Weight Loss Diets Examined

Fad Diets & Dieting Fads: Do they work?

Weight Watchers: One Of America’s Favorite Diets

There is only one diet that can actually boast the longest track record of success. Weight Watchers. Forty Six years in the weight loss industry does give one bragging rights especially when fly-by-night weight loss systems proliferate.

For one thing, Weight Watchers is easy to follow. If you're committed there are two options available.

The first one is the flex plan where instead of counting calories, counting fat, or even counting carbs, you count points. Each food portion you eat is worth a point based on its fat and fiber content. You have a set number of points to eat each day, depending on your weight. You can still eat your favorite foods but you must count the points. It's all about portion control. You also get bonus points like say an extra 35 points a week to use anyway you wish.

Then they have the core plan. It is a little more restrictive than the flex plan and there's no counting. You follow a food list and eat foods low in “energy density” which leaves you feeling more satisfied. These are the only foods permitted and you can eat as much as you want. The goal of the “Core” plan is to teach you to recognize signals telling you you are full. This way you do not over eat. You still get 35 bonus points a week so you can “cheat” and not feel guilty about it.

The flexibility that Weight Watchers offers is what makes it so appealing to many.

Food choices are not that restrictive compared to other diets like Atkins. Although the core restricts certain foods, you still have the opportunity to indulge should feel the urge. You will not lose weight as fast as you would on Atkins or other low carbs diets, but your chances of keeping the weight off is greater on Weight Watchers than a low carb diet.

Weight Watchers believe a good support system is needed when losing weight and making lifestyle changes. That's why they offer weekly meetings for their clients.

Many people attest that they tend to lose up to 10% more weight if they attend meetings than if they go it alone. The secret to the meetings is simple. The meeting leaders have all been Weight Watchers and they share their struggles and victories so that others do not get discouraged.

Given the freedom to lose weight, choose your lifestyle, plus the excellent support system Weight Watchers offer, is it any wonder they've been around this long?