We’ve all seen the ads. Famous faces like Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson are proclaiming that they’re joining Weight Watchers, and the company is getting a lot of publicity. But what exactly is so special about Weight Watchers? Is it really worth the hype?

If you’re thinking of joining, be sure to read on, as this article will summarize the main points of this popular weight loss program.

Counting Points

Typical dieters count calories. People involved in Weight Watchers on the other hand, count points. Weight Watchers’ points system, also known as the “PointsPlus” program is based on several factors, including how your body processes food and nourishment, as well as the most recent nutritional science. This system is combined with Weight Watchers’ proven approaches and allows people to make better food choices.

The 4 Pillars of Healthy Weight Loss

Dieters on the Weight Watchers program live by "four pillars of healthy weight loss", namely: Healthy Weight Loss, Fits into Your Life, and Informed Choices, and A Holistic View. These pillars were developed based on Weight Watchers’ 45 years in the weight loss industry. Weight Loss dieters use these four pillars as guiding points on how they go about their diet.

Here’s a closer look at those pillars:

Healthy weight loss â€" According to Weight Watchers they want to have a weight loss rate of up to two pounds per week. Additionally, the program aims to guide food choices that “not only reduce calories, but meet current scientific recommendations for nutritional completeness and reduced disease risk.” Weight Watchers also emphasizes the importance of sustainable weight loss. This means that you shouldn't just lose the weight, should keep it off.

Fits into your life â€" This pillar is all about being “realistic, practical, and livable”. After all if you can’t live with your weight loss program, it’s never going to work for you. Weight Watchers encourages you to start small. Want to lose 50 pounds? First, aim for 5 percent or 10 percent of that first. Take baby steps, be patient, and you will eventually reach your target.

Informed choices â€" With Weight Watchers, you’re not just blindly getting into a workout or diet without knowing why you’re doing it in the first place. With this 3rd pillar, the program shares knowledge with the dieters and allows them to know not just what they’re doing but also the reason behind it. Helping people understand why they’re doing something will make the act more effective and give them the confidence to live by their actions.

A holistic view â€" Weight Watchers aims to cover all the bases when it comes to weight loss. Unlike other programs that only focus on one thing (i.e. emphasizing exercise, but not eating right and vice versa), Weight Watchers provides dieters a holistic view which includes food, exercise, behavior, and supportive atmosphere.

What about you? Are you up for counting points? Do agree with the 4 pillars of weight loss? If so, then Weight Watchers could be the right program for you!

Image Credit: Yortw on Flickr

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