Weight Watchers - Weight loss

Our Verdict

WW has consistently ranked as one of the best weight loss programs in the US for decades, and its recent expansion into GLP-1 medications is following that trajectory. Joining the medication plan grants members access to personalized prescriptions, GLP-1 injections, and 1:1 ongoing clinical care.

Members are sure to get value for their money with resources like nutrition and lifestyle coaching, meal prep kits, and a supportive community. Add to that WW’s flexible points system and intuitive app, and it’s easy to see why millions rely on the platform to achieve their weight loss goals

Numerous positive testimonials and evidence-based results highlight the effectiveness of WW’s weight loss medications. While the additional costs for the medication plan might be a consideration for some, the benefits and success rates make it a worthwhile investment. Overall, if you’re seeking a solid weight management program with medical assistance, WW should be a top choice.

Pros

Members can get prescriptions from the WeightWatchers clinic
Prescriptions are tailored to individual health profiles
The medication plan can be coordinated with insurance
Access to 24/7 coaching, workshops & community
Flexible points system for tracking food and activity

Cons

The medication plan doesn’t cover the cost of medications
Food tracking and physician check-ins can be time-consuming
Navigating the app can be daunting for new users

Products & Pricing

Weight Watchers offers three types of plans, each providing different features and levels of support: Core, Premium, and Core + Medication. GLP-1 injections are only accessible through the Core + Medication plan. If your primary care doctor has already prescribed GLP-1, you can stick to the Core plan. Committing to a longer membership upfront reduces the monthly cost for all plans. Additionally, there is a $20 membership starter fee for new members. Important to note, the medication plan doesn’t cover the cost of medications.

Core

$23 /mo

Access to WW community

Premium

$45 /mo

Core + workshops

Core + Medication Plan

$84 /mo

Core + medication plan

In-depth review

Process

WW’s GLP-1 Program makes use of injectable medications to help reduce appetite and cravings, slow stomach emptying, and increase feelings of fullness to promote weight loss. If you believe you qualify for the program, you can complete a medical history questionnaire and book a consultation on the platform. Here’s how it works:

Sign up through the WW app to get started. You kick off with a medical quiz to determine your eligibility for the GLP-1 program. The assessment captures your medical history, dietary preferences, previous weight loss attempts, weight loss goals, etc., which helps WW personalize the treatment plan to your unique lifestyle and health profile.

Following the assessment, you’ll have a virtual consultation with a board-certified clinician. If you’re eligible, the clinician will create a custom weight-management plan that includes prescription weight-loss medications. Medications are injections and may include one or more of Semaglutide (Wegovy), Liraglutide (Saxenda), or Tirzepatide (Zepbound). Once the plan is finalized, your personalized care team evaluates your insurance coverage to identify the most cost-effective weight loss medication.

The GLP-1 program is designed to complement WW’s behavioral change program. This includes 1:1 check-ins with doctors, in-app weight and activity trackers, daily nutritional targets (including protein, fruits, vegetables, and hydration), and daily activity targets. You can also access a list of GLP-1-friendly foods, over 11,000 food recipes, and a members-only digital community. Trained coaches are available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support throughout your weight loss journey.

WW has seamlessly integrated its weight loss injection program with insurance coverage, making it easier for users to access necessary medications. Most consultations and follow-ups are conducted entirely online, which is convenient for users. However, the cost considerations are significant. There is a $49 fee for the GLP-1 program consultation and an ongoing monthly fee of $84, excluding the cost of medications.

Treatment Effectiveness

The treatment is primarily administered via self-injection, using pre-filled pens designed for accurate dosing and ease of use. Results may vary!

Additional Features

WW has proven to be more than just a regular diet program; it is a complete lifestyle overhaul. Premium members enjoy extra perks like personalized, timely, and specialized support, a care coordinator – to facilitate the insurance process, a registered dietitian, a fitness specialist, and a board-certified clinician. Members also benefit from medication management and a meal-plan prep kit that caters to different dietary preferences.

Perhaps WW’s standout feature is its strong community support. Members can attend wellness workshops online or in person, connect with others, share progress, and stay motivated together throughout their weight loss journey.

Ease of use

Navigating the WW platform is a breeze for those used to tech and fitness apps, but newcomers might initially find it a little overwhelming. The site greets you with a user-friendly interface that guides you through the entire process, from taking the medical quiz to finding the right program for your needs.

The app scores highly for its user-friendliness and intuitive features, with well-organized menus that make it easy to locate information. Despite this, some users find the multiple steps involved in food tracking to be cumbersome.

The platform includes informative articles, FAQs, and user testimonials that address common concerns and provide additional insights into the program. Overall, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to navigate the WW platform.

Post-treatment Support

Once users reach their weight loss goals, the WW app allows them to switch from “lose weight” to “maintain weight” mode. When you switch to maintenance mode, your daily and weekly Points budget will automatically increase. If you relapse and reach your “intervention weight” (a few pounds above your goal weight), WW guides you back into weight-loss mode by adjusting your Points budget and providing action plans to get back on track. However, accessing the community and clinician support after treatment requires another subscription, which can be frustrating for users who experience a setback.

Safety

WW’s GLP-1 program includes weight management medications. The program ensures safety and oversight with several measures:

Strict adherence to healthcare standards.
Continuous medical oversight by board-certified clinicians throughout the treatment process.
Comprehensive education on injection use, proper dosage, and potential side effects.

Customer Service

Reaching WW customer service representatives and coaches online is fairly easy, but meeting someone in person requires a premium subscription plan. There’s a support system of expert WW coaches, virtual workshops, and other members using weight loss medications. Many user questions are already addressed on the platform’s FAQs page. If additional assistance is needed, members can use the following support options: