I was home for the holidays over Christmas and the topic of weight loss came up. I got myself briefly involved in discussing the fact that one of our good friends has lost a significant amount of weight on the Weight Watchers system. My friend happened to make the comment that according to her; "Weight Watchers is the only system that works". While I agree that Weight Watchers is an excellent way to lose weight, I am also in the weight loss business by default, and tend to take the stance that there are many systems that work. It is obvious to me that there are many different ways to approach the weight loss conundrum and that Weight Watchers is only one way to go. It is a good weight loss solution, but not the only solution. So let's examine the overall Weight Watchers System so that you have more information and may be able to help yourself build a system that works for you.
4 Keys to Weight Watchers and their Client Success
Good Nutrition - Weight Watchers uses a sound nutritional program based on calories (FYI Weight Watchers will be updating their system for 2011 to include successful elements from other nutritional systems, which I think is great as it shows Weight Watchers is taking a progressive approach to their programs).
Awareness Promotion - Any one involved in the weight loss industry understands the importance of getting clients to be aware of what they are eating. The Weight Watchers point system is successful in this because the clients must grade their food based on the Weight Watchers point system and then limit themselves to a prescribed point number per day.
Bench Marking - For anyone serious about weight loss or any physical goal for that matter; bench marking is vital. Weight watchers encourages weighing yourself to track progress.
Support - This is extraordinarily important and Weight Watchers nails this on the head by providing support and benchmarking at the same time with a group. This encourages social validation for achieving goals which is one of the most important elements of the success formula from weight watchers.
3 Ways in Which Weight Watchers Could be Better
Nutritional Individualization - While weight watchers programs can be individualized, the system doesn't inherently recognize important factors such as individual carbohydrate tolerance or latent food allergies. I have personally helped Weight Watchers clients break through plateaus by making minor adjustments to their programs based on these two important nutritional factors.
Exercise is important - While weight watchers currently gives bonus points for doing exercise, however the standard that they use is horribly inadequate. You get points based on time exercising, with no attention paid to exercise type or intensity. The right exercise can accelerate any nutritional program, and also has other great health benefits.
Weight is the Central Goal - This is fantastic for anyone whom needs to lose weight in excess of 25 lbs just to be healthy. Once we get to a certain point though, attention should be paid more to Fat loss and not just to weight loss. It is extremely important to adjust ones goals towards health and not just weight. It is quite easy for someone to lose plenty of body weight and to finish off looking flabby and unfit. It is best to take care of this perspective change on the way to an ideal weight rather than waiting until after the weight loss is complete, since it can be done at the same time anyway.
My Suggestions for you!
I hope that the above will help you to make some decisions if you would like to build an optimal system for yourself. Weight Watchers is an excellent system that could be made better. They are good at what they do. If you would prefer to use a different approach, you should try to emulate the keys to Weight Watchers success from above, and incorporate a good fat burning exercise routine. This will be a great start.
Also when it comes to the FAT loss vs WEIGHT loss portion of the above statements, I would like to inform you that I have had many clients and employees of the most popular weight loss programs and clinics come to me for advice on how to get rid of the little bit of fat left over when they reach a healthy weight. So make sure you are doing some good exercise on your program because this is easier to care of while you are losing the weight and much much more difficult if you wait until after.
Also don't be afraid to get some help. Getting a little bit of help with a significant goal increases your chances of success immensely. Heck that is a no brainer if you ask me!
Nick is the owner and operator of Vernon Personal Training Services in Vernon BC. He is currently operating and managing the personal training department at Fitness West Gym in Vernon.
Vernon Fitness News
Fitness West Gym, Vernon BC
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