WeightWatchers vs Mediterranean Diet
WeightWatchers vs. Mediterranean Diet
Losing weight can be tough—we’re here to make it easier. In this article, we'll compare the Mediterranean diet with the WeightWatchers® weight loss program. We'll examine the types of foods consumed, potential health risks, and how easy it is to incorporate both options into your daily routine.
Does the Mediterranean diet work for weight loss?
The Mediterranean diet involves mostly sticking to a plant-focused style of eating which focuses on a variety of fruit and vegetable intake, along with a focus on olive oil, seafood, pulses, wholegrains and moderate wine intake. Cheese, yoghurt and poultry are eaten a few days a week, where red meat is reserved for special occasions. The theory is its a diet that mimics how a population eat in a part of Greece that's been identified as one of the world's Blue Zones, a collection of five geographical regions that are home to the world's longest-living people.
Evidence suggests that those who closely follow a Mediterranean diet are less likely to live with overweight and obesity and have a lower risk of weight gain. Studies also suggest that the Mediterranean diet is effective for reducing risk for the development of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer risk, diabetes and more.
The WeightWatchers’ approach to healthier eating is closely linked to a Mediterranean lifestyle. Following the WeightWatchers program just makes it simpler to eat the Mediterranean way and reap all its benefits while enjoying food you love. That’s because food choices on WW are powered by our Points system, which guides you toward a healthier pattern of eating and a wide variety of ZeroPoint foods. Those same ZeroPoint foods are building blocks of the Mediterranean diet—including veggies, fruit, lean protein, and legumes.
Key differences between WeightWatchers and the Mediterranean diet
Mediterranean diet | ||
| What can I eat on this plan? | Nothing is off limits! WeightWatchers is built on our proven Points system, which converts calories (aka kilojoules), saturated fat, added sugar, fibre and, protein into one easy-to-use number. You'll get a customised Points Budget to “spend” on any foods you choose. Simply track your food in the app—as long as you stay within your budget, you’ll lose weight. You'll also get a list of nutrient-dense ZeroPoint foods requiring no tracking or measuring. Of course, balanced, healthy eating behaviours are still recommended. | Primarily plant-based foods, eating small amounts of red meat occasionally, and replacing butter with healthy fats like olive oil. Using herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt. |
| Liveability | The WeightWatchers programs have been developed based on principles of nutrition and behaviour-change science to build sustainable healthy habits around food, physical activity, and mindset. The easy-to-use app features include; "What To Eat" providing eating out and cooking inspo and expert advice. The barcode scanner means you can find the Points in any packaged food quickly. And the "My Progress" feature allows you to see which habits are getting you the results you want—and what you might need to improve. | Is it liveable? Yes, the Mediterranean diet is one of the few diets that studies have shown is sustainable long-term. This is partly because it does not cut out whole food groups. |
| Health risk & science | Study after study shows the power of the WeightWatchers program to help you lose weight and stay on track. In fact, there are over 125 studies published on WeightWatchers, including more than 35 independent clinical trials that prove our efficacy. | Studies show that followers are less likely to overeat than people who eat Western-type diets. Researchers believe that the Mediterranean diet’s high volume of low-calorie, high-fibre, water-rich foods help people feel fuller for longer than the low-fibre, high-calorie, and high-sugar foods that comprise a typical Western diet. The inclusion of healthy fats also contributes to feelings of satiety. |
| Social support |
WeightWatchers provides both in-person and virtual workshops, round-the-clock live coaching, customer service support, and Connect—an exclusive social network connecting members for continuous motivation and inspiration whenever it's needed. |