If you are wondering why a company as big and well-known as WeightWatchers is filing for bankruptcy, here is the simple answer: money troubles. WW International, which is the new name for WeightWatchers, officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 6, 2025. According to the company, the goal is to wipe out over $1 billion in debt and give itself a fresh start.
This move is not about shutting down. Instead, the company wants to improve its finances, keep serving members, and focus on new ways to help with weight loss. WW says it plans to come out of the bankruptcy process in about 45 days.
Will WeightWatchers members lose access to their plans?
If you are one of the more than three million members currently using WeightWatchers, you do not need to worry. According to a WW spokesperson, the company will stay fully operational during the bankruptcy process.
Here is what stays the same:
- Your membership and plan will not change
- There will be no price increases tied to the bankruptcy
- You can still attend workshops, both in-person and virtual
- Telehealth services and prescription support will continue
The company made it clear in a news release: “WeightWatchers remains fully operational during the organization process and there will be no impact to members or the plans they rely on.”
Are WeightWatchers stores in the U.S. closing?
Right now, WW has not announced any plans to close its U.S. stores or physical locations. Workshops and studio meetings will continue as usual. So, if you attend in-person workshops or get support from a local coach, that will not change either.
What role did new weight-loss drugs play in this?
One of the big reasons WeightWatchers ran into trouble is because of the fast rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. More people are turning to these new medications instead of traditional weight-loss programs, and that has hurt WW’s business.
To adapt, WW bought a telehealth company called Sequence in 2023, which allows them to prescribe weight-loss drugs. This is part of the company’s move to stay relevant and meet changing needs.
Did Oprah’s exit from the board affect WeightWatchers?
Yes, that made headlines too. Oprah Winfrey, who has been one of WW’s most famous supporters, stepped down from the board in 2024. Many saw this as a major turning point, and the stock took a hit.
WW’s stock, which used to be worth as much as $100 per share in 2018, dropped sharply in 2024. That was a clear sign the company needed to make big changes.
What happens next for WeightWatchers?
WW plans to come out of bankruptcy in less than two months. The leadership says this is the start of a stronger, more modern version of the company. CEO Tara Comonte explained, “The decisive actions we are taking today… will give us the flexibility to accelerate innovation, reinvest in our members, and lead with authority.”
So for now, it is business as usual for members, but behind the scenes, WW is making some major changes to stay in the game.
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