WeightWatchers has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States as it grapples with a heavy debt burden and increasing competition from popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
As part of the restructuring process, approximately $1.15 billion (about £860 million) of the company’s longstanding debt will be eliminated, while new repayment terms will be negotiated with its lenders, BBC reports.
Despite the filing, the company has assured that it will remain “fully operational” with “no impact to members,” and that its services — including its core weight-loss programs, telehealth offerings, and in-person workshops — will continue uninterrupted
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The move reflects the dramatic shifts in the weight management industry, particularly with the rapid rise of injectable drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which have surged in popularity. While WeightWatchers has begun integrating weight-loss medications into its clinical offerings, traditional demand for its legacy programs has declined.
“For over 62 years, WeightWatchers has helped millions of members make informed and healthy choices, adapting as trends evolved,” said CEO Tara Comonte. “This restructuring has the overwhelming support of our lenders and marks a pivotal step in repositioning the business for sustainable, long-term growth.”
The company emphasized that it is not shutting down and has a clear plan to emerge from bankruptcy as a publicly traded entity. The filing is intended to address what it described as a “significant amount of legacy debt,” some of which dates back decades. Customers may receive court notices as part of the legal process, though the company said no action will be required on their part.
WeightWatchers began as a small support group in the 1960s and grew into a global brand with millions of members. However, it has struggled to retain relevance in the era of pharmaceutical weight-loss solutions. In 2018, the company rebranded itself as “WW” to emphasize a broader focus on overall health and wellness.
Despite its challenges, the firm continues to see promise in its clinical segment. While subscription revenues declined 5.6% in 2024 and fell a further 9.3% in the first quarter of 2025, revenue from its clinical business — including weight-loss medications — surged by more than 57%.
With total liabilities of $1.88 billion exceeding the value of its assets, the company expects the court to confirm its reorganization plan within approximately 40 days.
WeightWatchers renamed itself “WW” in 2018 as it shifted to focus on promoting health beyond weight-loss.
