Weight Watchers - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Weight Watchers philosophy?

We recognize that losing weight isn't easy, simple or fun. It's really, really hard. On paper, weight loss is simple math: consume less than you burn and you'll lose weight.  But in reality it's much harder than that, because we're humans, and humans are complicated. Our relationship with food is complex.

The reason Weight Watchers works is not just because we have a good weight-loss program.  It's because we understand how people and their brains work. We have a weight-loss plan designed to accommodate our complexities. And we have a support system to help with all the tricky parts. This is why we are different.

We have one mission, to change people's relationship with food - for good. Weight Watchers - help with the hard part.

2. How will Weight Watchers help me lose weight?

Why Weight Watchers works:

• Learn simple ways to make healthier choices
• Get a weight-loss plan based on the latest nutritional science
• There are no required foods, just a simple, easy-to-follow plan
• You'll have flexibility for indulgences

You will learn how to follow the plan after you get started.

3. How can I get started following Weight Watchers?

We have several products and services; choose the plan that is right for you:

• Essentials: This is an all-digital way to follow the program. There are no meetings. You will have access 24/7 Expert Chat, our new tool where you will get real-time support from our team of trained coaches.
• Personal Coaching: With Personalized Coaching you will receive one-on-one guidance from a personal coach. You will have 1:1 phone sessions with their coach and be able to connect with the coach as often as they need. Plus, you will also receive all the benefits of Essentials.
• Meetings + Essentials:  With Meetings you will get guidance and motivation from a trained coach. You will receive inspiration, support, and experience the power of the group. Plus, you will also receive all the benefits of Essentials. This product is available in participating areas only and prices vary depending on location.
• Total Access: Combines all the support that we offer to help you reach your goals. It includes all the tools and benefits of Essentials, Personal Coaching and Meetings. This product is available in participating areas only and prices vary depending on location.

4. What will I eat?

On Weight Watchers you can eat anything - but you can't eat everything. We'll help you figure out how much is too much so you don't end up eating way more than you think.

5. Do I have to buy special foods to follow the Weight Watchers program?

Aside from regular, ordinary groceries? Nope. You'll eat real food - your food.

6. How will I know what to eat?

We give you a daily PointsPlus® budget, which you use along with the PointsPlus, values of foods to make sure you're eating the right amount for weight loss. Your daily PointsPlus budget is personalized to you. You will receive your target after joining.

7. I love eating out; can I do it on the Weight Watchers program?

YES! It's all about knowing a few simple tricks, getting support when you need it and using your digital tools to make the best choices.

8. Is Weight Watchers a good option for a vegetarian?

Absolutely, the Weight Watchers program can work with different dietary preferences. All of our members follow the same program, but we have special guides to help people with different food preferences. Vegetarian? Gluten-Free? Prefer low carb? Looking for something nearly no-cook? We've got you covered.

9. Do I have to exercise on Weight Watchers?

You do not HAVE to exercise, but it can be a very important part of the weight-loss journey. Study after study proves that activity promotes weight loss when combined with improved eating habits. More important, it's key for keeping weight off. 

The amount of exercise you chose to do, if any, depends on what you're trying to achieve.  For example, the amount of exercise required for lasting weight loss and cardiovascular benefits is considerably more than the amount needed for general health benefits like lower blood pressure and stress reduction. But the bottom line is that incorporating exercise into your weight loss strategy will ultimately result in positive effects to your health.

10. I am a man. Can I lose weight with Weight Watchers too?

Of course!  Lots of men are meetings members and many of them choose to subscribe to our online products.  We recognize that men approach weight loss differently, and our digital tools give you all the tools and resources you need to lose weight successfully.