>> i felt embarrassed and ashamed. >> reporter: it wasn't until she turned to weight watchers that she dropped 104 pounds. >> it's not a dramatic, crazy scheme. it's an intelligent way of eating and living. >> reporter: science is backing that up. researchers followed over 700 overweight adults for a year, all trying to lose weight. half worked with their doctors to shed the pounds. the other half were put on weight watchers. those under a doctor's care lost an average of five pounds. the weight watchers members lost more than double that amount. the weight loss program isis famous for its system of assigning points to snacks and meals so dieters can keep a running tab of what they're eating. that combined with weekly weigh-ins and support groups is proving effective. weight watchers also came out on top when a u.s. news and world report panel of experts sized up commercial diets. joining the program costs around $40 a month. an inexpensive alternative, keep