Definition of Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers is a diet plan first developed in the 1960s that encourages weight loss by making healthy food and lifestyle choices. The Weight Watchers plan is based upon the idea that dieting is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. The program stresses the importance of overall mental and physical health and well-being.

Weight Watchers does not forbid specific foods or tell people what to eat. There are also no pre-prepared meals or foods to purchase. Instead, people are encouraged to make healthier eating choices and to increase physical activity. Weight Watchers sponsors group meetings in locations throughout the world where members can offer each other encouragement, support, and tips for making healthier lifestyle choices.

Weight Watchers offers two diet plans:

• The Points Plan: In the points plan, foods are assigned a certain number of points based on the food's calorie, total fat, and dietary fiber content. Participants are allowed to eat any foods they choose and are allotted a certain number of points each day.

• The Core (no-counting) Plan: The core plan is based on the consumption of wholesome foods from all the food groups, including fruits and vegetables, grains and starches, lean meats and poultry, and eggs and dairy products.