By Admin 
WW is the modern evolution of the popular weight loss plan, formerly known as Weight Watchers. The weight loss company began more than 50 years ago in founder Jean Nidetch’s home, intended to support friends seeking dietary support.
Currently, WW remains one of the most popular diets in the world, with 4 million subscribers as of November 2023, and an international roster of doctors, researchers, and other experts on its scientific advisory board.
Rebranding to Work With the Modern World
Rather than traditional “quick fix” approaches to weight loss, WW focuses on a slow and steady — and ultimately, more accessible — plan. The WW system has realigned the program to match the current needs of subscribers, shifting its emphasis to promote and encourage overall wellness, while creating and maintaining a balanced diet based on moderation and satisfaction.
The heart of the WW program: Curating an attainable approach to weight loss that can be individualized to suit each subscriber’s unique needs. “There’s something for everyone,” according to the WW website. Whether health goals are centered primarily around weight loss, incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into a daily diet, or to manage conditions such as the WW plan tailored for those with diabetes to lower blood sugar and promote weight loss, WW has a program to address its members’ lifestyle, including a newly launched program for those on prescription weight management medication.
Latest Launch: Prescription Medication Program
WW recently unveiled the WeightWatchers® GLP-1 Program. Designed to support the unique biological and lifestyle needs of those taking prescription weight loss medication, the program takes the approach that, “you shouldn’t have to choose between looking and feeling good.” For some, long-lasting results may not be attainable without prescription medications.
This weight loss medication program option goes beyond simply integrating healthy lifestyle changes. Developed by a team of obesity specialists and behavior-change experts, the newly launched program is targeted to address the needs of those with biological factors that could be blocking weight loss. It might be the right fit for members seeking an alternative that includes prescription weight management medication, including GLP-1s.
“GLP-1 agonists reduce hunger and slow down digestion, so you feel full more quickly and stay full longer, helping with weight loss,” says Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, CLT, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, CLT of NutritionTwins. “They are designed to mimic the GLP-1 hormone, a hormone that the body produces naturally when food is consumed that signals the brain that you are full.”
The science behind the WW GLP-1 program is marketed as a new approach to losing weight. Think less “food noise” or intrusive thoughts centered around eating and quick weight loss. Also included is one-on-one support, insurance coordination, and potential access to FDA-approved weight management medication, including GLP-1s.
Based on 5,377 members who have been on WeightWatchers + Medication Access program for at least 26 weeks, the average reported body weight lost was 15.17 percent, and the top quartile lost an average of 19.90 percent of body weight.
Participants can choose from a range of plans that are accessible, affordable and flexible, offering WW signature services combined with board-certified clinician care. Plus, clinicians can provide access to prescription GLP-1 medications, which may help to support healthy habits, increase satiety, and decrease food noise.
A Comprehensive, Actionable Approach to Achieve Weight Loss Goals
By encouraging healthier food choices, users may find it easier to incorporate more whole, unprocessed foods and key nutrients into their day-to-day routines. Better yet, this may help subscribers stick with the plan, without feeling as if they’re making sacrifices.
WW allows subscribers to “lose weight, not the foods you love” by being able to cook their favorite foods and enjoying dining out. Experts agree that an emphasis on healthier choices, rather than feeling restricted, can help users stick to a plan for longer-term success when it comes to weight management.
“It seems people can sustain the plan for a longer period of time, as it’s not restrictive. You can eat what you want and focus on specific caloric needs,” say the NutritionTwins. “We like that WW does encourage nourishing foods versus calorie-free foods with an emphasis on fiber. Little changes [like these] can help maintain weight management over time.”
The Core of WW: Points-Based System
Based on your lifestyle and goals, WW focuses on cultivating healthier food choices. The Points® system gives you a daily budget of points you can use toward foods you eat.
Each food’s points value takes into consideration not only calories, but also added sugars, fiber, protein, and fats. Every food has a point value, so no food is off-limits as long as you stay within budget.
“It promotes the inclusion of a wide variety of foods; therefore it supports balance — all foods are considered ‘legal,’ to avoid feeling deprived,” says Susan Kraus, RD, , of the Institute for Weight Management in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Included within the points-based structure of dietary guidelines are ZeroPoint foods, which play a key role in the system. These foods support the feeling of fullness, while being rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients such as fiber and protein. No matter your budget, each user has access to a list of over 200 “ZeroPoint” foods that you don’t have to measure or track.