Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Commercial weight loss program at www.weightwatchers.com

Background:

In 1963, Jean Nidetch, invited friends to her home for an ongoing weekly meeting that focused on weight loss. Since then, Jean has established Weight Watchers International, Inc. which offers its services globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. In North America alone, over 48,000 Weight Watchers meetings are held weekly where members receive group support and education about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and group support. The Weight Watchers program is developed by credentialed scientists and healthcare professionals with proficiency in weight management. Weight Watchers scientific advisory board includes eleven physicians and nine PhD health researchers. Weight Watchers headquarters are located in New York, NY.

Diet Claims:

Weight Watchers TurnaroundTM program offers two options; each food plan is based on a distinct approach to eating for lasting weight loss. People can use these two plans to structure their eating in a way that fits their lifestyle.

The Flex Plan is based on the Weight Watchers POINTS Weight-Loss System. On this food plan, dieters can eat any food as long as they keep track and watch their portions. Every food has an assigned POINTS value that is based on its calories, fat and fiber content per serving. In general, the higher points are assigned to foods that are rich in both fat and calories, low in fiber. For example, a fried item is 10 points but a steamed vegetable is 0 points.

Members who use the Flex Plan keep track of POINTS values to stay within their POINTS budget. Daily POINTS Target is based on gender, age, activity level, height, weight and other factors that influence individual caloric needs. Members are expected to stay within their POINTS budget until they achieve desired weight loss.

The Core Plan® offers foods from a specific list of healthy foods representing all food groups. No measuring or counting is required as the foods have been chosen to provide eating satisfaction without a lot of calories. Members can also eat foods outside of this list in a controlled amount by using your weekly POINTS allowance on occasion.

Participants are encouraged (but not required) to attend weekly meetings held at a convenient location. At these sessions, tips, recipe and product suggestions, physical activity, coping skills, problem solving skills and stress management concepts are discussed under the direction of a WW group leader (a WW participant who has successfully maintained desired weight loss). At the beginning of each session, members' weight is recorded by Weight Watchers group leader or receptionist. WeightWatchers.com is another option for participants to receive Internet-based weight management support services.

Weight Loss Promise:

Expected rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week.

Foods Allowed:

Theoretically, all foods are allowed on both food plans assuming participant is able to keep within their POINTS budget. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low- or nonfat dairy and 2 teaspoons of healthy oils are staples of the Weight Watchers reducing diet.

Foods Restricted:

Although there are no "forbidden" foods, limiting intake of foods high in saturated and trans fats, sugar and alcohol is emphasized.

Sample Menu:

Breakfast:
1 cup light nonfat vanilla yogurt
1.5 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup low-fat granola

Lunch:
Ham and Cheese tortilla:
6-inch whole wheat tortilla, 1 slice reduced-fat Swiss cheese & 2 ounces lean ham
Veggies & Dip: 12 cherry tomatoes, 1 cup broccoli florets & 2 tablespoons of fat-free ranch dressing

Dinner:
6 ounces steamed flounder seasoned with 1 tsp olive oil and herbs
1 cup steamed green beans with lemon sauteed with 1 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup whole wheat linguine topped with 1/4 cup marinara sauce

Snack:
1 banana with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
16 ounces cappuccino made with nonfat milk

Nutrition Analysis of Sample Menu:*

Calories:		1422
Protein:		105 g	27% calories
Total fat:	34 g	21% calories
Carbohydrate:	187 g	52% calories
Saturated fat:	8.5 g
Cholesterol:	165 mg 
Sodium:		1968 mg
Fiber:		26 g

*Per University of Minnesota Nutrient Data System nutrition analysis.

• Overall, Weight Watchers is a nutritionally balanced weight loss plan. Macronutrient composition of most menus is 50-60% carbohydrate, 25% fat and 15-25% protein.
• Participant sign-up charge is $29.95 plus a $16.95 monthly fee.
• Support provided at weekly WW meetings has been shown to significantly strengthen participant's weight loss success.
• Since more than 90% of WW clientele is female, overweight men may feel uncomfortable participating in WW sessions.

Reviewed 1/07