Weight Watchers moves into obesity drugs market (GMA)
WeightWatchers, now rebranded as WW, has undergone a transformative shift by incorporating weight loss medications into its offerings. The 60-year-old company, now positioning itself as a digital health company, acquired Sequence last spring, enabling members to access telehealth weight loss management and obtain prescriptions for medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). This move represents a departure from their traditional emphasis on behavior-based strategies, introducing clinical solutions to address obesity.
While not a revenue generator, WeightWatchers charges an additional $99 per month for clinic access, providing members with prescriptions. The company also enhances its app programs and introduces a specific regimen for medication users. WeightWatchers justifies this shift by acknowledging the challenges these medications present, notably appetite suppression and the need for proper protein intake to maintain muscle mass.
The introduction of GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, supported by strong scientific studies, aligns with WeightWatchers’ goal to combine biology and behavior change for effective weight loss. The newly launched GLP-1 support program addresses physical and psychological changes associated with these drugs.
Members can obtain medications directly from the WeightWatchers telehealth clinic, undergo assessments, and receive monthly check-ins for monitoring. The CEO, Sima Sistani, emphasizes the advocacy role in obtaining insurance coverage for these drugs to shift global health outcomes positively. The clinic provides alternatives if supply constraints affect certain medications, ensuring members have access to effective weight-loss solutions.
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