WW vs Low Carb Diet | WW Australia
WW vs. Low Carb
Compare the low carb diet with the Weight Watchers weight loss program. We'll look at what you'll eat, the health risks and liveability of both options.
Does a low-carb diet work for weight loss?
A low-carb diet requires cutting out or reducing your intake of foods containing carbohydrates. This can mean that healthy, nutritious carbs including wholegrains, legumes, and even some fruits and vegetables are off the menu.
Carbohydrates are essential for a well-balanced diet. Plus, when you cut them out, your brain stops regulating serotonin, a chemical that elevates mood. Trying to stick to a low-carb diet may also bump up your risk of consuming too much unhealthy fats
WW's program gives you the flexibility to include carbs like bread and pasta; however, these generally have a higher Points® value compared to lean proteins and veggies. You'll find that your Points Budget naturally nudges you towards healthier food choices, and may naturally result in a reduction of carbs in your diet.
While people can experience weight loss following a low-carb diet, there is a risk of nutrient deficiency which can negatively impact the digestive system long term.
 | Low-carb diet |
U.S. News & World Report Rankings*
#1 Best Diet for Weight-Loss in 2022 | Not ranked in top 40 Diets for Weight-Loss |
What can I eat on this plan?
Everything’s on the menu! The new WW program has added food, activity, sleep, and mindset features designed to make weight loss easier. It builds on our proven PersonalPoints™ system, which converts calories, saturated fat, added sugar, fibre and protein into one easy-to-use value. There are different ways to follow WW that provide varying PersonalPoints Budgets, along with ZeroPoint™ foods that you don’t have to track or measure. Of course, balanced, healthy eating behaviours are still recommended. | A low-carb diet means that you eat less carbohydrates and more fat. This is similar to a keto diet and focuses on avoiding foods containing sugar and starchy foods like rice, beans, bread, and potatoes. |
Liveability
The program has been developed based on principles of nutrition and behaviour-change science to build healthy habits around food, activity, sleep, and mindset. Our easy-to-use features, including our new 'What's in your fridge' tool that suggests recipes based on what you already have, techniques that you can learn through new 5-Minute Coaching audio sessions, and weekly topics help guide members towards smarter food choices, moving more, sleeping better, and more helpful ways of thinking. | A low carb diet is highly restrictive and therefore science shows it is unlikely to be sustainable long-term. |
Health risks
WW was named the #1 doctor-recommended weight-loss program based on a 2019 survey by Kantar Health of 500 doctors who recommend weight-loss programs to patients. | Due to the lack of grains and cereals consumed in this diet, there is a risk of nutrient deficiency including B vitamins and a reduction in fibre intake, which can negatively impact the digestive system. |
Social support
In-person and Virtual Workshops, WW Coaches, 24/7 Live Coaching, customer service, and Connect, an exclusive social network with other members for motivation and inspiration whenever you need it. | Blogs written by followers of the low carb diet and online communities exist, but there is no central organisation providing guidance from qualified experts. |
*#1 Best Diet for Weight Loss 12 years in a row. Learn more here! |
