What is the WW diet, when did the name change from Weight Watchers, how does it work and are there any success stories?
WW - formerly Weight Watchers - is a diet with a difference, which promises great results while allowing you to eat your favourite foods at the same time.
It's a well-established brand endorsed by scores of celebrities. So if you're thinking about signing up to your local group, here's what you need to know.
What is the WW diet and how does it work?
WW works on a Smart Points system, where foods are rated on their protein, carbs, fat and fibre content.
It's essentially calorie counting made easy, and there's absolutely no limit on the amount of fruit and vegetables you can eat.
Dieters even get a weekly Smart Points safety net, meaning you can treat yourself on a night out, as well as a personalised exercise plan.
Weekly meetings and weigh-ins keep people on track.
Overall, the plan is less extreme than many other diets - but the results are still promising.
Allegedly, dieters are able to lose up to 2lb a week.
A memberships costs as little as £2.10 per week and if you , you'll receive a whole extra month FREE of charge - sign up to WW .
Sample WW meals
- BREAKFAST
- Oats soaked overnight with fromage frais and berries
- Poached eggs served with potato farls and cherry tomatoes
- Healthy cooked breakfast
- Chai spiced baked berry oatmeal
- LUNCH
- Chicken Caesar salad with pear and walnuts
- Asian noodle jar
- Turkey club toastie
- Aubergine pizza stacks
- DINNER
- Lamb meatballs and aubergine in tomato sauce
- Beetroot quinoa risotto with goat's cheese
- Pork and apricot burgers with sweet potato
- Cuban inspired quinoa and chicken salad
- Chicken and ham hock pretzel pies
- Tandoori chicken with green chutney
When did Weight Watchers rebrand as WW?
In September 2018, the company announced it would be changing its name from Weight Watchers to WW.
The new, slimmed down name is said to mark "the next stage of the company's evolution" - and a focus on wellness, rather than weight loss.
Chief executive Mindy Grossman has insisted WW does not stand for either Weight Watchers or 'Wellness that works', the brand's new slogan.
Is it safe?
This is a well-balanced diet, which is less restrictive than many of its competitors.
No foods are completely banned, meaning dieters shouldn't be tempted to cheat.
found that men and women who attended WW classes lost more than those who went to other slimming clubs.
The main cons are that counting the points can be time consuming, and : "Some people feel pressured into purchasing Weight Watchers-branded foods."
However, health-wise there are unlikely to be any negative effects.
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Are there any success stories?
Former Holby City star Patsy Kensit credits WW with her 1 stone weight loss.
American singer Jessica Simpson used the plan to shed her baby weight, after giving birth to son Maxwell Drew.
The Voice judge Jennifer Hudson lost 5st 10lb when she completely transformed her body a couple of years ago, and says WW and regular exercise keeps her trim.
Comedienne and actress Tina Fey is also said to be a fan, as is talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
It's not just celebrities who've been successful with the plan.
Couple Sally and Paul Jones lost a combined 19 stone AND found love at WW.
And another super-slimmer shed over 11 stone after her boyfriend told her she "had gained weight".