Weight Watchers Revamps Points System

Weight Watchers has totally overhauled its legendary points system to reflect changing perceptions about how the body processes food, the first change since its inception in 1997, the New York Times is reporting. Fruits, veggies, and whole foods are generally good, meaning points free, while processed foods should be eaten less.

Under the old plan, points were assigned based on body type, with each food being given a value depending primarily on the number of calories. They are now assigned based on a complex formula that considers each item's ingredient mix. Members have also been allotted more total points, forcing them to recalculate everything. As one company official admits, “It’s a complete overhaul; it doesn’t get any bigger than this.” Reaction has been decidedly mixed. (More WeightWatchers stories.)