The WeightWatchers Points system explained

The Points system is an evolution of our scientifically-backed nutrition plans, which have previously included PersonalPoints, SmartPoints, and ProPoints. This system is uniquely designed to guide you towards more nutritious and healthier food choices that support weight loss, while ensuring that no food is off-limits. We continually update our system as the latest science evolves to provide the most effective and sustainable weight loss experience.

You can eat anything you like—truly! With WeightWatchers, no food is off-limits. Simply track what you eat, stay within your Points Budget, include ZeroPoint foods, and you’ll see the weight come off.

Yes, the WeightWatchers Points system is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. You can easily find ZeroPoint foods and recipes that align with your specific dietary requirements.

Calories (or kilojoules) are just one piece of the nutrition puzzle. Our Points algorithm takes calories into account, but it also considers protein, fibre, and the differences between natural and added sugars, as well as unsaturated and saturated fats.

Your customised Points Budget is designed to guide you towards a healthier eating pattern, helping you lose weight and feel your best. Simply eat, track your Points, and watch the weight come off.

No, the Points system and algorithm remain the same. The Points system simplifies healthy eating by translating complex nutritional data into a single, easy-to-use number. Points are still calculated based on a food’s calories, protein, fibre, unsaturated fat, saturated fat, and added sugar. Informed by the latest nutritional science, our current Points system continues to prioritise the most important nutritional factors for health, aligning with healthy eating recommendations.

Points encourage you to choose foods linked to better health—like dairy, fibre-rich foods, vegetables, and wholegrains—while steering you away from nutrients associated with poorer health, such as added sugars and saturated fat. Although PersonalPoints are now simply called Points, the underlying algorithm hasn’t changed.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.

Points simplify healthy eating by translating complex nutritional data into a single, easy-to-use number. This system helps you evaluate food quickly and effectively. Each food and beverage is assigned a Points value based on six factors: calories, saturated fat, and added sugar increase the Points value, while fibre, protein, and unsaturated fats decrease it.

Our evidence-based system is designed to encourage healthier eating habits by favouring foods higher in fibre, protein, and unsaturated fats (the healthier fats) and lower in added sugar and saturated fat (the less healthy fats).

Your budget begins with a scientific calculation of your metabolism, taking into account factors like age, height, weight, and sex assigned at birth. It’s then adjusted according to the ZeroPoint food list and your weight goals, whether you're aiming for weight loss or maintenance. Each budget is personalised to suit your individual needs and is designed to support a healthy weight loss rate, typically 0.5 to 1 kilogram per week, though initial results might be higher.

You can calculate the Points for a meal by using the WeightWatchers app. Simply input the ingredients and portion sizes, and the app will calculate the total Points for the entire meal, helping you stay within your daily budget.

Yes, you can include higher Points foods in your diet while following WeightWatchers. The key is balance and moderation. You can use your weekly Points allowance to enjoy these foods occasionally without hindering your progress.