WeightWatchers Files for Bankruptcy Amid Rise of Weight-Loss Jabs.
After more than six decades in the weight-loss business, WeightWatchers has filed for bankruptcy in the United States, citing heavy debt and increased competition from the booming popularity of fat-loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
The company, now rebranded as “WW,” announced that it would remain “fully operational” throughout the bankruptcy process, assuring its members that there would be “no impact” to their services. As part of the legal restructuring, $1.15 billion (£860 million) of its longstanding debt will be wiped out, allowing the company to negotiate new repayment terms with lenders.
“For more than 62 years, WeightWatchers has empowered millions of members to make informed, healthy choices, staying resilient as trends have come and gone,” said CEO Tara Comonte, who emphasized that the firm has “the overwhelming support of our lenders.” She also noted that their workshops, telehealth services, and weight-loss programs will continue throughout the transition.
LATEST: UK Secures Tariff Deal With US, But At What Cost?
While the company insists it is “here to stay,” this bankruptcy feels like a long time coming. Personally, I've never been a fan of WeightWatchers. For all its talk of health and empowerment, the brand has always seemed more interested in monetizing insecurity than truly transforming lives. Its business model—counting points, obsessive food tracking, public weigh-ins—has arguably contributed to a toxic diet culture and an unhealthy relationship with food for countless people.
The announcement arrives during a time of dramatic industry upheaval. Once a titan of structured diet plans, WW now finds itself eclipsed by the rapid rise of pharmaceutical weight-loss solutions. And ironically, the company has attempted to pivot into that very space, incorporating weight-loss drugs into its offerings through its growing “clinical” business. In fact, while subscription revenues fell 9.3% in the first quarter of 2025, clinical revenues surged by more than 57%.
Still, the brand’s net loss last year was $346 million (£260 million), and total liabilities now exceed $1.88 billion—more than the value of its assets. Filing for bankruptcy may be its only route to survival.
Back in February, Comonte tried to put a positive spin on the shift: “WeightWatchers is in a period of significant transition as we navigate industry shifts and reposition our business for long-term growth.” She also argued that the company could support people looking for “sustainable” weight loss after stopping medication.
RELATED: Pharmacists Warn Against Unregulated Sales of Weight-Loss Jabs.
To be fair, I remain skeptical about the long-term effects of weight-loss injections. But if the alternative is a culture of guilt, restriction, and yo-yo dieting disguised as “wellness,” then maybe it's time the old guard stepped aside.
While I may not mourn WeightWatchers’ financial troubles, I do hope this moment sparks a more honest and compassionate conversation about health. Everyone deserves better than shame-based programs or quick fixes. The future of wellness should be rooted in empowerment, not exploitation.
