Hello all = I have started a WW group at work - unfortunately, we did not meet the minimum of 15 to have a leader come in, so I, in my stupidity of being the person who volunteers for everything offered to run the group. As a Lifetime Member I am definitely familiar with the program and am avidly determined to get back to goal.

I signed up for WW online so I could share resources with the group on a regular basis, but here's my problem - I know MY points goal for each day, but how the heck do I give them the resources to figure out theirs? I'm lost on this one.

Any ideas or suggestions - really appreciated!!!

This is where you can't help them. It is a quiz and unless you go to the meetings and get the new books there is no way to give them that information. Basically what you are doing is helping them to steal the program. I know that sounds harsh but it is the truth. They are not paying for the program and you are giving it to them.

Daily points are based on 1) age, 2) height, 3) weight, 4) gender, 5) daily activity level not counting additional activity and 6) to lose or maintain. This is done with a quiz that tells you how many points to add or subtract.

What I am trying to do is help those who cannot AFFORD the weekly meeting fee to get healthy and meet their goals using the guidelines set forth by the program. I tried to get WW at work, but too many of my colleagues could not afford the $60/month.

Can they not afford $17 a month for online so they have all the information.

I understand what you are trying to do but what you are doing is helping them to steal the weight loss program. You may or may not agree with that and what you do is entirely up to your but to figure the daily points either you or they will a) have to go to a meeting and join or b) order the at home program or c) do online.

Viv,

It's like this. We are not allowed to give out any sort of copywrited information or materials through this website. The big diet programs (and WW is notorious for this) troll the Internet and come down hard on places that give out for free proprietary information about their programs that members have to pay for. I don't think any active member of the 3FC community would want to see this website shut down.

We can give you suggestions on 1 point snacks, 5 point meals or how to skinny up a recipe, but unfortunately we can't provide what you are asking for. Even if someone did post something, it would be deleted. If the WW people found out you were sharing info with the group, you could get into trouble yourself.

Perhaps you could pick another program - Body For Life, Bob Greene, Biggest Loser - something where people could buy the book and follow the program - or even borrow a copy from the library.

When you come right down to it, no matter what program you're on it comes down to portion control, eating clean (the right foods), drinking water and exercising.

Perhaps you could start a walking club when you were going to meet and use the time to exercise and encourage each other. And maybe someone could bring in a scale and do weigh ins. I know a big part of the meetings for me is not so much what the leader is saying as much as knowing that weekly weigh in will tell all - the good, the bad or the just plain ugly if I've been misbehaving.

Sorry that we couldn't be of more help - hope you understand...

Sorry to hear that your At Work Group fell through--it's hard when you know people want to join and you don't have enough to get it rolling.

I'd just add my words of caution as well--just know that if WW caught wind that you were holding "unofficial" meetings that you could get into trouble. I know of a restaurant here that received a letter because they were advertising WW Points for some menu items.

It would make sense for those that are interested to at least join to get the materials so they could have the information.

Just my 2 cents.

Viv, here is a thread about forum rules:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72081

Thanks for posting this Kelly. I think it's good to let people know we're not making this stuff up or trying not to be helpful. Some people might think - well what's the harm, when in fact there can be serious consequences.

I'm a bit confused...I understand what everyone's saying about stealing info, but points ranges for ww members are posted on this site:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72184

I think this may be the old school points values based on weight/age, but I know people who are still following this to great success.

There are also a lot of calculators online for WW non-members to use the program without paying the fees.

I'm not advocating setting up your own WW meetings, but I don't think there's anything wrong with trying to help people with a system that actually works. Especially when the info is readily available elsewhere.

I think it would be nearly impossible to do the points program without the slider. Very hard anyway.