community, Weight Watchers adopts a more behavioristic model which supplies more practical strategies for managing overeating, and a framework for developing positive, adaptive, and self-nurturing modalities.

The program utilizes weekly group meetings with confidential weigh-ins to help members track progress. Lasting less than an hour, the meetings are once a week. Weight Watchers does not utilize a contract and members pay as they attend. The weekly group meetings are led by a group leader who is a lifetime member, and currently within 10 lb of his or her weight goal range. Considered the primary role model, the leaders conduct group meetings, weigh members, and show them how to follow the Weight Watchers weight-loss plan. The leader also provides motivation and social support. The meetings also provide the exchange of tips, recipes, and others' practical experiences.

Using a nutritionally balanced food plan, the Weight Watchers diet is designed to produce a moderate weight loss of up to 2 pounds per week. The activity plan recommends 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. Practitioners of Weight Watchers try to keep total daily “points” in a range determined by their current weight. The point value for each food serving is calculated in accordance to an algorithm which takes into account kilocalories, fat, and fiber. Point calculation may be done by slide rule or calculator. In some instances, the point value may be obtained by the consumer from lists or packaging, giving even more ease to the consumer. This provides points for each of a variety of food servings whereby the points are approximately equal to the kilocalories in the food serving divided by 50. In addition, the point value increases by about 1 point for each 12 grams of fat content and is reduced by about 1 point for each 5 grams of dietary fiber content of the serving. Each “point” is approximately 50 calories.

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