Weight Watchers Diet: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Weight Watchers (WW) is a large provider of subscription-based weight loss services worldwide. SmartPoints and social support are key components.

Weight Watchers uses a point system called SmartPoints for controlling food intake. The ideal number of daily points is specific to each person. Prepared meals with a pre-assigned point value can be purchased. The program also involves weekly meetings for guidance and support.

People use Weight Watchers for diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity.

Don't confuse Weight Watchers with other diets.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Diabetes. The Weight Watchers diet might help with weight loss and blood sugar control in people with diabetes. But it's not clear if it's more beneficial than other weight loss programs.
Prediabetes. The Weight Watchers diet seems to help people with prediabetes lose weight and lower blood sugar levels.
Obesity. The Weight Watchers diet can help with weight loss in people with obesity. But it's not clear if it's more beneficial than other weight loss programs.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

The Weight Watchers diet is likely safe when used appropriately. There are no known safety concerns.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if the Weight Watchers diet is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns as long as nutritional needs are met.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Weight Watchers Diet
The Weight Watchers diet might lower blood sugar levels. Following the Weight Watchers diet while taking diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

The Weight Watchers diet involves two key components: SmartPoints and social connection. SmartPoints are used to control food intake rather than counting calories. The ideal number of daily points is specific to each person depending on gender, weight, weight loss goal, and pregnancy status. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are encouraged. Over 200 foods are considered Zero Point foods and can be eaten without tracking or worrying about portion size.

Weekly meetings are also an important part of the Weight Watchers diet. Meetings include guidance from leaders and support from other program participants. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before starting this diet.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Thomas JG, Raynor HA, Bond DS, et al. Weight loss in weight watchers online with and without an activity tracking device compared to control: A randomized trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017;25(6):1014-1021.

Thomas JG, Goldstein CM, Bond DS, Hadley W, Tuerk PW. Web-based virtual reality to enhance behavioural skills training and weight loss in a commercial online weight management programme: The Experience Success randomized trial. Obes Sci Pract. 2020;6(6):587-95.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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