Weight Watchers Review
We review Weight Watchers in detail, outlining the pros, cons and costs, as well as must-know facts
Updated 11 March 2020
Weight Watchers claims that it has been the number one weight loss program for the last ten years within New Zealand, attracting tens of thousands of followers who have varying results. Weight Watchers has rebranded itself as ‘WW’, and the newest Weight Watcher’s program, ‘myWW’, claims to make weight loss easier than losing weight on your own with a proven program. WW studies suggest that 88% of myWW participants lost weight much easier than when they tried on their own.
But is Weight Watchers right for you, how much does it cost and what are the pros and cons? In this guide we outline:
Disclaimer: This review does not consider weight loss results as these will vary per individual.
But is Weight Watchers right for you, how much does it cost and what are the pros and cons? In this guide we outline:
- Weight Watchers Must-Know Facts: How it Works, the Plans and Costs
- Weight Watchers Pros and Cons
- Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: This review does not consider weight loss results as these will vary per individual.
Weight Watchers Must-Know Facts
We outline the program options, membership fees and food cost in detail to explain Weight Watchers clearly.
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Understanding How Weight Watchers WorksWeight Watchers’ latest program focuses on the fact that everyone’s needs are different. Dieting is specific; what works for one person may not work for another, which is why WW offers an initial personal assessment. In this assessment, you answer questions about your typical eating habits, the foods you like and the lifestyle you lead, including your activity choices.
The WW tool then matches you with a pre-determined plan that helps you make the food choices that fit your lifestyle, yet help you lose weight. Based on your answers, you’ll fall into one of three categories:
No matter what category you fall into, with the help of the WW app, you can track the foods you eat, the activities you do, and your weight. You may also locate WW friendly restaurants, talk with a live coach, create social circles, and set up your fitness device to sync your activity.
Understanding ‘SmartPoints’
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Weight Watchers PlansWeight Watchers offers three plans:
Digital Plan
Workshop Plan (WW's Recommended Plan)
Personal Coaching
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Understand How Much Weight Watchers CostsBoth the Digital and Workshop WW plans offer the first month free. From there, you must purchase at least a 3-month membership, but you can opt for a 6 or 12-month plan as well. The longer you commit to the program, the lower your monthly cost becomes, as outlined below:
Digital Plan
Workshop Plan
Personal Coaching Plan
Know This: The Long-Term Cost of Weight Watchers Once you choose and join a Weight Watchers plan, you will continue to be charged the monthly for the plan even after your plan expiration (3, 6, or 12 months). You’ll pay the applicable monthly charges at the time, which today is:
Cancellation options: You can cancel your WW membership any time after your initial promotional period ends. For example, if you chose the 3-month digital plan, you must pay the $39.50/month for three months. After that time, you are free to cancel your membership at any time. Promotional offers, such as ‘buy three months, get one free’ are routinely offered, so check with WW before signing up. Month-to-month option If you want the option of a month-to-month plan, the Workshop plan is the only option, and there’s a $39 sign-up fee plus the $69.50 monthly fee, but you can cancel at any time. Calculating the Long-term Costs
The Cost of Weight Watchers for Families Unlike other diet programs, such as Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers doesn’t offer food. It’s up to you to create your food, which WW recommends you do from scratch rather than consuming prepared foods. There is a near-certainty that your weekly grocery bill will increase when you join Weight Watchers and follow a program. This is primarily because you’ll need to buy fresh produce and lean meats to fit in the SmartPoints. As the average family spends $290 a week on groceries (per Otago University research), following WW will inflate the cost as you’ll need to prepare your own meals (rather than eat cheaper pre-made food) and pay for the WW pogrom. |
Weight Watchers Pros and Cons
Weight Watchers isn't for everyone, but it does have several benefits. We explain the best and worst aspects, and sum it up below.
Weight Watchers Pros
- You have access to a highly-customized weight loss plan that takes into consideration your food likes and dislikes. WW is designed to work by appealing to your lifestyle and preferences, not putting you on an unappealing diet.
- You can use the app to calculate SmartPoints for recipes, store-bought foods and restaurant foods instantly. This helps you follow the WW plan and share meals with family members meaning it can be convenient and cost-effective.
- You have access to a digital community that can provide motivation, answer questions, and give you new ideas to fuel your weight loss. This provides a lot of moral support as you progress on your WW plan.
- You have 24/7 access to online coaches that have been through the program so they are experienced and can relate to your needs.
- You can choose the format that suits your lifestyle and needs the most, whether digital, group meetings or personal coaching.
Weight Watchers Cons
- The least expensive version (digital) provides very little support; you have to rely on your own motivation to keep going (aside from the online community)
- You have to make a lot of decisions when on the WW diet; there aren’t prepared foods or even specific recipes to follow. You calculate your SmartPoints and make decisions that way, meaning you are in control but also need to think a lot about what you’ll eat.
- Grocery shopping can be difficult and expensive as you figure out which foods fit into your SmartPoints allowance. Most ‘ready-to-eat’ meals don’t fall into the SmartPoints allowances.
- If you want personal attention, you have to attend in-person meetings or pay for over-the-phone personal coaching, which is costly.
The Bottom Line
- Weight Watchers can be a good choice for those that can’t trust themselves to make ‘smart’ food choices. If you are trying to lose weight and don’t mind making your meals from scratch, the programs work for many. However, if you’re busy and won’t make the time to cook, WW may not be suitable.
- It’s important to know that tracking your SmartPoints, including when at the supermarket and eating out, can be inconvenient and restrictive. No matter which membership you choose, you always have access to the digital app and the SmartPoints calculator.
- While you are in control of the foods you buy, the cost of the program adds up, especially if you choose to stay on it for maintenance.
Weight Watchers Frequently Asked Questions
While our guide attempts to explain Weight Watchers in detail, we have answered some recurring questions.
Is Weight Watchers only for women?
No - Weight Watchers offers a program for men, which is similar to the core program for women.
What happens if you use up your SmartPoints for the day?
Weight Watchers provides each person with ‘extra SmartPoints’ each week. You can use them all in one day or spread them out as you see fit.
Is there a limit to how many ZeroPoint foods you can eat?
No, you can eat as many ZeroPoint foods as you want. WW chooses these foods to help you form a healthy foundation for your diet. It’s the SmartPoints foods that you have to watch.
How long do you need to be on Weight Watchers?
Weight Watchers advertises itself as a ‘lifestyle’ not a diet. In other words, they want you to stay on the program as long as possible. While you can cancel your membership at any time after you satisfy the promo period, they automatically adjust your points allowances for maintenance in an effort to keep you on the plan.
Can you do the Weight Watchers program without joining?
No, you must purchase a membership in order to get access to the SmartPoints and your personalized plan. While there are many copycats out there – the official WW calculator and SmartPoints program is only for those paying for the service.
Where are Weight Watchers workshops held?
There are hundreds of workshops held all over New Zealand, usually every week. The search function lets you narrow down workshops by day and time.
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