Is weight watchers worth the money?

[ScrimpAndSave]

I would really love to start something...I only have about 20 lbs to lose...

[rduell]

It's worth it if you follow the program.

I've been attending meetings since July 16th of last year and have lost almost 45 pounds. I've gone from an 18W to a size 8. I love my meetings and find them very motivating and a good accountability method. I have the monthly pass ($39.95) that lets me go to as many meetings a week as I want and access to E-tools on the WW site.

On the other hand, the 2 friends that got me interested in going have both dropped out and have gained weight instead of losing.

I am 8.4 pounds from my goal weight and once I make lifetime (free meetings then) I hope to work for WW as a receptionist. I figure that will help keep me motivated to keep up with the healthy lifestyle I've learned.

So yes, I think WW is very worth the money I've paid. I've gone from being a very unhealthy 41 year-old to having so much more energy. I really like Weight Watchers and feel it's been worth every penny.

[PrincessPerky]

If it works yes, if it doesn't, no..and that question is very individual.

if you have already tried healthy eating on your own, and you feel you need help or reminders to stay on track, the weekly meetings will prolly help.

If on the other hand you are not the type, it won't help.

[MonkeyMama]

I think WW would be the only weight loss program I would pay for (the only truly effective one, for the long run, in my opinion).

Of course, the concept is rather simple. Exercise more; eat fewer calories. But WW throws in the support group, which is important.

You can look up the point system online and get the info for free though if you don't need the support group. You can learn how to eat better without paying.

Then again, there are a lot of online forums that offer more 24/7 support and are free. I have one friend who swears by 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Official Website for Weight Loss Support - Home (something like that) and I perused those forums when I had more weight to lose. I never got terribly involved, but I think the concept is good. You get lots of tips and support. (Then again I think my friend used the forums in conjuction with WW, now that I think about it).

[zetta]

Bootcamp Buddies at Bootcamp Buddies - Weight Watchers Support Forum - Powered by vBulletin is another online site for people following the WW programs. With this and other sites I was able to figure out the program and lose about 10 pounds.

[maat55]

Eating less and exercising more is cheaper.

[FrugalIII]

I have tried every diet out there. For me, WW is the only one that really works. I can eat basically anything I want so long as I stick to my point allowance. I have managed to lose 75 pounds on the plan. I don't go to the meetings anymore but I do follow the program. I count my points every day, try not to exceed them and don't use my bonus points except on a rare occasion. It really works. It's not painful at all and since I can still eat sweets but in small quantities I don't feel like I'm sacraficing anything. Instead of paying them now, I put the money in a jar every week when I weigh in. I save it for myself now instead of paying them.

[responduser]

Originally Posted by ScrimpAndSave

I would really love to start something...I only have about 20 lbs to lose...

Better to start morning walk.
That will definitely help you.

[InDebtInDC]

irrelevant

[InDebtInDC]

irrelevant

[FrugalIII]

I don't think one has to be a "certified" personal trainer to know that increased excercise of any type, combined with eating fewer calories translates to weight loss. I know it because I've experienced it and I'm not a personal trainer, certified or otherwise.

[InDebtInDC]

irrelevant

[geojen]

I lost 30 pound with WW and I can honestly say that I loved the program. The thing that makes the biggest difference is finding a meeting/leader that you can connect with. For me, when I lost the 30 lbs, I had a meeting that I loved and a leader who really helped and encouraged me. Then, when I moved, I found a different meeting/leader that wasn't so good. At that point I decided to go it alone. Definitely harder, but doable.

So, I guess I'd definitely recommend WW!

[geojen]

Originally Posted by InDebtInDC

Questions:

1) Why is losing weight important?

2) Your body is composed of millions of different types of cells. Which types of cell do you want to lose? Do you want to lose muscle or bone mass? How about organ tissue?

3) Would you be willing to sacrifice other aspects of your health to lose weight, e.g. starvation diet, anorexia, etc.?

4) Would you be willing to gain weight if it means losing fat mass + gaining muscle mass = slimmer waistline?

5) Where did you get 20 lbs. from?

6) Are you currently working with a physician, a nutritionist, and a personal trainer?

Why in the HECK are you asking whether OP would be willing to become an anorexic or starve? How is this helpful or even relevant? Also, how do you go about trying to lose organ tissue and why would you want too?

[FrugalIII]

I agree about the leader connection. When I was going to the meetings, I really connected with the leader. She was nice, personable and because I was always the first person there, we really hit it off on a one to one personal level. Then she moved out West and we got a new leader. This one was not nearly as nice and we didn't hit it off. She is the real reason I quit the meetings and did it on my own. You really need to be comfortable with the leader I think. I don't find it so hard on my own because I'm really committed to losing the weight. I'm down to where I want to be now and I'll have to see how hard it is to keep off. That's a whole fight of it's own.

[Scanner]

That's the basic idea, but as the saying goes, the devil is in the details.

Exercise of any type?

In Debt DC is actually trying to make a roundabout point about exercise.

Diet + exercise should be translated to "Diet + Vigorous exercise."

I see too many people who think a leisurely stroll around the block, if even if for a mile, is going to translate into results.

It won't.

I mean, it makes for a good "news blurb, fluffy" piece but too many Americans leading a sedentary lifestyle think that's all you need to do.

You'd be better off doing 3 sets of pushups and sit-ups (anaerobic exercise) than a leisurely walk. I am not poo-pooing walking - it can be a bonding time and a stress release. I like to walk the Wildwood Boardwalk (about 4 miles up and back).

As far as weight watchers, if you are a chick, and you are into salad and chocolate and leisurely strolls, I think Weight Watchers can possibly work as a lifestyle for money and time invested.

If you are not of that type of metabolic body type - that you can digest carbs and feel some sense of satiety, you are better off with a South Beach or Atkins lifestyle. (caveman diet)

Couple that with vigorous exercise and you have a great lifestyle.

Good luck. Investing in your health will always pay dividends.

PS: I find Weight Watchers suggests during times of hunger to injest vegetables (soup or raw) - this is a poor strategy for satiating the dieter for many reasons. That being said, I won't deny it appears to work for a select few.

Talk to an Atkin's lifestye person like me and you say, "Gee, I"m really hungry" and I'll tell you to go have a spoonful of peanut butter (not low fat!!! too much sugar!!!).

Fat is great diet food.

[zetta]

As far as weight watchers, if you are a chick, and you are into salad and chocolate and leisurely strolls, I think Weight Watchers can possibly work as a lifestyle for money and time invested.

If you are not of that type of metabolic body type - that you can digest carbs and feel some sense of satiety, you are better off with a South Beach or Atkins lifestyle. (caveman diet)

You may not be aware that WW now has an option called "core" that puts more emphasis on eating protein and complex carbs, and which would be compatible with a more "south beach" style of eating. Your description of the program as salad and veggie soup is outdated.

In any case, I would recommend that the OP either figure out the program from the websites posted above, or try the WW meetings and see if that kind of support is helpful to you. If it's not, you'll have the program materials within the first 4-6 weeks and can continue on your own.

[KellyB]

I agree with all the comments about WW. It is a really good program, IF you do it you will lose weight! It is worth the cost to me, I have tried doing the SAME thing at home, points and all, but without the accountability of going to the meetings I didn't do as well. Now I enjoy my meetings (and finding a good leader is key!). I save the $$ by not eating out as often, helps the weight and the spending! Try it, and good luck to you.

[Scanner]

You may not be aware that WW now has an option called "core" that puts more emphasis on eating protein and complex carbs, and which would be compatible with a more "south beach" style of eating. Your description of the program as salad and veggie soup is outdated.

Well, then, why not just do Atkins or South Beach then?

I guess there is a social component.

[zetta]

Eating less and exercising more is cheaper.

By this logic, we might as well close down SavingAdvice and just tell everybody, "spend less and earn more".

Just as hanging out here helps motivate people to work on their finances, frequenting a weight-loss website or participating in WW meetings is helpful to many people in staying on track with their weight-loss plan.