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What Is the Background of Weight Watchers?

Weight Watchers is a popular dietary plan that focuses on eating healthy through a points system to understand food, as opposed to a quick fix or a rapid weight loss plan. Initiated in the 1960s, this lifestyle program started as a small meeting among friends that quickly developed into one of the most popular dietary plans in the world.

  1. History of Weight Watchers

    • The Weight Watchers program begin in 1963 when Jean Nidetch, invited friends to her home in Queens for weekly meetings to discuss methods for weight loss. This concept of meetings-based discussions about weight loss quickly took off. Jean soon established the company Weight Watchers; according to weight watchers.com, "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 program has also expanded to offer its services from the web at WeightWatchers.com.

    Weight Watchers Philosophy

    • Developed by scientists who specialize in weight management, weight watchers focuses on group support and a healthy eating plan. It doesn't restrict certain foods or cut calories, but rather educates its members about nutrition and exercise as well as provides support through group meetings.

    The Foods on Weight Watchers

    • Weight Watchers focuses on attaining weight loss through a healthy lifestyle. This means that members can virtually eat anything; however, "unhealthy" foods should be consumed in moderation. The emphasis is on wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low- or nonfat dairy and healthy oil. The plan focuses on drinking 6-8 glasses of water and avoiding sodas and juices.

    The Weight Watchers Plan

    • Every member is given an individual plan that is based on personal needs; it can be easily adapted to any lifestyle. The plan itself is based on a points value system that represents the calories, fat and fiber of food and beverages. Members are instructed on what each food equals in its points value and how many points they are allowed to consume in one day in order to lose weight. All points should be recorded throughout the day to keep track of foods consumed, as well progress.

    Other Components of Weight Watchers

    • The program also involves group meetings, which is part of the original program. Through this supportive environment members have a weekly weight-in and discuss their week and what they ate. They are also meant to operate as inspirational and motivational meetings to make sure members stay on track with their eating plans. The program emphasizes regular physical activity several times a day.

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