PointsPlus 2012 is creating plenty of buzz.
What’s New in PointsPlus 2012
- Weight Watchers are allowing far more customization of the PointsPlus program. From now, the PointsPlus budget can be adjusted to meet your own individualized needs.
- The program now includes an activity goal to encourage more activity and exercise.
- More flexibility with tracking: Take a break for a day or more…
- Meetings members now have the opportunity to stay for a PowerStart session at the end of the first 3 meetings.
- Weight Watchers online subscribers get specially crafted weekly checklists on the homepage at each login.
How PointsPlus Works
The original Points formula (started in 1997) took into account Calories, Fiber grams and Fat grams. The newer PointsPlus formula uses Protein, Carbohydrate, Fiber, and Fat grams.
These nutritional measurements are simplified with Points whereby each food is assigned a Points value. Members are then given a daily Points budget.
Backed by Clinical Trials
Weight Watchers have spent considerable time testing the program:
According to Weight Watchers the trials resulted in “an improvement in behaviors that help people maintain weight loss and a reduction in the desire to eat when there’s no physical hunger or need for food.” (src).
The research shows how Points is a far better measure than Calories:
When we have a 100-calorie apple in one hand and a 100-calorie pack of cookies in the other, and we view them as being “the same” because the calories are the same, it highlights the limitations of using calories in guiding food choices.
Points Plus Deluxe Starter Kit
What is the new formula?
Points Plus = (Protein grams / 10.9) + (Carbohydrate grams / 9.2) + (Fat grams / 3.9) + (Fiber grams / 35).
Points Plus = p/10.94 + c/9.17 + fa/3.89 – fi/12.49
So for a Big Mac,
Points Plus = 25/10.9 + 45/9.2 + 29/3.9 + 3/35
Points Plus = 2.29 + 4.89 + 7.44 + 0.09
Points Plus = 14.71 (previous Point value was 13.97).
Note that this formula is via Wikipedia (ProPoints), and we cannot ensure that this is accurate, and you must use official WW tools for accurate Points Plus values. It maybe the the US formula is slightly different. Some have suggested the Carb Gram value should be (Carb – Fiber) / 9.2 to account for labeling differences between the US and UK.
What Else Is New?
- Daily Points allowances have gone up.
- Treating yourself is encouraged.
- Smart phone apps are available for members to keep track of their points while on the go.
- Weight Watchers now has an online plan specifically designed for men with customized meal plans and exercises designed to be more compatible with the male body.
Weight Watchers ProPoints
ProPoints is the name given to the implementation of the new Points system in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.Pro Points works in a similar way to PointsPlus but with variations based on local food labeling regulations.
See Also
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Satisfying Selections: Smart or Not?
McDonald’s Joins Forces With Weight Watchers
Please note that Points Plus and Points are registered trademarks of Weight Watchers Inc. This website is a compensated affiliate of Weight Watchers Inc.
