Maintaining fitness and health is a crucial priority for many people across the world.
According to a YouGov survey, more than half (52%) of the global adult population is trying to lose weight. These efforts can be attributed to the increasing awareness of chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Although traditional approaches like exercise routines and the proper diet can work, subscribing to a science-based weight loss program can do wonders, especially for those with diverse health needs. One leading program in the weight loss industry is WeightWatchers.
WeightWatchers is a weight management platform providing expert advice and fact-based nutrition plans to help people build sustainable habits to achieve their fitness goals. Last year, WeightWatchers bought digital health company Sequence, effectively introducing itself to the obesity drug market. But what’s in it for health enthusiasts? Below, we take a look at WeightWatchers’ expanded offerings after its Sequence acquisition.
Acquiring Sequence
In 2023, WeightWatchers purchased the telehealth platform Sequence for $132 million. Sequence offers teleconsultations with fitness experts and prescriptions for popular obesity medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. This purchase marked a huge milestone in the weight management platform’s expansion, allowing it to expand its services to people seeking medical interventions for their weight loss journeys. WeightWatchers users can now consult with experts who can prescribe safe and effective weight management medications as part of their weight loss regimens.
WeightWatchers offers in-person or online workshops with expert coaches where you can access behavioral techniques and up-to-date nutrition advice for losing weight. It also allows users to join a community where fitness enthusiasts can exchange weight loss tips and healthy food recipes. In addition, the platform has a personalized food plan to help you lose or maintain weight and a Points System that displays your food’s nutritional information to help you make healthier eating choices. While these services and offerings are the backbone of the company’s business plan, WeightWatchers’ acquisition of Sequence has allowed it to tap into a wider consumer base who may need interventions beyond their usual diet and exercise programs.
Expanded offerings
Acquiring Sequence gave birth to the WeightWatchers Clinic. This online weight loss clinic offers 1:1 access to medical experts and a dedicated care team who can provide a tailored nutrition program to help boost weight loss success and a treatment plan that suits the unique and diverse health needs of people looking to reduce weight. Through online clinic consultations, doctors can also prescribe weight loss medications for those who qualify, preventing potential misuse or mismanagement of popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. Users can access this health support by booking an appointment through the app.
Another expanded offering is the launch of the GLP-1 Support Program. This support program aims to cater to the unique needs of people under GLP-1 medications. These drugs are a class of medications used to help manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. While GLP-1 medicines are effective in weight loss, the Food and Drug Administration says these medications must be combined with healthy lifestyle changes, which the GLP-1 Support Program provides. The program offers nutrient-dense food recommendations, and users are encouraged to establish healthy habits by meeting daily nutritional and activity targets to promote physical activities and healthy eating. This ensures that patients under GLP-1 medications can lose weight healthily.
With WeightWatchers’ acquisition of Sequence, more people can now avail of services centered on weight management success. From access to health experts to programs that promote a healthy weight loss journey, the wellness company continues to expand its offerings to cater to people’s diverse needs.
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