WeightWatchers Retools with AI, Dietitians and ZeroPoint Potatoes
Grappling with weight loss medication shortages, growing competition and insurance-related hurdles, WeightWatchers is preparing for its next chapter, equipped with compounded semaglutide and bullish on B2B
Ahead of a new year and an upcoming brand refresh, WeightWatchers is launching a new program that includes insurance-covered access to registered dietitians, an AI-powered food scanner to track points instantly and over 150 ZeroPoint foods, including potatoes.
The weight loss program pioneer, one of the first to embrace weight loss medications, announced the departure of CEO Sima Sistani in September and lowered its full-year outlook.
The new offerings arrive as WeightWatchers lays the groundwork to become the ultimate ecosystem with behavioral and nutritional aspects designed to support members both on weight loss medication and as they transition off.
Despite the booming business of GLP-1s, WeightWatchers has faced challenges, partly due to increased competition, medication shortages and insurance coverage issues preventing consumers from accessing medication.
The competition is heating up, as Noom just announced its adding $29 oral weight loss medication for its members and smart home fitness brand Echelon enters the GLP-1 race.
Interim CEO and president Tara Comonte told investors last month that over the last six months, approximately 45% of WeightWatchers clinic members eligible for (and prescribed) a GLP-1 by their clinician have been denied coverage by their insurance — leading to over half of current members expressing interest in compounded GLP-1s, which the company began to offer this fall.
The storied weight management company is also bullish on B2B partnerships, as Comonte noted she predicts it will be “increasingly hard” for employers not to offer weight loss medication coverage.
As for its new program, WeightWatchers chief nutrition officer Dr. Michelle Cardel said it will deliver greater freedom and flexibility. Other features include an AI-powered recipe importer that calculates points and detailed macronutrient insight.
“Our millions of members now have access to registered dietitians who can craft personalized meal plans and set tailored macronutrient targets – viewable right in the app – to align with their unique health goals, such as increased muscle mass,” Dr. Cardel said. “Coupled with over 350 ZeroPoint Foods that encourage healthier choices and accessible options, this program truly offers something for everyone.”
