WW Points vs Points Plus: Understanding the Difference (2024)

Discover the evolution and differences between Weight Watchers Points and Points Plus to find what suits you best in your weight loss journey.

This guide aims to provide a clear comparison, helping you make an informed choice.

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WW Points vs Points Plus

WW Points, Points Plus, and SmartPoints are Weight Watchers' systems, each with unique nutritional focuses. WW Points calculates food values based on calories, fat, and fiber, while Points Plus also considers protein and carbohydrates.

SmartPoints, introduced in 2015, emphasizes calories, sugar, and saturated fat. Daily Points allowances increased from the original system to Points Plus and SmartPoints, allowing for more flexibility. The transition to Points Plus and SmartPoints aimed for a more balanced nutritional approach to weight loss, with SmartPoints specifically targeting reduction of sugar and saturated fats.

Calculating Points

• WW Points were calculated based on calories, fat, and fiber content of foods.
• WW Points Plus expanded on this by also accounting for protein and carbohydrates.
• WW SmartPoints, introduced in 2015, focused more on calories, sugar, and saturated fat content.

Daily Point Allowances

• Daily Points allowances were lower on the original WW Points system compared to Points Plus and SmartPoints.
• With Points Plus and SmartPoints, members get more daily Points to work with.

Food Point Values

• Most foods have higher Points Plus values compared to the original Points system. For example, a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich was 2 Points but became 4 Points Plus.
• With the shift to SmartPoints, high sugar and saturated fat foods like shakes and sweets increased in Points substantially.
• Lean proteins like chicken and seafood decreased in SmartPoints compared to Points Plus.

Flexibility

• Both systems have weekly extra Points for flexibility - 35 Flex Points on Points and 49 weekly SmartPoints on Points Plus/SmartPoints.
• Activity Points could be earned and rolled over daily on Points Plus but not on original Points.

Nutrition Focus

• Points Plus accounted for how nutrients are processed by considering protein, carbs, fat which improved nutritional balance.
• SmartPoints further targeted sugar and saturated fat to improve nutrition.

In summary, the main improvements from Points to Points Plus were accounting for more nutrients, increased daily allowances, and more flexibility. The SmartPoints shift placed more emphasis on reducing sugar and saturated fats. Overall, the changes aimed to improve the nutritional balance and effectiveness of the Weight Watchers program over time.

Key Takeaways

• Weight Watchers has evolved over time, with PointsPlus and SmartPoints being replaced by the new WW Points plan in 2022.
• The new WW Points plan means that everyone follows the same plan unless they are diabetic.
• Understanding WW Points and Points Plus is essential for anyone who wants to follow the Weight Watchers program.

Understanding WW Points and Points Plus

At Weight Watchers, our point system has been a cornerstone of our program for many years. The points system assigns a number of points to every food and beverage based on the amount of energy, saturated fat, sugar, and protein it contains. This system makes it easy to track your food intake and stay within your daily and weekly points budget.

Our first points program was launched in 1997, and it has since undergone many changes. In 2011, we introduced PointsPlus, which took into account the macronutrient content of foods, including protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. This new system encouraged members to eat more nutrient-dense foods and helped them make healthier choices.

The PointsPlus system was a huge success, and many of our members saw significant weight loss results. However, we are always looking for ways to improve our program, and in 2015 we introduced SmartPoints. SmartPoints takes into account not only the macronutrient content of foods, but also the sugar and saturated fat content. This system encourages members to eat more whole foods and fewer processed foods.

If you are a member of Weight Watchers, you can track your points using our WW app or our online calculator. You can also attend meetings and receive support from a coach and other members. Our program is designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals in a safe and sustainable way.

In summary, our point system has evolved over the years to incorporate the latest research on nutrition and weight loss. Our programs are designed to support you on your weight loss journey and help you make healthier choices.

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The Science Behind the System

At the core of the Weight Watchers program is the science of weight loss. The program is based on the idea that in order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. To achieve this, the program assigns a point value to different foods based on their nutritional content.

The original Weight Watchers program used a system called Points, which assigned point values to foods based on their calorie, fat, and fiber content. However, the program has evolved over time, and the current version of the program, called SmartPoints, takes into account additional factors such as protein, sugar, and saturated fat.

The science behind the Points system is relatively straightforward. Each food is assigned a point value based on its nutritional content, with higher point values assigned to foods that are higher in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. Foods that are lower in calories, fat, and sugar are assigned lower point values.

The number of daily points that each person is assigned is based on a number of factors, including their age, gender, height, weight, and activity level. The program also takes into account any dietary restrictions or health conditions that a person may have, such as diabetes.

One of the key benefits of the Points system is that it encourages people to make healthier food choices. By assigning point values to different foods, the program makes it easy to see which foods are more nutritious and which ones should be eaten in moderation.

In addition to the Points system, the Weight Watchers program also incorporates other tools and resources to help people lose weight. These include activity trackers, calculators, and online support groups. The program is constantly evolving based on the latest research and technology, making it a powerful tool for anyone looking to lose weight and improve their health.

Food and Points Allocation

When it comes to the Weight Watchers program, food is assigned a point value based on its nutritional value. This point value is determined by a formula that takes into account the food's calories, fat, and fiber content. Under the PointsPlus system, the formula was revamped to also take into account how the body processes the nutrients in the food you eat.

Fruits and most vegetables are considered "free" foods and have a zero point value, meaning you can eat as much of them as you want without using up any of your daily or weekly points allocation. This is because they are low in calories and high in nutritional value.

Some foods and recipes are designated as "low-point" or "zero-point" options. For example, skinless chicken breast, fish, eggs, corn, popcorn, tofu, tempeh, cottage cheese, beans, peas, lentils, turkey, tuna, shellfish, and most fruits and vegetables are all considered low-point or zero-point foods. Greek yogurt is also a popular low-point option due to its high protein content and nutritional value.

It's important to note that just because a food is considered low-point or zero-point, it doesn't mean you can eat an unlimited amount of it. Portion control is still important for weight loss and overall health.

On the other hand, some foods are considered "cons" and have a high point value, meaning they should be eaten in moderation. These include foods that are high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, such as processed snacks, desserts, and sugary drinks.

When it comes to allocating points, each person is given a daily and weekly points allowance based on their weight, height, age, and activity level. This allowance can be used to eat foods with point values or to indulge in special treats. The weekly points allowance is especially useful for social events or when you want to enjoy a favorite food without going over your daily point allocation.

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Health Aspects of WW Points and Points Plus

When it comes to weight loss, it is important to focus on healthy habits and not just the number on the scale. WW Points and Points Plus are both designed to help people lose weight in a healthy way by encouraging balanced and nutritious eating habits.

One of the key aspects of WW Points is that it takes into account a person's gender, height, age, and weight to determine their daily target and weekly allowance. This personalized approach helps ensure that people are not overeating or undereating, which can lead to health issues like diabetes and other diet-related health issues.

Both WW Points and Points Plus also encourage people to eat more fruits, vegetables, and foods high in dietary fiber. These foods are important for maintaining a healthy weight because they are low in calories and high in nutrients. Additionally, they can help people feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can prevent overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods.

Another important aspect of WW Points and Points Plus is that they encourage people to limit their intake of saturated fat and focus on consuming healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues related to high levels of fat in the diet.

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WW App and Technology

At WW, we believe that technology can be a great tool to help you achieve your weight loss goals. That's why we've developed the WW app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. With the app, you can easily track your daily points, weekly points, and activity points, as well as access a wealth of resources to help you stay on track.

One of the most useful features of the WW app is the barcode scanner. This allows you to quickly and easily scan the barcode on any packaged food item and get the SmartPoints value. This makes it much easier to track your points throughout the day, even when you're on the go.

In addition to the barcode scanner, the WW app also includes a database of thousands of foods, so you can easily look up the SmartPoints value of any food item. You can also save your favorite foods and meals for quick and easy tracking.

Another great feature of the WW app is the ability to connect with a registered dietitian (RD) through the app. This allows you to get personalized advice and guidance from a professional, which can be incredibly helpful when you're trying to lose weight.

The WW app also includes a range of tools to help you stay active and track your exercise. You can connect your fitness tracker to the app to automatically track your activity points, or you can manually log your exercise.

Overall, we believe that the WW app and technology can be incredibly helpful tools to help you achieve your weight loss goals. With features like the barcode scanner, food database, and RD support, the app is designed to make tracking your points and staying on track as easy and convenient as possible.

Practical Tips for Using WW Points and Points Plus

When it comes to using WW Points and Points Plus, there are a few practical tips that can help you stay on track and get the most out of the program. Here are some tips that we find helpful:

Understand Your Daily Target and Weekly Allowance

Your daily target is the number of points you can consume each day based on your height, weight, and other factors. Your weekly allowance is an additional set of points that you can use throughout the week. It's important to understand both your daily target and weekly allowance to make sure you're staying within your points budget.

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Make Use of Zero Points Foods

Both the WW Points and Points Plus programs have a list of zero points foods, which are foods that you can eat without using any of your points. These foods include fruits, vegetables, and proteins. By incorporating these foods into your meals and snacks, you can stay full and satisfied without using all of your points.

Track Your Points

Tracking your points is essential for success on the WW program. Whether you prefer to use the WW app, a paper tracker, or another method, make sure you're tracking everything you eat and drink. This will help you stay accountable and make adjustments as needed.

Incorporate Activity and Exercise

Both WW Points and Points Plus programs encourage activity and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you're incorporating physical activity into your routine, whether it's through formal exercise or daily activities like walking or gardening. You can also earn additional points through activity, which can help you stay within your points budget while still enjoying your favorite foods.

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Attend Meetings and Get Support

Attending WW meetings and getting support from other members can be incredibly helpful for staying motivated and on track. Whether you attend in-person meetings or participate online, connecting with others who are also working towards their goals can help keep you accountable and inspired.

Adjust as Needed

Finally, remember that the WW Points and Points Plus programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your individual needs. If you find that you're not seeing the results you want, don't be afraid to make adjustments to your daily target, weekly allowance, or activity level. By experimenting and finding what works best for you, you can achieve your weight loss and wellness goals with WW.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between Weight Watchers points and points plus?

Weight Watchers points and points plus are both systems used to track food intake and manage weight. The main difference between the two is how they calculate points. PointsPlus takes into account the protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber content of food, while the original points system only considers calories, fat, and fiber.

Does Weight Watchers still do points plus?

No, Weight Watchers no longer uses the PointsPlus system. It was replaced by the SmartPoints system in 2015.

What are WW smart points and personal points?

SmartPoints is the current system used by Weight Watchers to track food intake. It assigns a point value to each food based on its calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein content. Personal points are additional points that can be used throughout the week, in addition to the daily SmartPoints allowance.

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What is the Points Plus calculator?

The PointsPlus calculator is a tool used to calculate the point value of foods on the PointsPlus system. It takes into account the protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber content of food to determine its point value.

Where can I find Weight Watchers Points Plus Recipes?

There are many websites and cookbooks that offer Weight Watchers PointsPlus recipes. Some popular websites include Skinnytaste and Slender Kitchen. You can also find recipes in the Weight Watchers app or on their website.

Is there a free download for the Weight Watchers Points Plus book?

Weight Watchers PointsPlus materials are copyrighted and not available for free download. However, you can purchase the PointsPlus book on the Weight Watchers website or on Amazon.