Weight Watchers Launches New PointsPlus Program

With one click of a button, Weight Watchers just became more health conscious. With the biggest update since tracking physical activity, Weight Watchers updated their Points program to PointsPlus. The new food calculation now includes carbohydrates and protein, and leaves out calories.

The PointsPlus program is compulsory. Meaning, you have to start using it over the old program. Once converted, people using the current program will be prompted to update their saved food items. Their are two things that will need to be updated, the number of carbohydrates and protein.

At the time of launch, their Web application worked in Firefox, but wasn’t working on Chrome. It’s important to note that they haven’t officially supported Chrome for some time, and still don’t. Their iOS application was also not working. Attempting to launch the Weight Watchers Mobile app would present the user with the message, “Weight Watchers Mobile has been temporarily disabled while we update our site. Check back soon.” It will be interesting to see if they can get the existing app to work with the new program, or if they’re actually waiting for Apple to approve their updated app.

Switching to a new weight management program – even if the change is ever so slight – can be difficult for many people. That’s especially true when it’s forced upon them. To help alleviate those concerns, it looks like Weight Watchers approached the change psychologically. To buffer the impact of the change, they made the overall points someone could have higher. While that may not be intentional – it could simply be a result of the new calculations – one can’t help but assume it played a key role.

Key Features of the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus Program

1. PointsPlus values use a new calculation, based on fat, carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Don’t estimate; look up food or use the PointsPlus Calculator. Remember your daily Target and weekly Allowance are different too.
2. All fruit and most vegetables are 0 PointsPlus values! Now’s a good time to find new fruits and vegetables to enjoy.
3. Weight Watchers Power Foods can help keep you satisfied. Be sure to refer often to the Power Foods list, because it’s not exactly the same as the Filling Foods list.