Weight Watchers introduced a new plan specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause who want to lose weight, WeightWatchers for Menopause. Here’s our honest review of the program to help you decide whether it’s right for you.
What is the New Weight Watchers Menopause Program?
Weight Watchers introduced a new program for menopausal women who want to lose weight. The program has an additional cost, and offers members enhanced program materials, a different way to track food, exclusive workshops, and more.
According to the company, WeightWatchers for Menopause is a holistic program that delivers quality care to help you manage menopausal weight gain and symptoms, plus optimize your health.
Is the program right for you? Let’s explore the plan together.
What’s Included in the WW Menopause Program and Is it Worth the Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of everything included in the WW menopause plan, and you can decide if it’s worth the additional expense for you.
The program includes:
- Nutritional advice for women in this stage of life, including a different zero-point food list and tracking system.
- Access to medication with medical support, including HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Medication is an additional expense that is not included in the menopause program.
- Connection and community, including virtual workshops with topics that apply to women in mid-life.
- Recipes and articles exclusive to weight loss during menopause.
- Fitness videos for women dealing with menopause symptoms and weight gain.
New Zero Point Food List
The WW menopause program has a different zero-point food list. Some of the changes include:
- Avocado is zero points.
- Potatoes have points. (They are zero points with the regular plan.)
- Low fat yogurt and cottage cheese are zero points, compared to only fat-free dairy is included with the regular plan.
Generally speaking, the zero point foods list is similar (although not totally the same) to the diabetic plan, and tends to be a bit higher in healthy fat and lower in carbs.
Posted by a WW member.
Macros Recommendations for Menopause
The new plan offers a bullseye system for goals that is similar to the Weight Watchers GLP-1 program, providing individualized goals for:
- a daily protein target
- a daily fiber target
- a daily water intake
Points are still counted as well.
Member example of the Weight Watchers’ new menopause tracking system.
Special Workshops
The Holy Mess team members who are WW members attended several menopause workshops during the introductory week, when these workshops were open to all members. The virtual workshops we attended were primarily promotional, explaining what the program entails and who it benefits.
We assume that the workshops will have additional content as the program continues.
Menopause Information and Resources
In the “Take a Pause” area of the app, specific research and information about menopause is included. This information is not available to all members. Members of the menopause program also receive exercise videos specific to their stage of life.
WW Clinic Now Provides HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) in Addition to Weight Loss Medication
Members who choose to enroll in the menopause program can also use the WW Clinic to schedule a telehealth doctor appointment. Those who qualify may be prescribed HRT and/or weight loss medication, including medications like Zepbound and Wegovy.
These medications are an additional expense that is not included with membership. Read more about WW Clinic here.
Benefits and Concerns with the WW Program for Women in Midlife
If you are considering joining the WW menopause program, here are some positives and negatives to keep in mind.
Pros of the Menopause Program
- Feel understood. Many women report weight gain during menopause, even if they didn’t have weight issues before. Other women tell me their weight loss has slowed or stalled out since they stopped having periods. Weight loss was never easy, but as they age, it’s only gotten harder. Some share about the dreaded “menopot,” where weight has shifted to their belly and midsection. There’s no question that this is a difficult life stage for weight loss.
- Specific advice for the menopause stage of life and beyond. ALL women (half of adults!) go through menopause, and we live post-menopausal for half of our lives. Yet up until recently, it’s rarely been researched or even discussed. This is a natural part of the female human condition and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s great to see menopause being given the recognition it deserves.
- Positive testimonials. Some of our The Holy Mess Weight Loss Members are using the new menopause program and enjoy it. They report enjoying the addition of some extra zero-point foods, such as low-fat dairy and avocados. They also like the bullseye format. They were able to upgrade their current membership for a small additional monthly fee.
Cons of the Weight Watchers Menopause Features
- Additional cost. Curiously, this program is an additional cost, yet the WW Diabetic Plan and the WW GLP-1 tracking system are no extra fee. (Any member can turn on these features at any time within their app settings.) It’s frustrating that Weight Watchers locks you into paying for 12 months. Many members report feeling scammed by this. True, it’s in the fine print, but it’s not always easy to see the terms when you enroll.
- Telehealth medical advice. As with the WW Clinic and other telehealth platforms that prescribe medication, it’s concerning that people are prescribed powerful medications after a quick online visit.
- WW Lack of Focus. Weight Watchers is striving to be all things to all people. I’ve heard their corporate leaders talk about becoming a one-stop-shop of weight loss. While I appreciate the sentiment, what I hear from members is that they want more in-person meetings. They are frustrated with the company’s direction as it tries to emerge from bankruptcy.
Sara shares from the heart: As with any medication, we highly encourage you to speak with a medical doctor who knows your complete medical history. HRT and weight loss medications provide excellent benefits for many people, but they carry risks and the potential for serious side effects.
Terry shares from the heart: As someone who has dealt with medical complications and ongoing health issues, I encourage you to speak with a professional who understands your specific situation. Also, let me encourage you that even with health challenges, weight loss IS possible. Don’t give up. (Read Terry’s weight loss before and after story here.)
Unofficial Workaround to the Menopause Program
Dee from Dish with Dee offers this option as a workaround to the menopause program so that you can follow a similar program without extra fees.
Answers to FAQ About Menopause and Weight Watchers for Weight Loss
Can I try the WW menopause program for a few months to see if it’s right for me?
No, unfortunately, the menopause program requires a full 12-month subscription. If you cancel, you will still be billed for any outstanding months that you haven’t paid for yet. Read the fine print carefully and get more information directly from WW.
Can Lifetime members use the Weight Watchers menopause program?
Anyone who qualifies is welcome to join the menopause program. However, it’s important for Lifetime members at goal to understand that you lose your free Lifetime status when you enroll in the program. Our understanding is that you cannot regain this Lifetime status for free. A member of our team called the WW information phone number twice to confirm this information. Call WW to confirm this, especially if you are a Lifetime member considering enrollment.
Final Take-Away – Do You Need a Menopause Program from WW?
The Holy Mess’s final takeaway: Most women don’t need the WW menopause program. The features are similar to those of other programs (diabetic, GLP-1 tracking) included with membership at no additional cost.
- I wouldn’t recommend joining simply for menopause information. There are many quality sources of information about menopause.
- The zero point food list can be modified on your own by following a slightly lower carb plan and adding 1-2 more servings of healthy fat, like avocado and low fat dairy. You can switch to the diabetic plan (even if you aren’t diabetic) or use your weekly flex points for these items. Adding more fiber (around 25 g per day) is a good idea for all women.
- If you feel that weight loss medication or HRT are the right next step for you, they might be! But I would encourage you to seek support from your local doctor who has time to review your complete medical history or refer you to a specialist.
Are you struggling with weight loss during perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause? Are you considering or using the WW plan? Share about it in the comments below. We would love to hear your story.
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