New points system from old diet firm

WeightWatchers is discarding its famous calorie-based points plan in favour of a new system that allows alcohol and the odd fast food binge.

The international dieting company said it was adopting the new "ProPoints" system because "science had moved on" and the previous style of calorie-counting had been proven to be inaccurate and "outdated".

WeightWatchers is set to announce the changes on Monday ahead of the new year slimming rush. The new plan will centre on the amounts and types of protein, carbohydrate, fibre and fat, while the old calorie-based point system has been re-calibrated to factor in energy used chewing and digesting food.

WeightWatchers spokesman Chris Stirk said that the changes to the 15-year-old system would help consumers lose weight while living in the real world.

He said: "Science has moved on. We have learned so much more about how we metabolise food and how we can give people the best programme for sustainable weight loss success."

WeightWatchers dietician Zoe Hellman added: "We've taken all the best nutritional science from around the globe and distilled it down into one simple, easy-to-follow plan to give healthy, sustainable weight loss for life."