The Weight Watchers "Points" System

I have been back on the wagon of dieting and working to make myself a healthier person for about a week and a half now. I am feeling good, often I do not even really feel as though I am "dieting", and the way that I can do that is through the points system that Weight Watchers developed.

I have heard from several people, family members, friends, co-workers, and even some people whom I do not know things like "how does it work?", "how do you not feel hungry?" and "please tell me how it works…" So I have decided to try to do just that for your benefit. Please keep in mind that this is completely my understanding of this program and I am in no way a professional when it comes to this, here goes:

First of all a person needs to determine how many "points" per day they are allowed. There used to be a clear cut chart of how to do this - the amount of points per day were simply based upon a person's starting weight; however, as of late that has changed and there is now a formula or a little quiz that one must take into account to determine this:

1. What is your Gender?

Male = 8 points Female = 2 points Nursing Mom = 12 points

2. What is your Age? 17-26 = 4 points

27-37 = 3 points

38-47 = 2 points

48-58 = 1 point

Over 58 = 0 points

3. What are the first 2 digits of your current weight

Ex: 190 lbs = 19 points 229 lbs = 22 points

330 lbs = 33 points

4. How tall are you?

Under 5’ 1” = 0 points

5’1” – 5’10” = 1 point

Over 5’10” = 2 points

5. How is most of your day spent?

Sitting = 0 points

Occasionally Sitting = 2 points

Walking most of time = 4 points

Physically hard work most of time = 6 points

Take all the answers to these 5 questions and add them up to get your total allotted “points” for each day. Now take into account that the more physically active you are, like with your exercise routine provides you with some more points, unfortunately I do not know, at this time how that is figured – but I will try to determine that and if I do, I will definitely share with you all!

For example here is how I determine what I can have "points" wise:

1. Female = 2 points

2. Age = 31 = 3 points

3. First 2 digits of my current weight = 29 points (This will adjust as I lose lbs.)

4. Height = 5'4" = 1 point

5. Most of day spent = Occ. sitting = 2 points

———————— 37 points per day

In addition, a person is allotted what is called 35 “flex points” on a weekly basis. You can use these but do not have to. “Flex points” are allowed so that you do not have to completely exclude yourself from say having a slice of cake at a birthday party (especially if it is your party!!) or being able to go out to dinner when relatives whom you rarely spend time with come to town etc… I know of people who have sometimes used these points and I know of people who have never used them and in both cases good results were achieved by sticking to the points plan.

I am off now to go visit with the personal trainer at the AT&T Sports Complex. I am hopeful that she will be able to provide my husband and I both some great information about nutrition as well as our exercise routines – Will share more in future blogs about her thoughts and ideas, as well I plan to share with you all in a future blog how the “points” are determined from various kinds of foods.

Until Next Time – Take Care and Be Well!