Health: Weight Watchers Makeover
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is usually tough on dieters. Now on this Monday after the festivities, one of the most popular weight loss plans is getting a makeover.
3 On Your Side Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has details on the new program.
It's the unveiling of Weight Watchers new PointsPlus program. Members are seeing it for the first time.
"As they say, change is good. If it works, then it's good," said Nancy Zawadsky, Weight Watchers Member.
She lost 20 pounds on Weight Watchers, which controls calories by assigning points to food.
Dina Baker, a Weight Watchers Member, dropped 25 pounds.
"The points program has worked well for me as it is, so if this can ya know, this enhances that, that will be great," said Dina.
One of the biggest changes for Weight Watchers is all fruits are free now, and carry no points.
"The program has been changed to be updated with the latest scientific information that is available," said John Brooke, a Weight Watchers Leader.
He lost 125 pounds on Weight Watchers and says the new program is designed to make dieting easier.
"Protein and the fiber will keep you satisfied a lot longer than your carbohydrates and your fats," said John.
A few examples of the new plan include a slice of bread used to count as one point, now it's three. A glass of wine goes from two points to four. A piece of carrot cake was 16 points, now that will be 18.
"If they use the old points value with the new system, they are not going to be successful," said John.
It's a whole new numbers game for Weight Watchers. A snack bar and an apple, that both have 100 calories, used to have equal points, not now.
"We want you to go to more natural foods," said John.
"They are continuing to do research, and continuing to advance, so I would assume it means they are staying on top of things and staying current," said Dina.
With the new program, people will have a minimum of at least 29 points a day. It costs $40 for the first weigh-in and meeting.
RELATED LINK:
Weight Watchers PointsPlus Program
Reported By: Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
