WeightWatchers Announces Bankruptcy: What This Means for Customers on a Weight Loss Journey
Plus, discover other alternative apps and programs if you're worried about the company's future
The long-lasting company WeightWatchers announced that it is filing for bankruptcy after years of struggling, with the news hitting the headlines in early May. Now, many are left wondering what the bankruptcy means for the future of the company and their own weight loss journeys. Keep reading to learn more about what’s in store for the customers who rely on its program and if it will impact the app. Plus, learn about other alternative options that can help you on your weight loss journey.
What the WeightWatchers bankruptcy means
On May 6, WW International (formerly known as WeightWatchers) filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.The company has been struggling with around $1.5 billion in debt, so the bankruptcy process is intended to eliminate that burden. In about 40 days, it’s expected that it will become a publicly traded company.
The original WeightWatchers began in 1963 as a weight-loss support group meant to be an alternative to fad diets. Since then, it has expanded to include a points system, personal coaching, apps, social platforms and more.
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But the growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic has had many leaving the traditional weight loss plan behind. As a result, WW International has struggled to keep up, even after acquiring a telehealth company in 2023 that could help to assist members who wanted to try these drugs.
What does the WeightWatchers bankruptcy mean for the app?
Despite the financial struggles, WeightWatchers has been clear that this is not the end of the company. The goal instead is to eliminate the debt and re-work its approach while still staying true to its roots.
“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,” CEO Tara Comonte said in a statement. “As the conversation around weight shifts toward long-term health, our commitment to delivering the most trusted, science-backed, and holistic solutions—grounded in community support and lasting results—has never been stronger, or more important.”
As of now, there are no signs that current and future members won’t be able to use the app, which offers several tools to make weight loss easier. The website shows that some of the app’s features include:
- A “What to Eat” feature to help users make healthier choices based on cuisine
- A barcode scanner to use when shopping for products
- A members-only social network
- The “My Day” tool, which offers the chance to track activity, food and weight
- A “My Progress” feature to check how things have been going long-term
- The WeightWatchers Clinic, which provides access to clinicians, dieticians and weight-loss drugs
When the company makes adjustments post-bankruptcy, it’s possible that these features could be revamped to better reflect the current weight loss climate.
Other programs similar to WeightWatchers
If you’re worried about the uncertain future of WeightWatchers or what changes may come after filing for bankruptcy, there are other similar alternatives available. In a Reddit thread from last year, users shared their top picks that stack up against the competition. Here are some you can consider:
Healthi
A free version of the app exists, but only calorie tracking is available at this basic level. The pro version offers many more features, like meal plans, macros tracking, community posting, recipe builder and Fitbit Step Tracking. There’s currently a deal of $44.99 for one year of access (normally $99.99), or you can try it for six months for $35.99.
Lose It
Like other similar apps, Lose It helps people achieve weight loss by setting goals and tracking food. Their free tool has plenty to offer with a personalized plan, food logging, exercise tracking and community support. More features (like device syncing and meal planning) are available with the premium membership. This costs $39.99 for an annual subscription and $149.99 for a lifetime subscription.
My Fitness Pal
This app is advertised as offering “nutrition tracking for real life.” Those who download the free version can track nutrition, weight and exercise easily. For help with things like planning intermittent fasting or comparing foods, premium is the way to go. A free trial is available for the premium, after which it costs $19.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
TOPS Club
For those looking to work through their weight loss journey in a group setting, TOPS Club may be a good fit. There are weekly meetings that take place online or in-person, and you can choose an existing group or create your own. New memberships cost $70 a year, but the annual fee decreases the longer you’re in the program.
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