Oct. 8, 2024
WW announced the addition of compounded semaglutide into its offering, broadening eligible members’ access to clinical weight management interventions. The new offering, starting at $129, enhances the Company’s holistic weight management program, which includes behavioral and clinical solutions with support from board-certified clinicians, registered dietitians, and the global Weight Watchers community.
This is a departure from its earlier stance, when former CEO Sima Sistani said that WW would only offer the brand name drugs.
“At WeightWatchers, we have always combined proven science and personalized support to help our members achieve meaningful, lasting results. With the addition of compounded semaglutide, we are expanding our offering to include a clinical weight management solution that is both accessible and affordable,” said Tara Comonte, Interim CEO of WeightWatchers. “This launch is the culmination of extensive research and rigorous work by our team to ensure that we are offering the highest quality care — reaffirming the trust we’ve built over six decades as the leader in weight management.”
Over the last six months, roughly 45% of WeightWatchers Clinic members eligible for and prescribed a GLP-1 by their clinician have been denied coverage by their insurance after three prior authorization requests.1 Less than 40% of insurers cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, leaving many individuals living with obesity without crucial financial support, and for those with coverage, more than half say their GLP-1 is still difficult to afford2.
“We know that compounded semaglutide can be an important option for those seeking weight loss support, given its greater availability and affordability,” said Dr. Jamil Alkhaddo, Medical Director of WeightWatchers. “In fact, over 50% of current WeightWatchers members have expressed consideration of a compounded GLP-1 for their journey.3 That’s why, after months of thorough research, and careful evaluation of multiple facilities, we partnered with a trusted, FDA-registered 503B facility that meets our high standards for quality and patient care — so our eligible members can feel confident in this new option as a trusted part of their weight loss plan.”
WeightWatchers clinicians have the option to prescribe compounded semaglutide, if determined that the use of a GLP-1 weight-loss medication is appropriate for a patient. Eligible members can either use their insurance for brand-name medications or choose to self-pay for brand-name medications or compounded semaglutide. Only patients meeting clinical eligibility requirements will be prescribed a compounded GLP-1; the clinical eligibility requirements for compounded GLP-1s are the same as for brand-name medications. If prescribed, WeightWatchers members receive their compounded semaglutide within 1-3 business days. They can also request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for their medication, which provides transparency as to how medications were tested and quality standards in place throughout the process.
The complete WW press release can be found here:
https://corporate.ww.com/news/news-details/2024/WeightWatchers-Adds-Compounded-GLP-1-Expanding-Accessibility-and-Affordability-of-Weight-Loss-Medications/default.aspx
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