How WeightWatchers for Business is driving innovation in weight healthcare

Advances in science have expanded our understanding of the causes of overweight and obesity and given us new approaches to treatment. WeightWatchers for Business is proud to be part of these developments with our Science team that regularly partners with universities to conduct clinical research. To us, innovation is the art of applying science, technology, and consumer insights in meaningful ways to help our members lead healthy and happy lives. 

As the science has evolved, so too has employers’ appreciation for the connection between employee weight health and important business drivers, including healthcare costs, workforce productivity, and employee retention. Employers understand the need for scientifically proven programs and benefits that can support and enhance employee well-being.

WeightWatchers’ Behavior Change Program is backed by expert recommendations and proven by science. In fact, it’s one of the most studied commercially available weight health programs globally. Over 175 studies on WeightWatchers have been published, including more than 43 from randomized controlled trials that examine the efficacy and impact of the WeightWatchers program. WeightWatchers is at least 2x more effective for weight loss compared to DIY approaches, physician counseling, and even gold-standard clinical programs.^1,2,3 

By partnering with leaders across disciplines and industries, such as Abbott and Instacart, we can bring the latest innovations to our members and help make healthy habits a part of their day-to-day lives. Our goal is to give our members access to tools that can help them reach their weight health goals and achieve sustainable success. 

A tailored digital program experience for members taking GLP-1s

One recent advance on the treatment front is the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Weight loss medications fill a gap in the treatment continuum between behavior change programs and bariatric surgery. As GLP-1s can help employees improve their weight health, employers can reduce costs related to weight-related chronic conditions. 

WeightWatchers understands that although weight loss can be supported by medication use, behavior change and the development of healthy habits are key for long-term success.  The WeightWatchers GLP-1 Program is a science-backed digital program that’s tailored to the experience of members taking GLP-1s—solving for their unique pain points. 

The WeightWatchers (WW) app guides members on GLP-1s toward more nutritionally dense foods, while an engaging visual interface helps members reach daily nutritional targets for protein, vegetables and fruits, and hydration. To preserve lean muscle mass, the app also includes recommendations on safe strength training, along with convenient activity tracking. Because we know the benefits of a supportive and engaged community, the app also facilitates connections among members with a similar lived experience.

Using data to live with diabetes

There’s no doubt that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are a boon to people living with diabetes. Now the #1 doctor-recommended weight-loss plan⁴  and the #1 prescribed CGM⁵  are coming together. The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM now connects with the WeightWatchers Diabetes Program. 

The program is designed to create sustainable weight loss and lower hemoglobin A1c, lessening the risk of diabetes complications. WeightWatchers Diabetes Program members can now see key glucose data^6,7,8 from Abbott's FreeStyle Libre® 2 system within the WW app.⁹  They can see how food, changes in their weight, daily movement, and sleep can impact glucose levels and Time-in-Range (the amount of time in the recommended glucose target range). 

The connection to the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM is only one of the innovative features of the WW app and specifically the Diabetes Program, which includes the WeightWatchers ZeroPoint^TM  foods list (tailored on guidance from the American Diabetes Association) and thousands of recipes, making it easier for members to stay on track. These innovative features complement the community aspects of the Diabetes Program. 

From recipe to reality

Our collaboration with Instacart is another exciting innovation that takes the friction out of creating healthy habits. Now members can choose a recipe from the “What to Eat” feature in the WW app and get the ingredients delivered right to their door. Users can check out from within the WW app and get same-day fulfillment of over a billion unique products in as little as 30 minutes from more than 1,500 national, regional, and local retailers. The app provides real-time inventory details as well as ingredient and nutrition information. WeightWatchers’ partnership with Instacart makes it easier for members to turn their aspirations with meals and recipes into immediate action, ensuring that nutritious choices are just a click away. 

Innovating to better serve you and your employees

As employers increasingly accept that obesity is a chronic condition, address weight bias and weight stigma in the workplace, and expand access to weight healthcare, they’re looking for innovative solutions. WeightWatchers for Business supports employers with a full-spectrum weight health platform that delivers meaningful, sustainable results. Research shows that compared to those who used medications alone, those who combined the medication with our behavior change program lost 11% more weight.¹  Non-scale results are also impressive, with a positive impact on quality of life measures such as a 40.5% increase in self-esteem¹¹  and a 13.6% improvement at work.¹¹

Our recent white paper, “Beyond Perks and Points: How WeightWatchers for Business is Leading the Shift to Weight Health” provides more insights into the evolution of the science of obesity care, click below.

Let’s talk about your organization’s needs and how our science-proven platform and research-backed behavior change program can provide weight healthcare across behavioral, community, and clinical care.

1 Tate DF, Lutes LD, Bryant M, et al. Efficacy of a Commercial Weight Management Program Compared With a Do-It-Yourself Approach: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2226561.

2 Jebb SA, Ahern AL, Olson AD, et al. Primary care referral to a commercial provider for weight loss treatment versus standard care: A randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2011;378(9801):1485–92.

3 Pinto AM, Fava JL, Hoffman DA, Wing RR. Combining behavioral weight loss treatment and a commercial program: a randomized clinical trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21(4):673-680.

4 Based on a 2020 IQVIA survey of 14,000 doctors who recommend weight-loss programs to patients.

5 Data based on the number of patients assigned to each manufacturer based on last filled prescription in US Retail Pharmacy and DME.

6 The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please see the FreeStyle Libre website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView. 

7 The WW app can capture data from the sensor when it is within close proximity of the sensor. The proximity and orientation of the antenna in phones varies and the phone will have to be moved around to find the best position for scanning the sensor. 

8 The user's device must have internet connectivity for glucose data to be shared with the WW app.

9 The WW and FreeStyle Libre 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day connected experience is compatible with certain mobile operating systems. Please check the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for more information about WW app operating system requirements. 

10 Based on an analysis of virtual clinic member data at 4 weeks of membership comparing those who initiate WW’s behavior change program and those who don’t — completed in Jan 2024.

11 Pagoto S, Xu R, Bullard T, et al. An Evaluation of a Personalized Multicomponent Commercial Digital Weight Management Program: Single-Arm Behavioral Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e44955.