Weight Watchers Points Calculator Points Plus

Weight Watchers PointsPlus Calculator

function calculatePointsPlus() { var protein = parseFloat(document.getElementById('proteinGrams').value); var carbs = parseFloat(document.getElementById('carbsGrams').value); var fat = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fatGrams').value); var fiber = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fiberGrams').value); if (isNaN(protein) || isNaN(carbs) || isNaN(fat) || isNaN(fiber) || protein < 0 || carbs < 0 || fat < 0 || fiber < 0) { document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.'; return; } // PointsPlus formula: (Protein / 11) + (Carbs / 9) + (Fat / 4) – (Fiber / 35) // The result is then rounded to the nearest whole number, with a minimum of 0. var points = (protein / 11) + (carbs / 9) + (fat / 4) – (fiber / 35); var roundedPoints = Math.round(points); // PointsPlus cannot be negative if (roundedPoints < 0) { roundedPoints = 0; } document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Your PointsPlus Value: ' + roundedPoints; }

Understanding the Weight Watchers PointsPlus System

The Weight Watchers PointsPlus system was a popular method for tracking food intake, used by Weight Watchers (now WW) from approximately 2010 to 2015. It represented a significant evolution from previous systems by focusing not just on calories, but also on the nutritional quality of food, specifically protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber.

How PointsPlus Worked

Unlike earlier systems that primarily used calories and fat, PointsPlus assigned a value to foods based on their macronutrient content. The philosophy behind PointsPlus was that foods higher in protein and fiber were more satiating and therefore "cost" fewer points, while foods higher in fat and carbohydrates (especially refined ones) would "cost" more points. This encouraged members to choose more nutrient-dense foods.

Each member was given a personalized daily PointsPlus target based on factors like their weight, height, age, gender, and activity level. They could then eat any food they wanted, as long as they stayed within their daily and weekly PointsPlus allowance.

The PointsPlus Formula

The core of the PointsPlus system was its unique formula, which calculated a food's value based on its grams of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. The general formula used was:

PointsPlus = (Protein / 11) + (Carbohydrates / 9) + (Fat / 4) – (Fiber / 35)

The final result was then rounded to the nearest whole number, with a minimum value of 0. This formula aimed to reward foods high in protein and fiber (which subtract from the total) and assign higher values to foods rich in fat and carbohydrates.

Using the Calculator

Our Weight Watchers PointsPlus Calculator allows you to quickly determine the PointsPlus value of any food item for which you have the nutritional information. Simply input the grams of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber into the respective fields, and the calculator will apply the classic PointsPlus formula to give you the estimated value.

Example Calculation:

Let's say you have a food item with the following nutritional values:

• Protein: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams

Using the formula:

(15 / 11) + (30 / 9) + (8 / 4) – (5 / 35)
= 1.36 + 3.33 + 2.00 – 0.14
= 6.55
Rounded to the nearest whole number = 7 PointsPlus

This calculator is a helpful tool for those who are familiar with or wish to understand the older Weight Watchers PointsPlus system. Please note that WW has evolved its programs since PointsPlus, and current programs like PersonalPoints or WW Freestyle use different methodologies for calculating food values.

Disclaimer: This calculator is based on the publicly understood formula for the Weight Watchers PointsPlus system and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not an official Weight Watchers tool, and results should not be considered official dietary advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or official WW resources for personalized guidance.