I just can't seem to stick to this!

 

A critical review of Weight Watchers from a past visitor to chasefreedom.com

by Amy Louky

Pros: works, if you can stick to it
Cons: meetings are annoying, it's expensive

"Over the years, I've joined and re-joined Weight Watchers several times. Yes, I could use a little more will-power, but I think that this program is hard to stick to. Now, I know many people who have lost a lot of weight using this program, and I lost weight the times that I actually did stick to it, but I wasn't able to maintain it for more than 6 or 7 weeks.

Why? Well, for several reasons. First, and probably most influential, was the cost of the meetings. They are anywhere from 8-12 dollars a week, depending on what special or payment plan you choose. I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're a struggling student, it adds up. That is three days' lunch, for me. Besides that, you have to pay for your meeting even if you miss it, which, of course I did. They do give you a few freebies now, which makes it a little better.

Second, I realized that when I was doing Weight Watchers, I was practically obsessed with food all the time. I had to weigh, measure, count, keep track of everything I put in my mouth. Not only was this too much work, but it made food even more of a priority than it was before. I know this sounds a little odd, but I wanted to eat MORE when I was dieting, because I was always thinking about food.

Third, I can't drink water. Sometimes it's okay, but most of the time drinking plain water makes me feel sick. I asked my WW representative if I could drink flavored waters, sugar-free kool-aid, etc.. her response? "No.. because you don't sweat kool-aid, you sweat water." This made no sense to me, and made me suspect my representative wasn't QUITE as knowledgeable about nutrition, etc.. as she pretended to be.

Finally, I don't like the competitiveness of the meetings. Sure, it's supposed to be a support group, and you're supposed to be happy when other members get their 10-lb ribbon, or whatever, but it made me feel a little bit ridiculous. One of my meeting leaders would go around the room and ask different members what the worst thing they'd had to eat that week was, and everyone would laugh and shake their heads. I just don't need that.

I know that a lot of people are really happy with Weight Watchers, and they DO have a good diet program. I was never hungry, and didn't notice a drop in energy like on a lot of diet plans. In fact, I think I usually ate MORE on Weight Watchers than I do normally.. it was just healthier stuff. I have kept my materials (which are VERY good and informative), and have tried to do-it-myself without going to the meetings. I just can't see paying $12 a week for what amounts to really nothing more than a peer pressure program."