Weight Watchers began in the 1960s, when Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch began inviting her friends to come to her home in Queens, New York, once a week to discuss how to best lose weight. Those friendly group meetings are still at the heart of Weight Watchers, the international weight-loss program that helps members shed pounds by assigning SmartPoints values to food and drinks.

The SmartPoints system teaches people how to eat in moderation, instead of restricting certain foods. SmartPoints is based on the latest nutritional science and take into consideration calories, saturated fat, sugar and protein. Weight Watchers now has easy-to-use online tools and apps so members can access the program at any time, but it also offers the weekly in-person meetings for those who would like the added support.