NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- It's not just about counting points at U.S. Weight Watchers anymore, the weight management group says it's focusing on healthier, more satisfying foods.
The successor to Weight Watchers' POINTSweight loss system is the new PointsPlusprogram, which favors foods the body works harder to convert into energy -- resulting in fewer net calories absorbed; foods that create a sense of fullness and satisfaction and are more healthful, and more natural foods rather than foods with excess added sugars and fats.
The new system still allows for indulgences, special occasions and eating out, Weight Watchers' officials say.
For example, the new PointsPlus program, provides an easy way to identify the best food choices with higher eating satisfaction, lower sugar, lower sodium, healthier fat and more fiber -- therefore, all fresh fruits and most vegetables now have zero PointsPlus values.
Karen Miller-Kovach, chief scientific officer at Weight Watchers International, Inc., says the PointsPlus program has been tested in a rigorous, independent clinical trial and the results demonstrate that it delivers significant weight loss as well as improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and eating behaviors linked with long-term weight loss and hedonistic hunger.
In addition, in the past year, thousands of U.S. adults have tested the PointsPlus program and they report they felt healthier and more satisfied and they shifted from energy dense, processed foods toward fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, Miller-Kovach says.
