You may have seen reports of some major weight loss industry news – WeightWatchers (WW) has purchased a company called Sequence. Sequence has a weight management program that includes weight loss medication, a nutrition plan, a fitness plan, medical insurance coordination, and access to health care professionals. It’s known for its access to GLP-1 agonist medications, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Saxenda, and Victoza, among others.
For more on sister drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, please see these three blog posts: https://lindawbrowning.com/2023/01/05/60-minutes-on-obesity/ , https://lindawbrowning.com/2023/01/06/follow-up-60-minutes-on-obesity/ , and https://lindawbrowning.com/2023/02/12/maintenance-after-stopping-ozempic-and-other-weight-loss-medications/ .
While it seems to be a smart financial decision for WW, as confirmed by their 70% stock price surge immediately after the announcement (1), it remains to be seen how this will affect current customers at both companies. (Note that the following day brought a 20% drop in stock price.)
This move into the weight loss medications market seems to be a departure from the WW philosophy of slow and steady losses through healthy diet and exercise. How might that affect the program? Will WeightWatchers members now have access to these scarce medications? Will the result be even greater shortages of these drugs, which are needed by diabetics? Will Sequence clients have access to WW tools? Let’s look at the companies’ press releases to learn more.
From Sequence:
We have some exciting news! We’ve made the decision to join forces with WeightWatchers. It’s a huge milestone in our journey to provide the best and most comprehensive weight management program.
Nothing is changing about the Sequence program, and we’ll continue to operate independently. We’ll continue to expand the Sequence program and grow the community that so many of you love. This gives us the opportunity to invest even more in what we’ve built, and we’re incredibly excited about the next chapter ahead. Together, Sequence and WeightWatchers will continue to fulfill our joint mission of livable, sustainable, science-backed weight management.
From WW:
Obesity is a complex, chronic condition, and, for some, prescription medications can be helpful in addressing the biological components of obesity. Medical experts recommend pairing these medications with a science-backed lifestyle modification program for long-term weight management and overall health.
“As science advances rapidly, we know there is a significant opportunity to improve outcomes for those using medications. Clinical interventions require better education, access, care management, community and the integration of a complementary lifestyle program for best results. It is our responsibility, as the trusted leader in weight management, to support those interested in exploring if medications are right for them,” said Sima Sistani, CEO of WeightWatchers (3).
How do you feel about this? Is it a case of two companies joining forces to serve their clients to the best of their capabilities? Is WW selling out on their old philosophy of slow and steady weight loss and going for the quick fix? Is this simply a new way for both companies to provide a greater return to their investors? Or is it more a matter of survival in a competitive and evolving market?
In a $58 billion annual weight loss market in the US alone, firms have to be nimble and adapt to rapidly changing conditions (4). Medications to treat obesity are currently enjoying a surge in popularity, so it’s understandable that WW feels the need to get on the bandwagon to remain relevant in the industry. It’s up to each individual to decide whether this is selling out or keeping up with the most effective treatments.
There are many nations where their entire economy is smaller than the US weight loss industry! Here are just a few: Bolivia, Estonia, Uganda, Latvia, and Jordan (5). Money is likely an important part of this business decision.
As an experiment, I attempted to enroll in the Sequence program. I was rejected, as the screen shot below indicates. (My current BMI is 26.) They indicate that they are expanding their offerings – perhaps this is the WW association. I was actually relieved that they rejected me, as I questioned what their standards might be.
In visiting the WW website, I found a new sign up area for medical weight loss. Theirs takes the form of a waiting list found here: https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/medical-weight-loss
As always, check with your medical provider before making any changes to your diet. This is particularly true if you are considering weight loss medications, either prescription or over the counter.
How do you feel about Weight Watchers’ acquisition of Sequence? Do you anticipate that it will change your weight maintenance plans? Let’s continue to watch the news and the science as we strive to maintain our healthy weight.
(1). https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/03/07/weightwatchers-stock-surges-sequence-deal.html
Maintain Weight Loss 
This may be a reasonable decision. Those who are morbidly obese need extra support and something that addresses the biological component. As you’ve said, there are big financial considerations. As you do, I’d suggest a serious talk with my medical team, doctor, nutritionist, and physical therapy for their input.
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That’s good advice! There are risks with any medication, but there is also risk in obesity. Good to check in with healthcare professionals!
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