Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers program (diet and exercise) was founded in 1963 by Brooklyn homemaker Jean Nidetch and now owned by Artal Luxembourg. It operates in about 30 countries around the world. The program use a science-driven approach to help participants lose weight by forming helpful habits, eating smarter, getting more exercise and providing support. They provide in-person meetings and an online-only program. The service includes information about healthy foods and exercise and recipes. They use a system called Points Plus. It is an improved point system compared to the old one and started in November 2010. Every food and activities have points. The points are calculated with special formulas based on protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, alcohol, and sugar alcohol. Each activity point would correspond to 70 calories expended vs. 1 point of food having approximately 35 calories. The daily target points are calculated based on age, height, weight, and sex. In addition, there is a weekly allowance that is treats for you. You get unlimited quantities of fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables. You are encouraged to maximize their Points Plus allowance by choosing more healthy foods such as whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and unlimited quantities of fresh fruit and nonstarchy vegetables. You can check the points of foods using a pocket guide that lists 500-700 most popular foods, an online database of 40,000 foods, a mobile phone app, or purchase a Points Plus calculator. You'll get at least 1200 calories daily. The distribution of those calories between carbs, protein, and fat are within the range by the US food pyramid. I believe this program is one of the best weight loss programs in the U.S.