Weight Watchers, now known as WW, has been a prominent figure in the weight loss industry for decades. Conceived in the early 1960s, the program has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of its members. This article delves into the origins of Weight Watchers and takes a closer look at the 1966 Weight Watchers diet plan.
The Genesis of Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers was the brainchild of Jean Nidetch, a housewife and mother from Queens, New York City. Nidetch had struggled with her weight for most of her life, trying various fad diets, pills, and hypnosis, all of which proved ineffective in the long run. In 1961, at 38, she weighed 214 pounds and was mistaken for being pregnant, which prompted her to take action.
Nidetch joined a free 10-week weight-loss program sponsored by the New York City Board of Health's obesity clinic. The program, called the "Prudent Diet," was developed in the 1950s by Dr. Norman Jolliffe, head of the board's Bureau of Nutrition. The Prudent Diet included guidelines such as "No skipping meals," "Fish five times a week," and "Two pieces of bread and two glasses of skim milk a day."
While Nidetch lost 20 pounds on the program, she disliked the way the clinic leader presented information at the weekly meetings. This led her to start her own support group with friends in 1963. By 1963, Weight Watchers Inc was established, charging a weekly fee for membership. The first official meeting attracted over 400 attendees.
The Original Weight Watchers Diet Plan (1963)
The Weight Watchers dietary plan in the 1960s was based on the "Prudent Diet". This original program was based on a list of allowed and forbidden foods with strict portion control. It promoted community and its effectiveness in helping with weight loss. The Prudent Diet was strict. It prescribed, amongst other things, that you ate fish five times a week, liver once a week and did not drink alcohol or eat fatty foods.
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Key Principles of the 1966 Weight Watchers Diet Plan
Based on the information available, here are some key principles that can be derived from the Weight Watchers program of that era:
- No Crash Dieting: The plan emphasized the importance of learning new eating habits rather than resorting to crash diets, fad diets, or appetite suppressants.
- Control Your Environment: The plan advised against surrounding oneself with temptation by avoiding the purchase of cookies and candies.
- No Alcohol: Alcohol consumption was prohibited.
- No Skipping Meals: Skipping meals was not allowed.
- Eat Only Specified Foods in Specified Quantities: The plan required participants to eat only the foods listed in the menu plan, in the quantities specified, and at the meals specified.
- Weigh Portions Accurately: Participants were instructed to weigh their portions until they could judge them accurately.
- Limit Eggs: Egg consumption was limited to 4-7 per week.
- Eat Fish: The plan specified a certain number of fish meals per week.
- Limited Vegetables: Participants were required to eat one portion of limited vegetables per day, at dinner only, varying their selection from day to day.
- Unlimited Vegetables: Unlimited vegetables could be consumed at any time.
- Fruit: The plan prescribed three to five servings of fruit per day, depending on age and gender.
- Milk: Milk was included in the diet.
- Bread: Participants were allowed to eat enriched or whole grain packaged bread according to the amount allowed for their age/gender.
- Do Not Count Calories: The plan emphasized that 200 calories of cake is never a substitute for a 200-calorie lunch.
- Weigh Your Food Carefully: Accurate food weighing was crucial.
- Weigh Yourself Once A Week Only: Participants were advised to weigh themselves only once a week to avoid being discouraged by daily weight fluctuations.
- Take Advantage of "Free" Foods: The plan allowed for certain "free" foods.
- Be Aware That You Are Learning New Eating Habits: The plan emphasized the importance of learning new eating habits, even away from home.
- Follow The Diet Honestly: Honesty in following the diet was essential.
Evolution of Weight Watchers
Over the years, Weight Watchers has undergone numerous transformations to adapt to changing lifestyles and scientific advancements.
- Early 1980s: The plan expanded to include more flexibility.
- 1984: The Quick Start Program was introduced, offering more flexibility in food choices and designed for fast initial weight loss.
- 1988: The Quick Success Program was launched, offering an easier and more flexible plan that made allowances for vegetarians.
- 1997: Weight Watchers introduced the Points system, assigning a point value to each food based on its calories, fat, and fiber content.
- 2000: The Winning Points plan was introduced, emphasizing behavior modification and encouraging self-observation of eating habits and exercise.
- 2010: Weight Watchers introduced PointsPlus, where points were calculated based on calories, fat, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
- 2015: Beyond the Scale was introduced, focusing on a holistic lifestyle and fitness program.
- 2019: The myWW program offered three different plan options: Green, Blue, and Purple, each with a different structure and list of zero-point foods.
- 2021: The PersonalPoints program was introduced, using AI to adjust points and zero-point food lists based on individual preferences.
- 2022: The Points Program was introduced. Members were given the same list of over 200 Zero Point foods and a set amount of Daily & Weekly Points (based of their weight, sex, height etc) that they could used on whatever foods they wanted.
Weight Watchers Today
In recent years, Weight Watchers has faced increased competition from weight loss drugs and digital fitness programs. In 2025, WW filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to eliminate most of its $1.5 billion debt and improve its financial position.
Despite these challenges, Weight Watchers continues to offer a subscription-based program of support, along with various products, media, services, and technologies. The company remains committed to helping people achieve their weight loss and wellness goals.
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