Weight loss drugs push WeightWatchers into bankruptcy
Robert Price | Last update: 27th May 2025
Many of us have tried WeightWatchers. Some of us are still members. But the rise of weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy has transformed the weight loss industry, and WeightWatchers has now filed for bankruptcy in the US. Here’s what’s going on.
WeightWatchers bankruptcy – why?
WeightWatchers (WW) is trying to reduce its significant debt of around $1.6 billion. But that’s not the only reason. The company says the growing popularity of GLP 1 weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, has “upended its business model”.
Put simply, people are turning to the new treatments for quicker, easier results, moving away from traditional diet plans and weekly weigh-ins. As a result, WW has seen a sharp decline in revenue and has been losing money and members.
A move into weight loss drugs
WW has been adapting. In 2023, they bought telehealth company that’s now called WeightWatchers Clinic to help users access weight loss drugs.
The move is already showing results. This new business area grew by 57% in the last year. This shows the shift is paying off.
From weekly meetings to global brand
WeightWatchers was founded in 1963 and became a household name in the diet world, with celebrity supporters like Oprah Winfrey and Jessica Simpson. In 2018 it started focusing more on overall wellness than just weight loss.
Oprah, once a major shareholder, recently stepped down from the board after revealing she had used weight loss drugs herself. A bit of a PR own goal for the company which can’t have helped!
A changing weight loss world
WeightWatchers isn’t alone. Jenny Craig, another iconic name in dieting, shut down last year, and many blame the rapid rise of weight loss drugs. We all know things have changed and traditional diet brands and plans are struggling to keep up.