Having done WW 4 times now - and being a nerdy math person that kept immaculate records of points vs weight loss I can tell you what I found.

Tossing in a disclaimer: This is what I found for MY weightloss. People get all hot and bothered on the flex points issue. And I know that there are people that say they only lose when they eat all their flex points. The following description is based on my personal results.

No extra points for the week + lots of exercise = 3 - 5 lb loss
No extra points and no exercise = 2 - 4 lb loss
All the extra points with lots of exercise = 2 lb loss
All the extra points with no exercise = 0 - 2 lbs loss

If you have a huge loss one week, it probably won't happen two weeks in a row and definately not three, no matter how good you are.

The few days before TOM is always a neglible loss to a gain no matter what I wrote above, but it shows up the next week. For example.

No extra points, lots of exercise, get period = 1 lb loss to a 1 lb gain
The following week (no extra points and exercise) I have a 4-6 lbs loss.

This is for weight at about 200 lbs. Once my weight dips under 150 or so then cut all the above numbers in 1/2. The closer to goal the smaller the weight loss each week under the same plan.

Hey ya'll. Just to add my 2 cents to this mix...I LOVE the flex points. It is what keeps me going with WW. I try different meals/dessert's/snacks and it keeps things interesting for me. I am not sure if you like bacon, but if you do, try turkey bacon. You can have 3 slices for 3 points so I take 3 pieces and put in light white bread with sugar free jelly for a little flavor. That total is 3-4 points depending on if you use the jelly. WW also makes canadian bacon, egg and cheese english muffins that are only 4 points and are very good. I have a quick and easy recipe for dinner that you may like. It is for Chicken Pot Pie and is 5 points per slice and VERY filling! Here it is...

1 large can of Veg-All or 2 small cans of mixed vegies
2 cans of Cream of Potato Soup
2 9" pie crusts
2 chicken breasts (preferably boneless/skinless)

Mix veggies and both cans of Cream of Potato together in bowl. Boil chicken breasts until done. When fully cooked, cube the chicken and mix with the veggie/potato mixture. Put one pie crust in the bottom of a glass bowl or on pizza stone. Fill with mixture. Put other pie crust on top. Bake on 350 for 1 hour. Very quick and easy and VERY GOOD! Cut into 6 slices. One slice is 5 points. I also have other recipes if you are interested. You can email me. I will help all that I can. [email protected] :smile:

Everyone is going to be different. Even if I knew for sure that not using my flex points would mean a bigger weight loss each week, I think I would still use them or I at least rotate and use them every other week. I don't want to lose the weight fast, but at a nice moderate pace. I have been overweight my whole life and the only way for me to lose the weight and keep it off is to balance healthy food with the not healthy food.