Today on all of the major news networks we are learning from a study in Lancet that people that are on Weight Watchers lose more weight than those that follow traditional doctor's advice. I am not quite sure why this is even news.
Have you been to the Dr. lately? They are busy. The majority of their advice boils down to "you need to lose weight". You should eat less and move more. Physicians do not have the time to discuss your lifestyle, food preferences, calorie goals, fiber goals, how to handle eating out, exericsing with 3 kids at home. They really don't have time to discuss any of it. Not to mention, most people don't see their physicians very often. Add to it that most healthcare providers only have one class in nutrition that basically focuses on nutrients,what they do, and the deficiences. For many physicians, they know why you need to lose the weight, they just don't know how to teach you.
Weight Watchers on the other hand makes you accountable. You have to "check in" with your progress weekly. The social support and plans are also key. So is goal setting. This is one of the key components to weight loss.
I think it is great that research recognizes the needs for social support and follow up. I am not sure that this study told us anything that we didn't already know.
Despite this great news, I do have a problem with Weight Watchers. The social support is great, they promote fiber, exercise & goal setting. I love that part. What I don't like is that people "go on" weight watchers and "go off". The only way that we are going to make a long term difference in our weight and our health is to make changes that we never "go off". Yes there are people that stick with the plan for a lifetime but I know a lot of people that "quit". The next time you consider starting this plan that has been so recognized by our media lately, remember if health and a healthy weight is your goal, you have to stick with it for life.
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