Weight Watchers

Famous for their point system, this program offers two options. The Flex Plan assigns points to different foods then determines how many points you can eat daily based on your current weight and goal weight. All types of foods are allowed as long as you stay within your alloted points. Each week you have 35 reserve points (flexpoints) to use for special events or cravings. The advantage to this type of eating is flexibility. You don't feel deprived because it doesn't restrict any foods.

They also offer the core plan that doesn't require counting just eating wholesome foods from all the food groups. This way of eating is great for those who need a more strict way of eating to lose weight. The program also includes a weekly meeting with a counselor and other weight watchers where you weigh in, discuss tips and healthy eating strategies. Weight Watchers also offers a magazine, website with online support or the ability to do your program online, plus an entire line of food that you can conveniently buy at the grocery store.

The cost if you sign up online is $25 then $12 a week and beyond. If you don't attend a meeting you have to pay the sign up fee again which is good motivation to stay on the program. You can also buy 10 weeks in advance (prices for AZ, may be different in your state) for $110 which saves you a considerable amount of money.

Pros: Every single friend or client on this program raves about how great it is. I know people who have lost 70 pounds, 150 pounds, and even just 20 pounds so the success rate is high. People who thrive in a group environment and like the flexibility of being able to choose from two plans will do great on this program. Even those who are too busy to attend meetings can benefit from the online option. The amount of support this program gives in counseling, recipes, articles, online content, etc. is incredibly helpful as well.

Cons: Counting points can be confusing for some and meetings may be intimidating for the more shy, private person. In addition this program is way too low calorie and low fat for the serious exercise crowd. ie. Two clients I trained who were getting results stopped losing weight on this program because they were not getting sufficient calories. As soon as they went on a more adequate calorie diets the pounds started coming off.