What to Know About the WeightWatchers’ 2024 Update

Constantly keeping up with the times and the latest science, WeightWatchers, or WW, has updated its program yet again—including making its offerings accessible to more people. Whether you’re already a WeightWatchers member or taking a peek to decide if you should join up, there’s plenty to know about the new program.

From incorporating some new AI-based tools to help you estimate what’s on your plate to making appointments with a registered dietitian more accessible, WeightWatchers is making big changes to keep their strategies personalized and customizable. Plus, with even more ZeroPoint foods on the table, logging meals and snacks is just getting easier.

Keep reading to be the first to know what changes WeightWatchers has made and how they’re aiming for an even more holistic approach to weight management.

More ZeroPoint Foods

To quickly explain for those not accustomed to the WeightWatchers Points system, food is given a “point value” based on its nutrient levels. Higher-point foods tend to be higher in saturated fat, added sugar, salt and calories, but low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. 

The Points system is WeightWatchers’ way of breaking down complex nutrition science concepts into one simple number for weight management, says Michelle Cardel, Ph.D., RD, chief nutrition officer at WeightWatchers. The idea behind the Points system is to make it easy and applicable for everyday use.

ZeroPoint foods are foods that tend to be nutrient-dense, providing a lot of nutritional bang for your buck. They’re lower in saturated fat, calories, salt and added sugar, and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Basically, these foods are whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, though not necessarily every food in each of those categories. 

With the WeightWatchers 2022 update, they expanded their ZeroPoint foods to include just over 200 items. With this latest update, over 150 foods were added and members can now enjoy more than 350 ZeroPoint foods. Additions include select cuts of dark meat and lean meats (including pork), oats and some starches like potatoes. 

“As new science around the benefits of various foods and diets are uncovered, we refresh and evolve the ZeroPoint foods list to reflect the latest research,” says Cardel. 

Cardel explains that because ZeroPoint foods are already accounted for in each member’s personal Points Budget, they don’t require weighing, measuring or tracking. “This allows ZeroPoint foods to become a habit and keeps the focus on food choices with Points values. This element of ease and flexibility is key in supporting a sustainable, enjoyable and effective journey toward each member’s weight-loss goals,” adds Cardel. 

Macronutrient Tracking

While tracking macros is not a new concept, it is a new feature now offered by WeightWatchers. “Members can view daily totals of key nutrients—protein, carbs, fats, fiber and sodium—directly in the app,” says Cardel, “and those working with a registered dietitian can also set macronutrient targets to support specific health goals.”

Cardel stresses that macro tracking does not take the place of the Points system. “While Points simplifies complex nutritional science into an easy-to-use, proven system and remains the center of our proven program, viewing macros provides an additional tool to further support each member’s unique weight-health journey.” 

This “further support” includes a better understanding of whether what you’re eating falls within the recommended ranges to achieve specific health goals. “It can also be helpful when managing a health condition that requires macronutrient restrictions, such as diabetes,” says Cardel.

New Recipe Analyzer & Food Scanner

While EatingWell recipes always include the nutritional breakdown, we do not transpose our recipes to Points—and neither do most other recipe platforms. Thanks to AI and WeightWatchers’ new recipe analyzer, though, members no longer have to input each ingredient separately to figure out their Points.

“We know that cooking is a big part of many member journeys, so we wanted to find ways to make it even easier to track homemade meals,” says Cardel. “The new recipe analyzer feature allows members to easily import a recipe from any website directly into their WeightWatchers app and have the Points instantly calculated for a seamless tracking experience.”

Even if you don’t use a recipe, you can now more easily figure out the Points in a meal thanks to the new food scanner tool. “The food scanner is another new tool that allows members to more easily track their food intake and Points,” explains Cardel. “Members can take a quick photo of their food, plate or meal and upload it to the app. The tool uses AI to recognize the food in the picture, estimate portions and provide a Points estimate.”

Addition of Compounded GLP-1s

In December 2023, WeightWatchers launched WeightWatchers Clinic, a telehealth service for members who choose to use weight-loss drugs in addition to the more traditional WeightWatchers program. “WeightWatchers Clinic provides eligible members with seamless access to personalized, specialized support from a doctor, in addition to weight-management medications for those that medically qualify, to help them reach their goals,” says Cardel. “WeightWatchers Clinic offers GLP-1s, as well as other earlier versions of weight-management medications such as liraglutide, naltrexone/bupoprion and metformin.”

Because second generation GLP-1s—like Ozempic and Wegovy—have become so popular, there have been shortages in many name-brand GLP-1s. WeightWatchers found a solution, now offering compounded GLP-1s. Compounded GLP-1s are made with the same active ingredients found in the name-brand drugs, but they’re manufactured by compounding pharmacies instead of by the manufacturers. One downside of this is that, like supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA, so quality, efficacy and safety of ingredients might not be consistent—and could potentially be harmful. 

WeightWatchers found a solution to that, too. According to a press release put out by the company earlier this year, “WeightWatchers undertook an extensive and robust diligence process to select an FDA-registered 503B facility. A 503B must adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations, which are the same manufacturing standards enforced by the FDA for all manufacturing facilities involved in the production of FDA-approved drugs. Every batch of the finished product from a 503B facility is tested for sterility and potency, among other things, before release.”

When asked why WeightWatchers felt the need to add GLP-1s to their offerings if their basic plan is effective on its own, Cardel said that more than “100 studies have shown that our Points Program is effective for helping people lose weight and keep it off over the long term, but everyone’s weight-management journey is different, and some people benefit from incorporating prescription medication into their approach. A combination of a behavioral program like WeightWatchers Points Program and a prescription weight-management medication may be more appropriate for some.” 

Cardel notes that GLP-1s can help people who need extra support, since they can reduce appetite, slow digestion and quiet food noise—the nonstop chatter in your head about what you’re going to eat next and when. “WeightWatchers remains at the forefront of the weight-health space, and we’re continuously evolving our program and offerings based on the latest behavioral, nutritional and clinical science. We’re so excited about this new program and all of the new offerings and features that ultimately provide more options that meet members where they are with all of their weight-health needs.”

EatingWell registered dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD, adds, “It’s clear that losing weight is complex. We typically endorse thinking about food and lifestyle habits first, which is why we like the addition of more ZeroPoint foods, as it may help participants prioritize foods with beneficial nutrients, like fiber. For people who feel like they might need additional support, we’d recommend you also consult with your primary provider who is familiar with your medical history before starting a GLP-1. These medications can be helpful for some people, but they aren’t a replacement for good nutrition and lifestyle habits.”

Access to Registered Dietitians

Previously, only WeightWatchers Clinic members had access to WeightWatchers registered dietitians. This new update now allows all WeightWatchers members to have access to personalized, expert guidance from RDs. Plus, if you have insurance that covers nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian, you can receive this service for as little as $0. 

“A great benefit to working with a WeightWatchers RD is that they are not only an expert in their field, but they’re also experts with the WeightWatchers program, helping to bridge together personalized RD visits with the livability of the WeightWatchers program experience,” explains Cardel. “The RDs will also zoom out to consider other areas that may affect their weight management and health journey and can provide insight and support for a variety of member needs like meal timing or hydration. Each member and RD will develop an action plan together that takes into account medical conditions, food preferences or restrictions and lifestyle.”

Cardell notes that WeightWatchers RDs are covered by more than 600 insurance plans, so there’s a good chance your plan will cover at least part of the cost. But if that’s not the case—or if you don’t have insurance—visits can be purchased in bundled packages that include 12 visits, six visits, three visits or one visit, starting at $49 per visit for 12 visits.

The Bottom Line

WeightWatchers continues to evolve and expand their offerings. Whether you choose to join WeightWatchers or simply make healthier food choices, working with a registered dietitian can be helpful. Ask your health care practitioner for a referral to one that accepts insurance if you have it. If you don’t and you attend a clinic that accepts income-based payments, they may have an RD on staff. 

Lachtrupp adds, “It’s great that WeightWatchers is expanding access to RD services and I’m excited to see how the recipe analyzer and food scanner function. Previously, it could sometimes be cumbersome for people who use the Point system to calculate the Points in homemade meals. Hopefully, this helps ease that struggle.”

It’s also important to note that GLP-1s and other weight-loss drugs are not for everyone, nor are they a replacement for sound nutrition and other health habits. If you choose to go the GLP-1 route, it’s especially important to work alongside qualified clinicians who can guide you on your journey.

And remember, food is not the only piece of the puzzle regarding weight, and weight alone is not the key to overall health. Physical activity, sleep and stress all affect weight and health as well. Taking a holistic approach is always best, whether you choose to pay for a program like WeightWatchers or follow a healthy eating pattern, like the Mediterranean diet.