WeightWatchers, formerly known as Weight Watchers, is a weight-loss program that uses a points system to calculate personal nutrition needs based on individual needs. Founded 60 years ago, WW offers a sustainable solution to weight management and overall well-being. The program encourages and motivates users to stick to a healthier lifestyle by providing the tools and resources needed to do so.
WoodWatchers aims to teach lifelong healthy habits and skills, such as measuring portions and tracking food. It is important to ensure that whatever you do is for life and not just a temporary means to an end. Permanent lifestyle changes, such as choosing nutritious foods and getting regular exercise, are essential for long-term success.
Diets are often temporary solutions to lifelong problems, especially if they cannot be acclimated to someone’s lifestyle. WW International, Inc., formerly Weight Watchers International, Inc., is a global company headquartered in the U.S. that offers weight loss and maintenance. After four weeks on the program, the author lost 5 pounds and found WW to be a great option for people looking for a lifestyle change as opposed to a short-term crash diet.
To view lapses as isolated events and view healthy eating as a permanent lifestyle versus a temporary measure, WW is a commercial diet focused on weight loss, along with healthy eating and lifestyle habits. While only temporary, keto can initially reduce energy levels.
📹 Does weight watchers work? | Nutritionist reviews the diet (with a touch of psychology)
Weight Watchers (WW) has about 4.5 million members, so a very popular diet program. The question is though, does weight …
How many people fail WeightWatchers?
The WeightWatchers Success Registry reported that 57 people maintained their weight over a year of follow-up, while 43 experienced weight regain of more than five pounds. However, if the missing 4, 004 people went MIA due to weight gain, 23. 1 maintained their weight and 72. 9 experienced weight regain. Some of these “maintainers” may have been too busy to respond, but it’s likely that they did maintain their weight. The study authors also noted that despite regaining weight, gainers’ weight remained 18 below their starting weight, exceeding weight-loss maintenance criteria for long-term successful weight loss.
How do I resign from WeightWatchers?
If you’re experiencing issues with your access code, call 1-800-651-6000 and a live agent will assist you. To fix this, ensure you’re entering the code correctly and avoid adding extra characters, spaces, or hyphens. If the code has already been used, it cannot be reused. If you’re trying to use a free trial access code for a membership that’s already received a free trial, only new members can receive it. Additionally, you may be on the wrong signup page.
What is negative about WeightWatchers?
Weight Watchers, formerly known as Weight Watchers, is a popular weight loss program that has gained popularity over the past 50 years. However, it has some negative aspects, such as a lack of education on nutrition and the points system outside of the program. This makes it difficult to continue after canceling a subscription. Despite these issues, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for lowering the risk of chronic disease and extending one’s lifespan.
The program, which has helped around 5 million people worldwide, has been a popular choice for weight loss. In a poll of weight loss program customers, more people had tried Weight Watchers than any other program. The program’s success is attributed to its focus on nutrition and the points system, which can be challenging to follow outside of the program.
What is the lifetime status for WeightWatchers?
A Lifetime Membership is a program that recognizes and rewards members who achieve and maintain their personal weight loss goals. In return, members receive a complimentary subscription to the organization’s digital resources and access to an unlimited number of workshops.
Can you get out of a WeightWatchers contract?
The cancellation policy for WW subscriptions is as follows: if you cancel during the term of your committed period, you will be charged the applicable monthly fee for all months. If you cancel after being billed for your next subscription month, you will be charged the same fee. If you want a refund for the next month, you can refer to the refund policy details. The policy aims to provide a fair and efficient subscription experience for all users.
Can you do WeightWatchers forever?
In order to achieve a healthy weight, it is essential to reach a BMI that is within the healthy range. Should your objective exceed the parameters of a healthy BMI, you may submit an application for Lifetime membership accompanied by a duly completed healthcare provider’s note. It is recommended that a six-week maintenance program be completed, with a final weigh-in to ensure that the individual is no more than two pounds over their goal weight.
Is WeightWatchers long term or short term?
WeightWatchers is a weight loss program that promotes slow, gradual weight loss through a combination of behavior change, nutrition science, and digital support. The program offers over 200 ZeroPoint® foods daily, including fruits and vegetables, with the goal of reducing inflammation-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes. However, it is not suitable for those under 18 or those with a history of eating disorders. WeightWatchers provides support through its app, virtual coach chats, a large members-only social network, and in-person workshops.
The app offers access to food and activity trackers, 12, 000 recipes, a barcode scanner, and meal-planning inspo. The company also offers support options for members living with diabetes and those on GLP-1 weight loss medications.
How do you quit Weight Watchers?
Weightwatchers. com offers a convenient online cancellation process for members. Users can easily cancel their membership and receive a prompt refund. However, some users have reported issues with their billing cycle, access codes, login issues, and switching payment plans. Some users have experienced errors when trying to switch to Workshop + Digital, forgetting their password or username, and experiencing slow loading on the site. Users also face difficulties in tracking their food or activity, accessing the calculator, and creating recipes.
To resolve these issues, users can visit weightwatchers. com and follow the prompts provided to cancel their membership. The website also provides a calculator for tracking food or activity, but users may need to contact the website’s support team for assistance.
What is the duration of WeightWatchers?
Those interested in embarking on a weight-loss journey are encouraged to join the WW Membership, which offers a complimentary six-month trial period. The membership is subject to automatic renewal after a period of 12 months at a cost of $23 per month, unless the member elects to cancel. A savings of $11 can be achieved by entering the code FITSYOU, which will entitle the purchaser to the best value of six months free.
Can you cancel Weight Watchers anytime?
It is possible to cancel one’s Monthly Pass at any time by visiting the following URL: www. weightwatchers. com/monthlypasscancellation. However, it should be noted that cancellation requests cannot be processed at meeting locations.
Does WeightWatchers really work long term?
WeightWatchers, a 52-week program, has been shown to maintain 63 of the weight lost at two years, with nearly 40 people achieving a clinically significant 5 weight loss at two-year follow-up. The program has been successful in reducing cravings, aiding diabetes patients with blood sugar control, and preventing prediabetes development. The WeightWatchers Science Center provides information on the program’s approach and studies.
📹 Dietitian Reviews Weight Watchers (YEP, IT’S STILL REALLY REALLY BAD)
Hi everyone, I’m Abbey Sharp and welcome to Abbey’s Kitchen. In today’s video we will be taking on classic weight loss program …
I did weight watches because it was easier than calorie counting. Eventually I got used to the way of eating and didn’t need to count points anymore because I had developed the habit of eating more fruits and vegetables which prevented me from bingeing on chips or sweets. That was 3 years ago and I haven’t regained any weight. I now have started tracking Marcos because I’m trying to build muscle.
I could not disagree with this article more. WW is an excellent program for teaching people who have food issues, how to eat. It’s taught me about portion control and how to make the best choice for whatever setting I am in. I have lost weight slowly and kept it off. It’s not a diet. It teaches you a new lifestyle.
I’ve just started ww. It’s just a guide but you have to use your common sense, like not eating lots of zero point foods. I would like to just use this as a lifestyle not just a diet. It has me eating more healthy, drinking water and feeling better. When I achieve my weight goal, I just want to maintain it. I don’t eat lots of sweet food, I just gained weight during lockdown.
Many years ago my Mom did weight watchers, it was a relatively new program at the time, and it has changed a lot over the years, she really enjoyed it, but I think it was more the social aspect that she enjoyed, she lost a few pounds while on the plan, but not really a lot of weight. I myself don’t believe in any diet programs out there, most are quite expensive. I lost 140 lbs. over 2 years on my own, just by counting calories, and exercising. I didn’t cut any foods out of my diet, but I do weigh my food, and count every calorie. I don’t know why so many people need programs to tell them what to eat. It isn’t hard to figure out that steamed vegetables are better for you than McDonalds. Easy diet plan Lean meat, lots of Veggies, and Fruits. Drink low calorie beverages, and limit grains in your diet, oh and move more. If a 63 year old woman can do this anyone can
Interesting, Harry seems smart good advice, it does not seem like he used WW much. I would say it does focused on positive langue and flexibility and most of the things he says. You can eat chocolate but better to focus on a salad. If you have a day where you are out that does not put you off your plann you can just use more of your week points.
TL;DR: The statements Harry have made are based on bold statements, deceit and an overall inability to do thorough research before making this article 🙂 1:59 “We’re all human, we emotionally eat” that, my friend, is a bold statement to make about “all humans”… 2:06 “Having zero points foods could cause problems for some people” yeah… I’m pretty sure there’s a plan for people who suck at portion control… oh yeah, it’s called the green plan (only veg and fruit are zero point foods there, but who legit wants to eat 1k cals of fruit and or veg) This statement is more a general one of the fact the “they don’t teach you about nutrition lol” argument is nonsense, the whole point of the point system is to make you think about your choices and if what your eating is actually right for you, it’s MEANT to make you curious as to why certain foods are worse for you than others and so on. It’s not WWs fault if the majority of the human race take everything at face value and don’t want to understand the reasons behind things. 2:38 WW ask you these things before putting you onto a plan that is recommended for you 3:00 “What happens when you stop following it?” Oh, I dunno, maybe keep eating the way you have been during the time you’ve been “following it” 3:43 There is nothing inherently wrong with this mindset 4:36 “I’ve got a little analogy to explain that” That couldn’t have been a more fear-mongering analogy if you tried, good job 7:25 You SAY I had to think of a pink Heffalump to “not think about it” but all I was thinking then was how irritating you’re being 8:12 Willpower doesn’t last long because of idiots who claim it doesn’t.
Never done WW but know LOTS about it being from the UK and working in fitness. I actually had no idea how it worked other than it used points. It’s always shocked me the statistics about how many people gain all the weight back plus some once they stop using their system. And it just doesn’t help build any skills or knowledge about food or nutrition! Thanks for the informational article.
Love this breakdown! Definitely agree with the problem behind meal plans such as WW. There’s a major lack of education around how to be flexible on your diet and follow something that is truly sustainable and sets you up for long term success. Not to mention the rigid and strict “black and white” mindset you touched on.
I am a 29 year old woman who is LOVING WW. It’s actually restored my relationship with food. ♥️ I no longer have an unhealthy view of food and feel the need to “not eat” it encourages me to eat, and gives me visual boundaries that I totally understand that not everyone needs. It definitely is a “time is money” program. I have never looked at it line rocket science or something that couldn’t be done without Weight Watchers. Not all of us have the time to calculate everything out. I applaud WW for making it so user friendly and giving us the freedom to look up food and track within our balance. It may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth every penny in my opinion.
Sure would love to see more articles about turning trigger foods into hunger crushing combos. That one was so fun and inspiring! I’ve been using the trick of putting cottage cheese in shakes (sorry, the word smoothie skeeves me out!), and would love to see more fun tricks like that using everyday foods, not things like protein powder or expensive ingredients. Love your approach. Thank you for everything you share.
WW destroyed my mother’s relationship with food when I was growing up. She did the cabbage soup diets and WW. I distinctly remember her making a low fat HIGHLY PROCESSED WW key lime pie over and over again and referring to it as ‘healthy.’ WW ‘made it easy’ by publishing points counting books of convenience foods. My mother still struggles with her relationship with food and it makes me so sad. Any diet that promotes a points system is promoting a food currency, and that’s scary.
I started on Weight Watchers at 14 with my mom. Looking back on it, I’m both angry that grown women at those meetings thought it was normal for a pubescent girl to diet/restrict and also deeply sympathetic for the disfunction that I now know those women were in. And, in case you’re wondering, YES: I quickly became obsessive and then struggled with anorexia from age 18-24. It took me YEARS to deprogram my brain from seeing “points” instead of seeing food.
I actually love WW and it helped me lose 35 lbs and fix my relationship with food walking away from a vegan diet where I was super restricted and messed up. It seems like everyone just hates on diets, but some of us literally need a program to help lose weight for health reasons. Intuitive eating just doesn’t work for everyone when your relationship with food is a mess and I don’t think we need to demonize everything – WW actually does teach you to build a balanced plate in my opinion. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, fruits & veg and the program really isn’t restrictive.
I’ve lost and maintained a 60lb weight loss in WW. I eat what I want in moderation. Nothing is off limits. I’ve learned a lot about portion sizes, and I eat a lot more lean protein and veggies. If I want pizza, I have it. Ice cream? 3 times per week in summer. Tacos? No problem. Carbs? Yep I have those too. I’m on the blue plan and I love it.
Coming from a weight watchers member, WW really did show me portion sizes and helped me get over my addiction/emotional attachment I had to food. I’d eat without being hungry just because I was upset. I learned that the ‘food coma’ isn’t the goal with food. Food is fuel and you should feel energized, not want to take a nap. My zero point foods I use to compliment my point foods (for example, banana is 0 points and almond milk is 3 points—boom, banana smoothie is only 3 points and is filling for me). It gave me perspective on how I can truly drink my day’s calories in a sonic blast milkshake (34pts) and still on top of that, eating other foods that would make me gain weight. I’ve lost almost 30 pounds on WW and I truly have created a better relationship with food.
Hi Abbey, I just wanted to check in and let you know that intuitive eating has been going really well for me. I am happy, satisfied, and healthier than I was before I started this journey. My parents both passed down their disordered eating to me (cycles of restriction then binging to an extreme extent), and seeing them struggle with weight loss now while I am getting healthier slowly but very sustainably hurts. (This includes weight loss because i am in a unhealthy condition but this is not by any means my primary goal on its own.) And i’ve literally just added more protein (hunger crushing combo) and not restricted myself to the point i binge constantly. I honestly do not know what would’ve happened to me had I not found you – i’ve even applied the broad kind of moderation and mindfulness mindset in intuitive eating to my life as a whole, and that has really helped me not just with food but with things like work and building good habits as well. From the bottom of my heart (and hopefully soon my parents’ hearts too), thank you.
This is a hill I’ll die on. I 100% understand that not all diets/programs/methods work for everyone. But WW saved my sanity and really helped me get into healthy habits. No food is off limits, no “rules” on how to use your smart points. No shaming. Big community online and in person for meetings. If you hit goal weight and maintain, WW is free for life.
I’m on WW and am doing great. Yeah, it’s all counting calories, made easier with an App. The plan just changed again, which is good, because food science continues to evolve. My doctor supports my diet, and she’s an actual doctor. Unfortunately, my body type + age, I must track and understand the kind and amount of food I eat, if I want to lose weight. This one works for me.
Full disclosure: I watch your articles, because I like to challenge myself to think differently. I don’t think intuitive eating works for everyone, I think the standard American diet makes it nearly impossible to eat intuitively, I think being overweight is just as toxic and taxing to the human body as it is for a pets body—one just has emotion tied to it, so that’s where I’m coming from. BUT you’re so smart and knowledgeable and you’re an expert and I’m not. I feel challenged and learn a lot in every article, so thank you. However this article felt one sided to the point of losing objectivity? First, your assessment of who gets the green, blue or purple plan was incorrect. And idk why you didn’t take it a step further? If you didn’t wanna pay for it that’s fine, but you could’ve called someone. Because green gives you more free points it’s actually designed for people who need more flexibility aka eating out etc. it’s not just for less experienced people. I started on green and moved to blue, because my body was simply needing more protein and I cook almost every meal—sometime many people can’t do. I made the switch in two seconds on the app. You can switch anytime. What’s amazing, is this midwestern girl went from a diet pretty dominated with pork and beef to now eating way more fish and chicken. I still eat red meat, but way less. WW challenged me in that positive way. You also only gave one negative example (the hot dog and peanut butter) example versus all the positive examples.
While I agree with some of your points on WW, I for one have lost 70 pounds on WW while in my 50s. All the staff at the WW meetings are former members who have successfully lost and kept off their weight. They can relate to what I was going thru and struggling with. The point system is not hard to learn. Since beginning my weight loss journal, I have found that I eat a much more balanced diet that is full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The most legitimate point you make is about the healthy fats. I have gotten around that by not counting when I use oil in my cooking or a moderate amount of butter. I personally use defatted peanut butter powder vs regular peanut butter because that personally is a binge able food for me. It’s best not to have it my home. Oh, once you reach goal, you no longer pay for WW and are considered a lifetime member.
I had a great experience with WW green plan. I lost 15 pounds of baby weight. What it did for me that I think helped work, I had skin in the game with monthly subscription. Two, as opposed to calorie counting in the past, I was incentivized to eat fruit and vegetables.. in the past I was tempted to not waste points on things I didn’t like as much as processed food. I have to kindly disagree with the negative title on this article.
I love WW! It’s been life changing. It’s not just calorie counting, it gets you into patterns and you really learn the whole “eat this instead of that” thing. Before WW I had no idea that so many of my calories were coming from drinks and sauces 😂 The app is so easy to use and it comes with workouts, meditations, live streams, chat.. it’s a whole vibe and everyone I know that’s done it has lot weight painlessly!
WW probably isn’t for everyone, but I’ve been on the WW blue plan for the past 9 months and I actually love it. I’ve lost 75lbs since starting and it’s helped me be accountable and I love the community element. I do agree with some of your points though as I learned early on I could cheat the system by over consuming zero point food, but I was able to learn from that reflect on why I was doing that and adjust. One point of clarification, in terms of “roll over” points while in theory someone could hoard them all for a “binge” on the weekend there are still daily point ranges which you are advised to stay within so that you aren’t under or over eating your points. For me I need to stay within 16-37 daily points even though my target is 29 points.
I have done WW in the past and had success with it. There were many people in my meetings that were Lifetime Members, which you didn’t touch on. Once you reach your goal weight with WW, you maintain within 2 lbs of that weight for 6 weeks. Then you become a Lifetime Member and have free access to all the meetings, app, features, events, etc for life, as long as you stay within 2 lbs of your goal weight. So you really aren’t stuck paying for it for the rest of your life if it is a plan that works for you.
I personally love WW. I love how easy it is to plug in points, which naturally trains me to be more mindful with portions. I’ve lost 8 pounds so far, and I’m someone that struggles to lose weight. I’ve tried everything from intermittent fasting, OMAD, Mediterranean diet, keto you name it. Not everyone has the time or the energy to track macros, or count every single calorie. Like good on you for being a dietitian, but don’t knock people that genuinely love this program.
It worked for me. You didn’t mention however that when you reach your goal weight that the program is then free to you as long as you weigh in once a month at the studio. I’ve been below goal weight for 12 months and don’t pay anymore. Iknow not any diet works for everyone, this one however has helped me lose 74# and kept it off thus far.
I have a degree in nutrition and I do genuinely believe that WW could help someone who doesn’t know a lot about nutrition learn more about it on the WW program, by doing. At the same time, I also watched my mom and grandmother yoyo on their program all through my childhood so I don’t know if I could ever give them by business. I actually got my degree in nutrition so I could break the cycle for my children, and help them feel empowered to not be trapped by food.
This is making me realize that maybe my relationship with food is what needs help. I did keto this year and lost 45 lbs but also all of my hair. I realized this diet couldn’t be sustainable or healthy if my body was reacting in such a way. I’m now doing weight watchers but I’m really struggling. I’m still binging and feel totally out of control. I feel lost. I think I need real help with food. I appreciate this article. It was a wake up call for me. It’s not the diets. It’s me.
Hi Abbey – this is not for this article…but I walked away and YouTube started playing another article and you were talking about Goat Milk, I think? I am overwhelmed with all the dairy and non dairy choices and have only recently been diagnosed with a sensitivity to all dairy. My Naturopath said yes I could try goat or sheep milk and this made me happy since I loooove cheese. So…what about a article simply reviewing the “Good, Bad and the Ugly” or non-dairy milks AND the comparison with goat and sheep. And…I adore listening to your articles and your candid way of approaching so much. It is so refreshing to hear definitive responses based in research. You make me smile…but what happened to your lighter color background? The grey is so….well…grey… 🙂 LOL
I’ve been in WW 2.5 weeks and I’ve lost 17 pounds. I used to suck Mountain Dew and eat candy and cookies daily. So that is pretty much self explanatory and I have to say the amount of success stories on this diet is staggering. It has really opened my eyes to portion size and just how awful I really was eating. I was really surprised to find this article. I’ve had nothing but good results so far and I haven’t had to restrict myself too much. I don’t get why she thinks there’s so much negativity. Everyone will find something negative with everything in life though. It can’t be avoided.
Look WW is a tool like any other. It really works for some people who need more structure to a diet and for whom intuitive eating doesn’t work and calorie counting is too complicated or takes too much time. For others it does not work. Support can also dramatically help a weight loss journey for some people and WW has that option built in. It is NOT inherently unhealthy.
I have to disagree. WW has stood the test of time and has been around since the 60’s. I have met many successful members that look and feel great. We are talking over 10 years weight loss success. Some go way back and even attended workshops with their Mothers. WW, or Wellness Wins is more then a weight loss program btw. They work with you on the 4 pillars of health which is a healthy mindset, sleep, activity and nutritious foods. Personally, I have successfully lost 35 pounds and have kept it off for 3 years. Losing weight was the easiest with WW and what has kept me in the program is how good I feel and my yearly heath statistics have improved. Many nurses attend our meetings and WW is doctor endorsed. It is a great community with kind people.
I do not pay for Ww, but when I follow the basic principle of choosing what is considered “0” point foods on the purple plan, I feel satiated.The principle is to choose lean protein like eggs, fish and white meat along with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also to watch portions on foods that are more calorie dense like fats. I do appreciate your opinion, though. Overly structured diets don’t work for me because I tend to only track things when I am “good” and it leads to all or nothing behavior. I guess I use it more like a guide, kind of like the food pyramid. For instance: choose chickpea pasta instead of starchy pasta. Or brown rice instead of white. Oatmeal instead of processed cereal etc..
I think the newer version of WW is improved & gives each member choices as to what they mostly want to eat. You can definitely keep it on the low end of processed foods if you want, and the program offers a lot of help in the way of exercising and psychology. Any diet can be picked apart including keto or a whole foods diet. It’s what works for you. I know this – it’s better to lose weight and lower BMI (with what works for you) than it is to stay fat. As far as having started WW young and developed eating disorders, it’s helpful to stop focusing on it and to move past the past. I say this as someone who also had this experience. The sooner we can walk through it and past it, by forgiving and letting go, the sooner we become free from the negative effects of it.
I love weight watchers. I’ve lost lots of weight, which I regained when I dropped it. My fault not theirs. Weight watchers, these days, is designed to gradually help you to make better choices. It has always had the goal of getting to goal at which point membership is free if you continue to weigh in once a month and stay within your healthy range. And you can’t forget the weekly meetings which help inspire you and give you support. Not just the topics, but the other members. We support each other. Other diets may work for some people, but my relationship with food isn’t great. I need some accountability, which the weekly weigh in provides. The plan isn’t confusing after you’ve been on it a week. Also, the points aren’t just calorie counting. The points are based on calories, fat, fiber, sugar, and added sugar. I think you missed the boat on this one.
You may think it’s the devil, but it’s the only thing that has worked for me. Counting calories was never sustainable. It is overwhelming and I quit within a week. As someone with a LOT of weight to lose, it’s been a godsend and it’s well worth the $20 a month if it’s going to help me be healthy and extend my life.
//TW for disordered eating// When I was 17 one of my friends was really into weight watchers. I ate like a normal 17 year old (a lot of trash ngl, my metabolism was magical) and she used to make remarks about how many points each item that I put into my mouth was worth. She’s still yo-yo dieting to this day; she’s quite thin around the summer months because of some very heavy restriction (at the time we were close it was a banana, 2 rice cakes and black coffee every day plus an hour of intense exercise daily) and heavier whenever she ‘falls off the wagon’. The whole mindset is toxic and I can’t believe so many women I know have fallen prey to their vulture-like ways.
My parents have an on and off again relationship with WW and all they ever come away with is “oh yeah. I really need to eat more fruit and veggies.” Which my response is always “why do you need WW to keep telling you that.” They finally have dropped it and just kept up high veg and fruit content, lean proteins and almost eliminating red meat entirely.
I like the idea of working with a RD but I we have to be honest about the limitations. Just like any specialist, you have to have $$$. Obviously they deserve to be paid but that can be a barrier for some. I have decent health insurance but it only covered one hour long consultation per month and that just wasn’t enough support.
Is it wrong that I miss WW. This is where I started my Journey. I definitely do see pro’s and con’s. Through my journey with them I did loose 90 pounds. I quit and I started calories and I was way under eating. I do miss the points though I cant lie I think it was fun. currently reverse dieting to fix the metabolism but still have weight I want to loose its very tempting to go back but knowing what I know and have learned on my journey I will do things so much different this time around. Plus I will be working with a dietician next loose mode.
Why would anyone hire a dietitian, it seems to me that eating healthy is something that is pretty common sense, although I am from a older generation, I am 64, when I was growing up I never ever heard about dietitians. But Fruits, Vegetables, and Lean Meats were often talked about. Although I did see a few people that were obese when I was growing up, my younger brother was quite heavy, in school very few people were overweight. It seems like the last 20-30 years people have just blown up. Also they changed the clothing sizes from when I was in high school, I weigh the same as I did in high school, I am 5’6″ tall, and weigh 125 I wear a size 8, when I was in high school that was a size 14, now a 14 is huge
What is the average cost of an appointment with a registered dietician in Canada? In Australia, we can have it subsidised but it will still be $80-120 out of pocket. If you are trying to change your food choices for a sensible diet, general health or even some disordered eating surely this is a good alternative to those that can’t afford an RD? It is more practical than fad diets, offers community support as well as the program support and is a much better option than utube or the internet for those who would like help. I think they are doing a good job and I know a lot of people who it has helped for a short period of time as well as longer. They are certainly trying as well to create a product that helps promote people’s goals but gently guide them towards a more health focused approach not just weight loss approach.
I used Weightwatchers to go from 176lbs to 121lbs about 5/6 years ago. And I use it every now and again for a few months just to get my ass back into gear, because I do have a slight food addiction, especially when I’m not feeling great. Which makes me gain weight, which makes me feel even more shitty etc. Etc. WW helps me to get back into making better choices. Is it expensive? Well… In europe I would say It is WAY less expensive then going to a diet coach. The option to do the diet without the coach (so just the online plan) works amazing for me. Do I wish I didn’t need a “diet” ofcourse! Nobody diets for fun.
The constant air quotes really distract from the arguments you are trying to make. I’ve done weight watchers for many years with great success. To me the programs strength is not just the food program but the support you get from the leaders and other members. When you join the program it is explained in detail and the leader takes you through it step by step. A balanced diet and exercise is stressed. All the abuses of the program you describe are strongly discouraged. At the end of the day this is a guide and not meant to replace common sense. Once you reach goal weight everything is free.
Tw disordered eating, I went on Weight Watchers 13 years ago. My family convinced me it was my last chance to be thin and equated my size with being lonely forever (so messed up). I dropped an excessive amount of weight in a short time on their plan and developed an eating disorder. Everyone around me praised my new found thinness, but no one ever realized how little WW was telling me was a healthy amount of calories for me to eat. All these years later and I’m still struggling with my eating disorder (ednos aka osfed) and having healthy food habits. Their program messed with my head so bad.
I really appreciate your review on WW, I found it to be accurate and fair. I am a previous WW member and coach for 6 years until Covid 19 hit and WW let go of many employees, like myself. I was very successful initially with WW, losing 35 pounds and maintaining most of my weight loss for 5 years until Covid 19 and lockdowns. Allow me to give you my personal highs and lows of the diet. I want to stress that WW is a diet! For me, the upside of joining WW in the beginning was it taught me how to eat healthier. I had not been successful in losing weight and had developed some poor eating habits. WW helped me to learn how to make healthier choices and habits. The downside is, for years I couldn’t eat a meal or a snack without knowing the smart points and tracking. I didn’t look at food, I looked at points! As you said in your article, I fell into restricting my food through the week and then going over my points on the weekend. This lead to feeling guilt, shame, and frustration with not being able to stay at goal (which is a big deal when you are a WW coach). By the way WW coaches have no formal training in nutrition. You get a weekend seminar that basically trains you with WW policies and learning the program. Even though I learned a lot about healthy habits and nutrition with WW, my overall experience with WW did harm to my relationship with food. I am still struggling with my weight, and the weight mindset. I will admit, I want to lose weight because I don’t feel comfortable in my body.
I used to eat their jello for entire day before going out for dinner because I wanted to restrict calories 🙁 I genuinely felt like jello the other day and bought ww jello again thinking it is healthier choice for my craving. IT WAS HORRIBLY SYNTHETIC 😂 I really don’t know how I used to eat like 3 bowls of it for entire day 🤷🏻♀️
Dear Abbey, gotta disagree with you here. (M.A. Health Education Columbia University). Took some classes with R.D. Candidates, who had some courses addressing behavior vis a vis nutrition choices. Nutrition behaviors addressed population trends, cultural trends; a course in their syllabus on “nutrition Ed and behavior change,” one course. Then one course in nutrition counseling. Most of the focus for this program is on population type interventions, vs. counseling. WW provides tool and support to teach people how to meet their goals and change behaviors, not understanding why this is terrible but if cost is a thing there are other apps similar in set up but not as robust in community support? Since we have an obesity epidemic, what would you provide as a learning and application tool?
Urgh weight watchers. Ruined my whole teenage life when it came to food. Never enjoyed food due to the fact I was continuously eating porridge made with water instead of milk, avoiding avocado and eggs because they were too high in points, never buttering my toast or bread. Just absurd. Was constantly hungry and ‘scared’ of certain foods 😂 ever since I’ve taken a more satiating approach I’ve enjoyed my food a LOT more and stopped worrying about weight because it doesn’t define me. I’ve not weighed myself in years but I’m super happy with my size despite the fact I’m eating avocado every single day 😂
Wow, I love the WW program and disagree with most of your criticisms. They are constantly improving based on current science. They also promote behavior changes to increase the chances of long term weight management. They also have nutritionists, physicians and scientist who formulate the entire program which is the basis for training their coaches. Many people have kept off weight for long term. I also think they steer you to nutritious foods, activity and managing stress which are key to success.
Thanks for this info, since my husband has put himself on Nutri System. Much different than WW, but still a system. It’s taught him portion control, mainly, which is great and he doesn’t mind counting calories. It’s working for him 🙂 Re this particular vid of yours, though the info was good, I found the music overlay distracting. And the music itself was also terrible… my opinion, of course 😜
I grew up on WW in the 70’s. Weighing my food was a pain! It was about being on a DIET that made me feel fat and unacceptable. Thanks so much for the “naked carbs” tip. I love my carbs! And having them combined with protein really works for me. Even just sprinkling some nuts pips and seeds on my salad. It helps stabilise my blood glucose. Please keep giving out this tip, people need to hear it.
I gained and lost the same 5 pounds over years of doing WW after I initially started it after gaining 20 pounds in college. I took a foundations of nutrition class as a pre-req for a program and learned about intuitive eating and it changed my life with food. I vowed I would never track again. WW is stress inducing ! Please find something else 🙂
So many WW lovers in these comments. I tried it 3x. My family members have tried it. It failed us all. It assisted my cousin to become anorexic as a teenager. I lost on the program, but ALWAYS gained back after. My maintenance never outlasted 6 months. Im glad it helped some people, but there are more people like me, who only yo-yo dieted on it, than like the people who are able to keep it off without resubscribing.
I hear what you’re saying but I can also see the roll over points system as not too bad. if someone eats terribly on the weekend what if they just spread it out over the week, say one slice of pizza for lunch every other day and one beer in the afternoon, I thought that would be acceptable or would it only be acceptable in a hunger crushing combo?
I really like your content and have watched nearly all of your articles. But to be honest, most of the time the music in the background is really annoyingly loud… As a highly sensitive person I would love if you put the volume down or just do it without any music. Because it’s your words I’m here for.
ABBEY, I AM DESPERATE, HOW TO EAT INTUINTIVELY WHEN I GREW UP WITHOUT FOOD? ONLY OPTIONS WERE RICE, BREAD, MEAT HERE AND THERE… I WASN’T INTRODUCED IN A GOOD WAY TO MANY FOODS AND NOW I DISLIKE MOST OF IT, LIKE RICE, CARROT, PEAS… I DON’T WANT ANY RESTRICTION AS I AM DEALING WITH FOOD DISORDER (AS WELL AS OTHER MENTAL DISORDERS) AND I JUST DON’T KNOW WHO TO START EATING AND EATING VARIETY WHILE ON BUDGET (I DO NOT HAVE JOB AT THIS POINT)?
If you look at Ww as a tool as opposed to the Bible it’s a lot more helpful honestly. It will not fix an already problematic relationship with food…but for someone like me who likes the the focus on portions with nothing being off limits, it really agrees with me. It’s not for everyone though. And you can definitely still lose weight on plan by eating alot of low calorie heavily processed food. So it takes a certain amount of personal responsibility to use this plan and still get your nutrition on. I’ve used free calorie counters, and honestly it didn’t work for me. It’s a great tool for a lot of people. But it’s not perfect by any means
I have done WW more times than I can shake a stick at. Spent lots of dough on the program, frozen foods, cookbooks etc. Yes brilliant marketing. However, one of the things that would annoy me the most on this plan was the zero fruits and veg were no longer zero points if you put them in a blender and drank them. I do think the zero point thing messes with your mind. I never logged it the way I was supposed to because damn it they are zero points!! They do demonize fats and encourage egg whites in recipes vs full eggs another thing that drove me bonkers. The apps and community are nice but I find calorie counting to be much easier. You didn’t even mention the fitness points aspect of the program. I would go balls to the walls to get those fitness points to trade for food and that is not the goal behind exercising. I think it works for many because any time you pay more attention to what you put in your mouth you can lose weight regardless of specific diet. As you pointed out though, not sustainable for most people. The coaches were not good, I am a nurse practitioner and was overly annoyed when they tried to act like dieticians. I wish I could find a dietician like Abbey here in Ohio. Thanks for the article!
My mom did weight watchers when we were younger, saw amazing results, stopped, and gained it all back. Around 5 years ago, she decided to start again, lost the weight again, and has decided to remain a member not for weight loss but maintenance. Honestly, I support that she has found something that works for her, but her relationship with food is still concerning to me. I’ve tried to talk with her about it but I’ve decided it’s a moot point. She doesn’t feel she needs to change her relationship with food because she knows WW works for her and that’s enough for her personal happiness.
first sentence gets it right. expensive PLUS unuseful. out in the majority of the world, things don´t have ww points, but macros. people study, understand and will help you with macros, not ww points. i think that knowing your bases about calories, portion and nutrients is a part of a healthy lifestyle, but ww points basically tell you nothing, as the existence of “free foods” proves. if you eat 3000 cals (example number, based on me aka a petite woman) in chicken breat, you´re gonna gain weight, free food or not. just. count. macros. it´s more effective, useful, oh, and also free.
I lost 75 lbs with weight watchers, and kept it off for 4 years. When I was pregnant in 2020 I just let it all go, and stop restricting in every way. I gained more than 75 lbs through my pregnancy, and it sucked. I had such a bad relationship with good foods and bad foods. I couldn’t live off the WW plan. Fast forward two years and im feeling good about food again. I am -30 lbs from the height of my pregnancy and I have a good handle on the path to my goal. I feel a lot more comfortable with food and counting regular calories in vs calories out.
My mom and I did EWYN for a couple of months and it was horrible. On the first day our case worker (or whatever they’re called) asked for history of eating disorders and I explained that I had previously intentionally restricted to one meal a day and she proceeded to tell me that didn’t count because anorexia is “literally not eating anything” (I later went on to develop full blown anorexia because I believed my relationship with food was normal and continued these habits). Only certain foods were allowed and only certain amounts and everything had to be tracked. We were weighed every couple of days. One of the things we had to do was cardio so my mom and I started going on bike rides because we enjoyed it. The girl told us that wasn’t okay because it would make us gain muscle which would stop us from losing weight. I gained all the weight back that I had lost and it furthered my shitty relationship with food. Nutrition places should be designed to create healthy relationships and enhance a person’s health, not focus on losing x amount of weight no matter the cost.
I was in weight watchers. The positives-learned to read labels, also learned about portion control: the sense of community. The negative: expense-I did maintain the weight loss for more than two years but could not maintain in the long run. It did not address the deep seated beliefs that contribute to my messed up relationship with food.
We have all done these diet clubs but let’s be honest the only winner is the diet club. They work on the principle that the majority will fail and are then trapped in a cycle of having to stay with them to maintain weight. What this highlights is that we are too lazy to take responsibility for our health so we hand it over to a 3rd party . These diet clubs are rubbing their hands with glee. They are a business just like a supermarket and have no interest in our wellbeing just your hard earned money. Growing up my mum went to WW for years her weight yoyoed and still does at 70. This influenced my disordered relationship with food. Those of you that have kids please dont expose then to these clubs they are truly toxic and at 47 I can say it took me years to find my peace 💜
I did WW for a little over a year and while I eventually had to stop just due to food allergies making it difficult to stay in points, I do appreciate the balance it taught me to have. A year later I’m still conscious about eating healthier balanced meals and dont feel guilty over eating a cookie or ice cream because everything is eaten in moderation.
My mom put me on weight watchers when I was 9. I have no idea why she thought that was a good idea, but it was the first of many diet plans she put me on as a kiddo. I’m 25 and I’ve only recently started to understand how fucked up that was. My mom was misguided, but genuinely had my best interests at heart. I’ll never forgive weight watchers for trying to make money off of people’s desperation, and particularly not for trying to fake the calorie counting, which is what made my mom sign me up for the program in the first place. My point allowance was 35, if I remember correctly. No, I remember correctly. My mom told me I’d lose more if I didn’t use as many points. She suggested 15-25 points.
Well, I finally watched this. WW taught my Mother that dieting was silly and that you needed to find a lifestyle that worked for you. It taught me to look at my food in terms of taste and texture and how to cope with breastfeeding and pregnancy. I am currently using it for 2022. Will get back to you.
I never did WW, but I did do Jenny Craig in the 1990s and learned a great deal about CICO, volumetrics, and healthier eating. I thought they were pretty great, and I lost 125 lbs over a year. And the counselors and classes were really great. BUT JC (like WW, I suspect) didn’t prepare people well for returning to normal eating. There’s a benefit in that for the company, in that if/when you regain weight you’re very likely to go back on the program. The truth is that most people who lose weight will regain it back, and often more. Only about 5-8% of people who lose weight, regardless of the program, end up maintaining their lost weight. The real “trick” is to just develop and follow to make a healthy lifestyle with food and exercise that you can stay on forever. If you cycle with loss-regain-loss-regain, it’s terrible for any long-term health.
I am so sad to hear her review this program negatively. She says that with the points system people don’t learn their hunger cues. Well newsflash most of joining don’t eat because we are hungry. In the meetings we talk about all these including small goals that will help us attain our lifestyle goals!
I did WW for a year and lost a lot of weight. I did find myself eating much less during the week to “save up” for my cheat day or the weekend or whatever. Towards the end, I found myself being very rebellious. I couldn’t justify not eating foods I love (often “bad” foods on the WW plans) anymore, so all I wanted to do was eat them. I ditched the app and the plan and did gain back most of the weight I lost. Two years since going off of WW, I still struggle with being very anti-healthy food. It feels like I want to eat “bad” foods just to spite myself for ever giving them up for so long in the first place. While I like healthier foods like salad or fruit, I will avoid them because they are healthy. If that makes sense. Basically, WW left me with a worse relationship with food than I started with. It’s so bad that it’s opposite, where “bad” foods are the only ones “allowed” and “good” foods are off limits. Has anyone else dealt with this? I feel so lost 👎
Weight loss can be very difficult. WW can be an additional support for some people with meetings and the app. Everything comes with a price including dietitians. Usually people with a good food relationship aren’t overweight. WW is just a tool for people that over eat as is AA for people who over drink.
“Good thing Brazil nuts taste like ass.” Never change, Abby 😂❤️ (Trigger warning) I was put on WW as a kid instead of being taken to a psych or nutritionist to unpack why I overate in the first place. I know there’s a lot more education now around nutrition so I would never hold it against my family who thought they were doing the right thing, but spoiler alert: it backfired, I have an even worse relationship now with food (including a relentless restrict/binge cycle) and am only just now starting to unpack how/why it all started in the first place. Thank you for yet another fantastic article; although I still have an incredibly long way to go getting to a healthier place with my nutrition, I’ve already learnt so much perusal your website and this one especially was very enlightening ❤️
.I did WW years ago. I lost 2st on it and with combined exercise too. I was hungry all the time when did it. As the years passed by fast, and they have. I gained it all back plus an extra stone. It can be very hard to maintain it over the years. Many factors come into play, aging, slowing down. Health conditions and some long term meds cause weight gain. Which makes it so much harder. As I have experienced myself. Also weight x height should come into consideration too. Also get your thyroid checked. This causes severe weight gain or loss without treatment. Only way of knowing is a blood test…
Abbey, thank you so much for handling this one so gracefully and sensitively. My mom has been dieting since she was a teenager, and definitely loses control when she eats. She keeps going on and off weight watchers and I’m so happy she was willing to watch this article with me. I just wanted to start the conversation with her and this was perfect
Idk why people keep saying it’s expensive calorie counting! It’s like 25 bucks lol thats like 3-4 starbucks drinks and I bet alot of people spend 25 bucks on nonsense anyway right? Be it eating out, going out buying something like Starbucks which is on pricy end. This stuff does work I just can’t stick to it lol
I lost 50 pounds on WW to reach a healthy weight. Still there 3 years later. WW changed my life from obese,suffering daily acid reflex,high cholesterol and high blood pressure to feeling good,a normal BMI and good numbers from my blood work. Points aren’t arbitrary. They are based on science. Even zero foods have portion sizes and should be tracked. It’s great that you can maintain a healthy weight without it. Most people need a program. Too much delicious foods available 24/7 in America😖
I hope no one gives you trouble for sharing some legitimate concerns about the almighty WW. Two thoughts: 1) Not sure why I haven’t noticed this in your other articles, but the music playing in the background while you talk is a bit bothersome (I suggest no music). 2) Have you thought about reviewing Dr. Gregor’s approach? Author of How Not To Die & How Not to Diet. His approach to eating seems the most common sense and science backed to me.
I never did weight watchers, but I did calorie counting and exercise before I got married. And I stuck to it. I didn’t eat bad food, but accounted for all of the calories and restricted it to a certain amount. I didn’t worry too much about rollover because that doesn’t make much sense. I did have a cheat meal (emphasis on MEAL, not DAY), where once day of the week I could eat whatever I wanted, and that was it. After that, it’s back on the counting. I wound up losing a lot of weight that way and I wasn’t starving myself. I’m doing it again now, after I’ve had my son. Third day in. I’ve also cut out all alcohol. I didn’t realize just how many empty calories that stuff has.
I lost 61 pounds on this program. I maintained for over a year and a half just fine, Im actually about to do another 20 because I want to feel better. For me personally its not about the number, I just want to be able to chase my grandkids around eventually. I dont think thats unreasonable. Ive learned to eat whole foods and learned what keeps me full and what hasnt. Also, you were able to change your plan colour in settings which I did, from green to purple and found massive success. I tell people all the time this program works because it does. The program has since changed from this smart points system. I came back after a year and a half of maintaining and now everyone is on blue. However they now have the algorithm set to the more you move the more points you receive and can eat. I like that as an active person. This program honestly has had a huge and good impact on my life. Also, you dont have to buy their food. Theres a barcode scanner so you can do WW with your normal groceries. You take what you learn with you when you stop paying. I did. I didnt pay for WW for over a year and a half after looking 61 lbs and still maintained just fine. This article is full of misleading statements and is riddled with a snarky attitude wrapped in a pretty smile.
Loved it! I actually did like doing WW a bit but I was coming from doing keto. In the end I found you and I feel so much healthier and happy. I went on vacation and didn’t worry about food at all, just made healthy choices. Felt like I ate and drank way too much – lost 1 lb! Never done that on a trip before. Thanks for doing what you do, I am very conscious of eating balanced meals but also not depriving myself.
I tried WW a few years ago and tried the blue and green plans. I don’t remember exactly how long I did it, but I do recall having to pay a penalty for canceling my membership early (a big red flag for potential new members). I quit the plan because I had very little weight loss and started having a “negative relationship” with food. I decided to track a typical day eating on WW on My Fitness Pal and found that I was hardly eating 1,200 calories per day. I failed to lose weight because I was on a starvation diet. I also had negative experiences with the community aspect of the plan, finding that the official Facebook members were a bunch of bullies with a superiority complex.
Wow Abbey, I had a very bad dietician. Does that mean you are really bad too? I lost 100 lbs with WW way back in 2000. Since then I have gained 60lbs. Yes, 50lbs in 23 years. I have tried many fad diets. I’ve tried low carb, keto, plant based, Mediterranean, you name it, I’ve tried (even pills 😢). I ended up paying a lot for a dietician. That did not work for me. Guess what! I’m back on WW and LOVING it once again! You have obviously never had an eating disorder. So happy to see the majority of comments are happy with WW! Keep it up WW community!!
I follow an influencer who is (I hate to use this term) morbidly obese, and she started on weight watchers over a year ago. She did lose 50lbs but then plateaued. After consulting with a dietician she realized she had only been eating 1200-1500 calories a day using the point system … putting her in over a 1,000 calorie deficit. She completely messed up her bmr and is now having to repair it. I think it can go either way with WW. You can end up eating way too much or way too little. It’s not a foolproof system.
I am a retired ICU Nurse. I agree with everything said but counting calories did not work as well as WW. I’m down 41.3 lbs since May 25th. I have 100 lbs to go to get down to 127.1. I’m 62 years old, 5’5″ tall, small boned. I want to weigh under 130 lbs. So in my case, I agree with you but the scale doesn’t. Is it worth the money, yes it is. Low carb and Keto do not work, this does.
I only used the idea of WW and lost 50 lbs. My first time ever having to loose weight. Now I am 5’2″, 120 now and 57. Size 4 or 6 petite frame. I want to loose 5 more and seem to be stuck at this weight! Uggg. I eat one big salad and a small dinner, as I usually get up too late to eat Bfast. I do put some olive oil on my salad as ai don’t want to shrivel up…lol. I just do low EVERYTHING! Low fat, low sugar, low carbs. LOGIC. People also don’t change how much they eat as they older… the older you get, the less you need to eat! My neurologist told me this. I have had to really adjust my diet because of my MS and not nearly as active as I would want. If I know I am going out to dinner I just adjust my diet for the day.
I hear everyone saying that WW was great for them or their loved ones. But WW completely ruined my relationship with food. I’d never struggled with the restrict/binge cycle until WW, a cycle the WW system encouraged for me as a college student on the plan. Did I lose weight? Yes. But did it last long? No. And how did I do it? By eating super processed low-sugar/low-fat foods, staying hungry all week to get roll-overs, and absolutely blowing out my weekends with the points I stored. AND, you didn’t even get the chance to mention this aspect of it, but you can also log “fit points,” and that completely ruined my relationship with exercise too, which became a form of punishment for when I went over my points. By the end of WW, my mentality about food, exercise, and my body were completely screwed up, and within a few months of cancelling my membership, I didn’t even have my weight loss to show for it. I wish I never would’ve touched the program.
This is definitely not an endorsement of WW, but they actually let you stay on the program for free for life once you reach your “goal weight.” So in that sense it is somewhat “sustainable” even if you never really learn anything and always rely on their points system. I know this because my mom is a coach. And you’re right… she knows basically nothing about nutrition, even after a decade and a half on the program, even after nearly a decade of coaching… she has a terrible relationship with food, regularly under eats, and says things like, “the frap was too many points so I don’t need dinner,” and she still struggles with her weight. She thinks and talks CONSTANTLY about keeping her weight down. For FIFTEEN YEARS! Her eating seems really disordered at this point, but she thinks this is the only way to “be healthy” and “not get fat.”
My Mom lost 150lbs with WW and maintained her loss for the last 12 years. BUT she is a rule follower, and religiously went to in person meetings. It wasn’t for me. I also can’t justify what amounts to paying for calorie counting when I can do that for free. ALSO, oh hell no are you making me use 8pts for half an avocado. Nope.
I started my WW journey back in March 2021 after gaining lockdown weight, I was only 18 at the time and due to the change in my appearance because of the lockdown weight gain, my self esteem had fell to the floor. I was classed as a healthy weight for my age, height and gender but I couldn’t stand the person I saw in the mirror. My mum started her journey too so we had each other to motivate one another. By the time Winter came I had lost around half a stone (not much I know but I was not consistent with it) and I was feeling much happier with how I looked so I cancelled my subscription. However, due to the excessive ‘dieting’, weighing out food and months of restriction I ended up developing BED. My lifestyle became very unhealthy. I would exercise twice a day even after an 8 hour shift at an active job, exercising was solely for burning calories and I started tracking my calories on MFP. How I wasn’t hungry in the beginning I have no idea but it sharp turned sour. After losing another half a stone, I started experiencing binge tendencies and it was AWFUL. I was losing weight and gaining weight here and there. I was a stone lighter than I was a year ago at this point and became VERY obsessive with weight, food, exercise and calories. It began to interfere with every aspect in my life – my boyfriend, my friends, social outings, holidays, university. I made a silly choice to head back over to WW and subscribe again, I thought it may help me live that balanced lifestyle that it gave me in the beginning. Unfortunately, I ended up gaining 5 pounds and this sent my anxiety soaring. I have found that due to the intense restriction of WW and ‘diet culture’ in general, it wasn’t the best for my disordered eating. So, 18 months later from where I began my journey, I have recently decided to quit WW again for the second time. I plan to intuitively eat and exercise regularly. I’m on the road to recovery with my BED and hoping it only gets better from here. I think WW is a great app for those deeply disciplined and have the time to regularly cook whole meals and it’s great for beginners in their weight loss journey. However, it did unfortunately play a factor in contributing to the development of my ED, hence it was a healthier option for me to step away from it. I prefer MFP over WW overall as I know the calories I’m fuelling my body with as opposed to the stress (or relief to some) of not knowing the calories I’m eating on WW. I also like the greater flexibility with MFP as I can still enjoy sweet treats and occasionally some high calorie foods without breaking my calorie allowance – the inability to do this on WW led me to label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ which was a HUGE problem for my ED. I know weeklies are there for a reason but the guilt of seeing ‘0’ points left on the app or eating into my weeklies was also another issue for me. I also don’t feel pressured to weigh myself weekly with MFP. Weighing yourself can be a great option to track your progress but as we all know, there are many contributing options to detect your progress such as taking measurements and the scale isn’t always the best for identifying fat loss. Anyway, it depends on the individual but if you are a teen like me who has body dysmorphia, an ED or just does not feel happy and comfortable in their own body, I do not personally recommend you subscribe to a ‘dieting’ app. There are plenty ways you can make your lifestyle healthier – daily walks, drinking enough water per day, eating less processed foods and more whole foods, swapping full fat drinks for diet or even better water/milk etc. Track your calories on MFP if you really feel obliged to but make sure you use a calculator to work out your calories needed for weight loss/maintenance. Remember, it’s okay to go out and socialise and have that pizza! It’s okay to enjoy that ice cream with your friend or that popcorn at the movies! Balance is key – something I have not quite mastered yet but I’m trying. Good luck to all my fellow teens out there <3