The Effectiveness of Weight Watchers By Leana Scherer …OR DOES IT?

Objectives Understand what is the Weight Watchers approachUnderstand what is the Weight Watchers approach Examine research on the effectiveness of Weight WatchersExamine research on the effectiveness of Weight Watchers

What is Weight Watchers? An international company that offers dieting products and services to assist with weight loss and management.An international company that offers dieting products and services to assist with weight loss and management. Uses a point system to assign foods a “cost”Uses a point system to assign foods a “cost” The overall goal with the points was originally to create a calorie deficit, but the new system has put a focus on other goals as wellThe overall goal with the points was originally to create a calorie deficit, but the new system has put a focus on other goals as well Participants can attend in-person meetings or participate in an online-only programParticipants can attend in-person meetings or participate in an online-only program

Does it work? According to the studies… The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2005The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2005 Comparison of Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, Zone Diets for Weight Loss and Heart Disease Risk ReductionComparison of Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, Zone Diets for Weight Loss and Heart Disease Risk Reduction -A one year study, 160 participants were randomly assigned to one of the four diets. -Participants were overweight or obese between ages 22-72yo with known hypertension, dyslipidemia, or fasting hyperglycemia

AtkinsZoneWeight Watchers Ornish CHO restriction Macronutrient balance Calorie Restriction Fat Restriction 53% adherence 65% 50% Mean weight loss 4.6 lbs 7 lbs6.6 lbs7.3 lbs Results: With all four diets weight loss predicted improvements in several cardiac risk factors They all significantly reduced LDL/HDL ratio, c-reactive protein, and insulin levels No significant difference between diets

Public Health Nutrition, 2008Public Health Nutrition, 2008 Comparison of the effects of four commercially available weight-loss programmes on lipid-based cardiovascular risk factorsComparison of the effects of four commercially available weight-loss programmes on lipid-based cardiovascular risk factors Study took place in the UK, 300 obese and overweight men and women were placed in 5 study groups—4 popular weight loss regimes and 1 control groupStudy took place in the UK, 300 obese and overweight men and women were placed in 5 study groups—4 popular weight loss regimes and 1 control group Weight was taken and blood tests performed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 24 weeksWeight was taken and blood tests performed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 24 weeks

Results after 6 months: AtkinsSlim-fastWeight Watchers Rosemary Conley Control diet Low CHOLow fat meal replacement Low fat, low cal Low fat, low cal +weekly exercise No dietary intervention in first 6 months Mean Weight loss 8.9 kg6.7 kg8 kg8.8 kg+.9 kg

Results Continued…

Conclusions There is not currently any research on the new version of Weight Watchers so the effectiveness of the PointsPlus program remains to be seen.There is not currently any research on the new version of Weight Watchers so the effectiveness of the PointsPlus program remains to be seen. The research on the old version shows moderate weight loss can be achieved and is associated with improvements in blood lipids.The research on the old version shows moderate weight loss can be achieved and is associated with improvements in blood lipids. There is no evidence to show that Weight Watchers is more or less effective than other popular dietsThere is no evidence to show that Weight Watchers is more or less effective than other popular diets

Exam Questions Q: How is the “cost” of foods determined in the current weight watchers program? And how was it determined in the old program? A: Currently based on macronutrients, Initially points were assigned based on calories and fat content Q: Is Weight Watchers a more effective diet than other popular diets? A: More research is needed but current studies are inconclusive as to which diets are more effective

References Dansinger, M., Gleason, J., Griffith, J., Selker, H., & Schaefer, E. (2005). Comparison of the atkins, ornish, weight watchers, and zone diets for weight loss and heart disease risk reduction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 293(1), Dansinger, M., Gleason, J., Griffith, J., Selker, H., & Schaefer, E. (2005). Comparison of the atkins, ornish, weight watchers, and zone diets for weight loss and heart disease risk reduction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 293(1), Morgan, L., Griffin, B., Millward, D., DeLooy, A., Fox, K., Baic, S., & Bonham, M. (2008). Comparison of the effects of four commercially available weight loss programmes on lipid-based cardiovascular risk factors. Public Health Nutrition, 12(6), Morgan, L., Griffin, B., Millward, D., DeLooy, A., Fox, K., Baic, S., & Bonham, M. (2008). Comparison of the effects of four commercially available weight loss programmes on lipid-based cardiovascular risk factors. Public Health Nutrition, 12(6),