Weight Loss & Diet Plans

Weight Watchers Points Plus: Diet Review

Weight Watchers Points Plus: How It Works

ThePoints Plus program is based on Weight Watchers' proprietary formula that calculates the positive and negative attributes of food that considers the following:

• how much harder your body works to process protein and fiber compared to carbs and fat
• filling foods
• healthy foods
• sugar, saturated fat, total fat, sodium, and fiber content of foods

Choosing foods that are rich in the most satisfying nutrients but not loaded with calories is the primary goal to give dieters the weight loss edge.

Focus on eating more Power Foods as an easy way to fill up on the healthiest low-calorie options.

To get started, dieters fill out a form with age, gender, height, and current weight to get their assigned Points Plus daily allotment along with a weekly allowance.

You'll get at least 1200 calories daily. The distribution of those calories between carbs, protein, and fat are within the Institute of Medicine’s acceptable ranges.

Calculating Points Plus

The new program contains an entirely different counting system with changed values that is simple to follow, Kovach says.

For example, if the old point system provided 22 daily points and 35 weekly allowance, Points Plus would assign 30 daily points plus and 49 points plus weekly allowance.

Options for participation are the same -- in person, online, or a combination. 

There is no increase in fees and no extra charges for the Points Plus program.

Weight Watchers Points Plus: Expert's View

Keri Gans, MS, RD, author of The Small Change Diet and a New York weight loss consultant, gives the program a thumbs up.

“I always loved the peer support aspect of the Weight Watchers program but it concerned me that the old points could be used for anything," Gans says. "The new Points Plus program addressing where calories come from is a huge improvement.”

Gans says she loves the flexibility of the plan, which makes it easier to sustain long term, and the encouragement to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. “Our nation is not overweight because we eat too many fruits and vegetables but anyone who struggles with overeating needs to be careful because you could pack away plenty of calories if you eat too much fruit," Gans says.

All foods can fit into a healthy diet, Gans says. Eat healthy, filling foods most of the time, get regular exercise, and you will be able to work in your favorite treats on the new Points Plus program.

Weight Watchers Points Plus: Food for Thought

Change is good and in this case, Weight Watchers has improved its plan to incorporate state-of-the-art science along with a tried-and-true formula for the best approach to weight loss.

The Points Plus program is a guiding system that should help dieters make better choices with their calories and take advantage of the most filling and satisfying foods.

Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, is director of nutrition for WebMD. Her opinions and conclusions are her own.