The Weight Watchers program is a state-of-the-art, scientifically-designed approach to weight control. Based on the philosophy that successful weight loss is achieved through the attainment of a series of realistic goals, the Weight Watchers program is a multi-dimensional, comprehensive way to learn how to achieve and then maintain a healthy body weight for the long-term. The program incorporates healthful eating, physical activity, behavioral support, maintenance, and group support. The Weight Watchers program affirms that to lose weight safely and sensibly, a person must learn to eat more healthfully, increase physical activity and handle the challenges encountered in the process of changing behavior.
Recognizing that each member is unique, Weight Watchers has created FlexPoints which includes the patented POINTS Weight-Loss System, which is proprietary to Weight Watchers International, Inc. FlexPoints introduces a self-discovery approach to weight loss. Weight Watchers helps members discover more about themselves in relation to weight loss, in the areas of dieting personality, satisfaction with meals, and eating patterns. The core of FlexPoints is still the POINTS Food System, which is based on a "breakthrough" formula involving calories, fat, and fiber. There is no complicated counting. FlexPoints offers the flexibility of "Meal Ideas" and the structure of "Food Lists" featuring common foods with POINTS values in realistic portions. POINTS can also be determined quickly and easily from any food label using the POINTSfinder slide.® slide.
Weight Watchers is a mulit-dementional program. No food is forbidden. The principles of portion control are reinforced to help members learn to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
FlexPoints meets the nutritional recommendations of many major health organizations in North America. The plan is designed to encourage members to eat a wide variety of foods in amounts that promote a healthy weight loss.
Another core component is the POINTS Activity System, designed to complement the POINTS food system. Based on a proprietary formula that includes body weight, time, and intensity, all types of physical activity can be assigned a POINTS value. Recommendations about the type and amount of physical activity to be included are consistent with the guidelines advocated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Weight Watchers knows that there are personal challenges encountered throughout the weight loss process. To meet these needs, Weight Watchers Tools For Living were developed to teach specific skills that enhance members ability to meet and overcome these challenges. As part of the group meetings, discussions on real topics - such as staying motivated, overeating, and managing stress - offer valuable insight and provide the reassurance that no one has to do it alone.
FlexPoints shows each member how to put the pieces of their weight-loss puzzle together, including the above core components. Over the course of several weeks, other important components of weight loss are explored with suggestions for adapting them to suit the lifestyles of members by encouraging members to address the following self assessment questions: What's your "Dieting Personality"? What's the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the "Right Mix"? What's the best eating pattern at "Meal Time"? As members learn more about themselves on their journey of self-discovery, they'll be able to make FlexgPoints fit their unique needs, using the tips, techniques, and strategies specifically geared towards their weight-loss profile.
Losing 10% of present weight continues to be encouraged by Leaders as an initial weight-loss goal for members. Once members reach their weight goals set by their physician or one within a weight range determined as a healthy "Body Mass Index" (BMI) and maintain that goal for six consecutive weeks, the members achieve Lifetime member status. This gives those members the privilege of attending Weight Watchers meetings free of charge, as long as they maintain a weight within two pounds of their weight goal and as long as they weigh in once a month.
The Group Support System Based on over 40 years of experience, Weight Watchers knows that the strongest motivation and support comes from people who have "been there" themselves - and succeeded. The Group Support System remains the cornerstone of the Weight Watchers program.
Weight Watchers offers its members support through meetings that are interactive, contemporary, and which encourage hands-on learning through group activities and discussions. Meetings can be customized to suit the particular needs of each individual group. Members learn strategies from Leaders who have learned how to lose and maintain their weight on the Weight Watchers program and who are trained to respond to the needs of members. The Weight Watchers Group Support System continues to support members throughout the Maintenance period of the Weight Watchers program, teaching members how to stay within their appropriate weight ranges.
