Differences between Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers
Contents
Comparison Article[edit]
Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, rebranded as WW, are commercial weight management programs that take different approaches to diet and lifestyle changes.[1] Jenny Craig's business model is centered on providing pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals directly to customers.[2][3] In contrast, WW uses a points-based system to guide members in making their own food choices, emphasizing nutrition education and flexible eating.[4][1]
Following financial difficulties and the closure of its physical locations in 2023, Jenny Craig was acquired and relaunched as an online-only service.[5] WW offers both digital-only plans and plans that include access to in-person or virtual workshops.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Jenny Craig | Weight Watchers (WW) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Method | Provides pre-packaged, calorie-controlled meals and snacks for a structured eating plan.[3] | Members track food intake using a proprietary Points system, which assigns values to foods based on their nutritional content. |
| Food | Most food is purchased directly from the company and delivered to the member's home. Members supplement meals with their own fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy. | Members buy and prepare their own food. No foods are forbidden, but the Points system encourages choosing items lower in sugar and saturated fat, and higher in protein and fiber.[4] |
| Support Structure | One-on-one coaching is available virtually. The program was historically known for its in-person centers, but shifted to an e-commerce model in 2023. | Support is offered through a mobile app, an online community, and optional virtual or in-person group workshops led by coaches. |
| Cost Structure | Members pay for meal plans, which can range from approximately $140 to $170 per week. This cost covers most of the food. Membership and shipping fees may also apply. | Members pay a monthly subscription fee, which varies depending on the level of support (e.g., digital-only vs. workshop access). This fee does not include the cost of food. |
| Flexibility | The program is highly structured, removing the need for meal planning and portion control.[2] | Offers significant flexibility, as members can eat any food as long as it fits within their daily and weekly Points budget.[4][2] |
Jenny Craig Program Details[edit]
The Jenny Craig program is designed around the principle of simplifying weight loss by providing prepared meals.[2] Customers choose from various meal plans, and the pre-portioned foods are delivered to their homes. Daily calorie intake typically ranges from 1,200 to 1,700 calories. The program also includes access to a personal consultant for guidance and support. In 2023, the company declared bankruptcy, closed its physical centers, and was later purchased by Wellful, relaunching as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand.
Weight Watchers (WW) Program Details[edit]
WW's approach is based on educating members to make healthier eating choices independently. The core of the program is the Points system, which assigns a simple numerical value to foods and beverages based on nutritional factors like calories, protein, fiber, and sugar content. Each member receives a personalized daily and weekly Points budget. The program provides tools such as a mobile app for tracking food and activity, recipes, and a community network. Members can choose a digital-only membership or a plan that includes unlimited access to workshops, which are group meetings led by a WW Coach.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "medicalnewstoday.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "ourfathersandsons.ca". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "oreateai.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "verywellfit.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ "everydayhealth.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
