The research compared 770 overweight and obese adults. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 12 months of standard health care, or a 12-month free membership to weight watchers. Those who received standard care lost an average of 5 pounds, while weight watchers participants lost an average of 11 pounds.
Reasearchers found that having a weekly weigh-in and support system works because people are more likely to stick to the program.
The weight loss program costs about $40-dollars a month. It's famous for its system of assigning points to snacks and meals so dieters can keep a running tab of what they're eating.
The study was funded by Weight Watchers but conducted by the U.K. Medical Research Council.
