Are they actually meant to be permanent weight loss programmes or are they really just hoping you will have to keep coming back to them because you cannot manage to keep the weight off alone?

My sister joined weight watchers last month and she lost 4 pounds in the first week, but then gradually began to lose less. She's keeping at it though. It's different for everyone.
I don???t understand weight watchers beyond what I see she eats, but while counting points may temporarily help people understand what to eat and how much, it???s not a way to live in the long term. The problem I have is that they seem to be more concerned about calories and carbohydrates than nutrition. They don???t really stop you from eating anything, though generally, unhealthier foods are higher in points. That???s supposed to teach you, but do you really need a points system to tell you that a banana is healthier than a cheeseburger? I believe in the food pyramid, and that???s what you should follow, though generally speaking, the breads and pastas do have more carbs, so I would cut down on that if you???re trying to lose weight, not completely though, whole grain foods are very healthy for you. Just something to keep in mind though, when it comes to the meat and dairy group, go for leaner meats such as chicken and fish rather than hamburger. Then, with dairy, cut the cheese intake and drink 1% or Fat Free milk. Yogurt is good for you too with the added benefits of live active cultures. It???s not all that difficult. The snack group is the smallest for a reason, yet weight-watchers have snack products for one point. Sure, they may be healthier than most snack products with less fat and more fiber, but it???s still a snack and you should eat it sparingly. This just requires a little bit of knowledge on your behalf. Eating healthy doesn???t have to be complicated. On the subject of weight loss, you still do need to exercise most days of the week. The other day I saw a 70 year old man running. You???re never too old to exercise.

Weightwatchers works (and im sure all of them do) if you follow it. Weightwatchers IS meant to be permanant.... its supposed to teach you how to eat right... and then you are supposed to continue to eat right... also you eat real food on WW and can eat anything with in reason....
GOOD LUCK!

I have been doing weight watchers for a little less than a year and have lost 58 lbs. Only like 3 more pounds to lose before I can consider myself at a healthy weight. On weight watchers,you can eat what you want(basically) and you don't have to eat their food. I am sure any of these diets will work if you stick to it. As far as keeping it off,I can't tell you personally,but I have a couple friends who have been successful. Good Luck

when you put the effort into it, yes. none of the will work for my wife cause she wants to watch okra and dr phill and eat marshmallow pies. cjhs