Weight Watchers Begins PointsPlus Program

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A new era is being introduced to Weight Watchers as they announce a new program that is supposedly the best program to date.

Weight Watchers is calling their new program, PointsPlus, revolutionary. They're also retiring their old points program after more than a decade with a new focus on the difference between good and bad calories.

"A piece of fruit like a banana which is about 100 calories for a medium size banana, and then one of these sort of 100 calorie bag of chips. Same calories, but what we know now is that this banana is going to give you a much more bang for your buck nutritionally and satisfaction-wise," said Mary Vogliano of Weight Watchers.

There's also the incentive to nudge members toward that smarter, less processed food selection.

"Now fruits are all 0 PointsPlus values on the new PointsPlus program, which is a big deal for a lot of us. That's helping us make better choices," Mary said.

Paige Coykendall of Mt. Washington knows how hard it is making better choices and joined Weight Watchers recently.

"Eating healthier is going to keep you from being hungry because you're not having all the cravings for the sugars and chocolates and stuff. So choosing the apple would definitely be a better idea," she said.

Weight Watchers believes this new PointsPlus program, based on scientific research, will give dieters a weight loss edge and long-term health.

"The new formula which is big, that's a big innovation, and the power foods: the 0 PointsPlus fruits and vegetables, which is going to be a big favorite for a lot of our members. And still there's room for indulgence. That's the key to all of this. We're not telling folks what they have to eat. We're saying these are better choices," Mary said.