Health & Well-Being A-Z

Weight Watchers Diet

food for Weight Watchers Diet
Description

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.


Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly effective
  • 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.

Is it Safe?

Safety

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

Special Precautions & Warnings:

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.

Drug interactions

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

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.


Other names

Dieta Weight Watchers, Méthode Weight Watchers, Régime Weight Watchers, Programme Weight Watchers, WW.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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