WeightWatchers Jettisons Old Calorie-Based Points System

Acknowledging that advances in nutrition science have rendered its fat- and calorie-based “points” plan obsolete, WeightWatchers is implementing a new system that focuses on the quantity and types of protein, carbohydrates, fiber and fat in food. The “ProPoints” scheme, to be launched in time for the New Year’s resolution season with a $45 million ad campaign, awards weekly bonus “real living” points that allows participants to indulge in favorite foods and even fast foods. About 250 products that had total sales of $510 million in the U.K. last year are packaged for the WeightWatchers system. Fifty-seven of the products will be reformulated for the new points scheme. Heinz, Yoplait, Greencore and Warburtons will have to alter their WeightWatchers packages.