For many of us, Weight Watchers is synonymous with points -- those numerical values that we rack up with everything we put in our mouths. But some critics say the points system is really just shorthand for restricting calories, and can encourage food-fearing, calorie-counting behavior.

Focusing on the number of calories, er, points, without regard for quality or exercise isn't exactly a prescription for fitness. A study last year found that while Weight Watchers participants lost an average of nine pounds in 12 weeks, they lost more fluid and muscle mass than fat.

Sarah, an on-again, off-again user from Stamford, Conn., had that problem: "I liked the concept of eating whatever you want within a point range. The only problem is that you become obsessed. I can remember hearing myself at dinner saying, 'Did you know this only has 4 points?' Scary."

Points 2.0
Perhaps in response to this criticism, WW has busted out a new plan, Momentum. It still uses the points system, but this variation focuses more on filling foods -- for example, 450 calories-worth of blood-sugar-spiking Twizzlers are rated differently from 450 calories of a lean, satiating meal.

The good part? You can eat more of the stuff that's good for you without constantly panicking that you're nearing your maximum points for the day. It also emphasizes the importance of exercise, instead of just suggesting it, like before.

Click here to read why some women -- and experts -- dig WW.

What Women Say
Even before its upgrade, Weight Watchers was ranked as one of the best diet plans by Consumer Reports and the most popular diet of 2008 on Diets in Review. Why? Many seem to think it's the most balanced, not asking dieters to forgo carbs, eat only bananas, subsist only on expensive prepackaged meals or become a fixture at the local gym.

"It seems more legit than other programs, because it teaches you a lifelong lifestyle and provides a support system," says Marisa, 24, of New York.

"It wasn't enough food for me, though," says CJ Arabia, frequent Lemondrop contributor, who has tried Weight Watchers. " I ended up being hungry all day." CJ says that she'd be interested in trying Momentum.

And while we may struggle to balance our calories, exercise and lives, Dana, 25, from Worcester, Mass., says: "Amstel Light is only 2 points. That's all I need to know."

Experts Agree
Some say it's not so much the details of the plan as the community aspect that makes Weight Watchers so popular. "A diet is only as effective as the dieter is motivated," wrote Laurie Plichta Rothman, M.D., on the blog PEERtrainer. "Weight Watchers has the added bonus of accountability, which for many people is crucial." Part of the allure of WW is the community aspect -- there's an official Web site with support and organizational materials and in-person meetings.

Plenty of studies have found that dieters do better when they have group support, regular check-ins and other third-party helpers, so some of WW's success may just be that it incorporates all the proven elements of weight loss. "It's like most diets -- it works, but only if you stick with it," says CJ.

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Tell us! What's helped you lose weight? Do these programs help long-term, or do they only work for as long as you're on 'em?