WeightWatchers Files for Bankruptcy Amid Rising Competition from Weight-Loss Drugs

WW International, the company formerly known as WeightWatchers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it struggles to adapt its decades-old business model to the fast-changing landscape of the weight-loss industry dominated by blockbuster drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, Al Jazeera reports.

The 62-year-old company, once a dominant force in the global diet market, announced on Tuesday that it is seeking court approval to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt. WW said the move would allow it to reposition for “long-term growth and success.”

“The decisive actions we’re taking today, with the overwhelming support of our lenders and noteholders, will give us the flexibility to accelerate innovation, reinvest in our members, and lead with authority in a rapidly evolving weight management landscape,” said CEO Tara Comonte in a statement.

Comonte emphasized that as the public conversation around weight evolves toward long-term health and medical intervention, the company remains committed to providing “science-backed, holistic solutions” rooted in community support and sustainable results.

WW said it expects to emerge from bankruptcy in approximately 40 days and that member services will not be interrupted during the reorganization.

Founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch, WeightWatchers grew into one of the most recognizable names in dieting, capitalizing on group meetings, calorie tracking, and behavioral change programs. But in recent years, the company has faced increasing pressure from a new class of weight-loss drugs, including GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have transformed consumer expectations.

In response to this shift, WW acquired the telehealth company Sequence in 2023 to integrate weight-loss medications into its offerings. Despite these efforts, the company has struggled to regain its footing.

Last year, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, long associated with the brand, stepped down from the WW board after revealing she was taking weight-loss medication herself, underscoring the shifting paradigm in obesity treatment.

Meanwhile, shares of Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk rose roughly 6% on Wednesday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered a halt to the production of unauthorized copycat versions of the drug, signaling further market dominance for the Danish pharmaceutical giant.