Points Information for Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers is a diet plan to help manage body weight based on a points system. All food is assigned a points value based on a formula that analyzes calories, grams of fat and fiber.

Your Points

• A daily point value is assigned to every person following the Weight Watchers system. This number reflects a person's current body weight and his or her weight loss or maintenance goals. Depending on the program, an individual may have flexible points to be used each week.

Formula

• The basic formula for calculating the points for any given food item begins with the number of calories divided by 50. Add the grams of fat divided by 12, and subtract the grams of fiber divided by 5 (calories/50 + fat grams/12 - fiber/5). Each Weight Watcher member is given a sliding tracker and a book of general foods to determine point values.

Calories and fat

• Calories represent energy, but the added fat grams of an item can significantly raise its point value.

Fiber

• Foods higher in fiber content reduce the point value of a food, so fiber-rich foods generally are healthier and help people feel full longer.

Activity points

• Activity points are assigned to various exercises and may be subtracted from the daily total. However, points allotted for exercise generally are low to promote moderation in diet and exercise.