WeightWatchers

WeightWatchers: weight-loss program with and without medication

WeightWatchers is a company with over 60 years of experience helping its members lose weight. Its approach combines a behavioral program based on the Points® system, support from coaches and specialists, and the possibility of accessing weight-loss medications through its Med+ program.

Two paths: with and without medication

The company offers two main modalities. The first, without medication, focuses on building healthy habits through the Points® program, which the company presents as the number one recommended by doctors. The second, with medication, provides access to GLP-1 medications and other FDA-approved weight-loss drugs, provided the user meets eligibility requirements and has a prescription. This path includes the GLP-1 Success Program, designed to accompany pharmacological treatment with behavioral support.

The Points® system and its tools

The program without medication is built around the Points® system, which assigns values to foods. The company states that the current program is easier to follow and more effective than previous versions. Available tools include: consultations with registered dietitians for personalized meal planning; meal tracking via camera; over 350 ZeroPoint foods that require no tracking; automatic macronutrient tracking; and generation of Points® totals for any recipe found online.

Med+ program and GLP-1 medications

The Med+ program facilitates access to FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. According to internal data cited by the company, members who were prescribed a GLP-1 through Med+ lost an average of 7.4 pounds in the first four weeks of treatment. Additionally, Med+ members who actively participated in the GLP-1 Success Program lost, on average, 61% more body weight than those who did not, according to an internal analysis. The program includes support to verify health insurance coverage and self-pay options.

Team of specialists and virtual care

WeightWatchers has a team of experts that includes nutrition and behavioral scientists, registered dietitians, and clinical researchers. Through its affiliated medical group, WeightWatchers Clinic, it offers access to board-certified clinicians in virtual appointments, adapted to the user's schedule. The company also provides support from expert coaches and a member community.

Results and evidence

The company cites more than 140 publications that support the effectiveness of its program in helping members lose weight and keep it off. In a clinical trial of the WW program, participants lost an average of 12 pounds (5.4% of body weight) after 6 months. In another study with data from Weight Watchers Med+ members, members lost an average of 19.4% of their body weight (44.5 pounds) after 12 months from starting their Med+ membership. The company also notes that individual results may vary and that self-reported data has not been independently verified.

Plans and promotions

The company offers Core and Core+ plans, and at the time of analysis was promoting a limited-time offer with 54% off a 12-month Core+ plan. Prices and plan availability may change.