One of the longest running weight loss programs, with arguably the largest following in the world, is Weight Watchers. Some people speculate that the popularity of Weight Watchers is due to the fact that no food is restricted while on the program, while others say it is the support that participants receive from other people who are involved in the program that makes it a success. Whatever your opinions are, Weight Watchers has outlived many weight loss programs that have come and gone.

Founded in the 1960s in a New York apartment by Jean Nidetch as a support group for a small group of friends, this program has grown into an international company which operates in over 3 dozen countries. But exactly how does this program differ from other weight loss programs?

Points System

Well, for one thing, at the heart of this program is a points system that is given to different servings of foods that you eat on the program. Points are given to the foods based on such factors as the grams of fat, number of calories and grams of fiber that the food contains. For example, 1 cup of non-fat plain yogurt is 2 points while a salad with low-fat dressing is just 1 point.

Additionally, on the day you exercise you are allowed to have more food points. Conversely, on the days you do not exercise you will consume foods with fewer points. Salads and vegetables are free of points and can be eaten as much as the person likes.

Points are determined for each person based on the amount of weight that person wishes to lose. On the average, participants are given between 18-22 points per day. But again, this is determined on an individual basis.

No Food Restrictions

Another difference between this diet program and other weight loss programs is that there is no restriction as to what foods the participants can eat. Unlike such weight loss programs as the South Beach diet where dieters eliminate carbohydrates that may not be healthy like bread, potatoes, sugar, sweets, cereals and grains, fruits, baked goods and other types of sugar containing foods, the program was set up to allow participants to eat any foods that they like as long as they stay within the number of points you are allowed for that day.

Support System

Another difference that sets Weight Watchers apart from other weight loss programs is an optional support system that is built into the program. When you officially enroll in this program, you will be able to meet with a group of like-minded people who are trying to lose weight themselves. During the support groups, group leaders may deliver talks on a variety of topics and participants can share their experiences, ask questions or get advice.

Core Plan

In recent times, they have added another aspect to their program which they call the Core Plan. This plan involves allowing you to eat from a certain category of foods until satisfied but not until full. Some of these foods include: lean meats, whole grain foods, fruits, vegetables and fat-free dairy products, just to name a few.

With millions of followers around the world, Weight Watchers has helped people from all walks of life to do the one thing they wanted most, lose weight. Their points system, combined with an eat-what-you-want attitude rather than a diet mentality, makes this unique diet regime a practical, flexible approach that a lot of people are finding success with.