WeightWatchers International, which operates weight loss brand WeightWatchers, has emerged from bankruptcy and pledged that it’s ready to challenge “quick fix” rivals such as Novo Nordisk (NVO) and Eli Lilly (LLY) with a renewed focus on women’s health.
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The group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early May with debts of $1.15 billion, and was delisted later that month. It said today that a court process had enabled it to restructure its finances and write off the debts, which made up more than 70% of the total amount.
It also agreed to new terms to pay back its lenders.
Menopause Gap
The group said it had appointed a new chief medical officer, physician Dr Kim Boyd, to lead the integration of emerging science into its wider lifestyle-based offering for members.
It also revealed it would be launching a new program later this year to support women through perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, through tailored nutritional and behavioral strategies.
The move will help it address a broader gap in healthcare and meet the evolving needs of millions of its members around the world, it said.
Dr Boyd said she planned to expand the company’s “legacy” by “combining the best tools of modern medicine, like weight-loss jabs GLP-1s, with science-backed lifestyle change and the power of community to deliver better outcomes.”
Weighty Challenge
The company’s troubles were in part due to the popularity of weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro. But WeightWatchers believes it has a point of difference to appeal to people worried about their weight.
WeightWatchers chief executive Tara Comonte said it was a “pivotal moment for the group.” She said: “With renewed financial strength, an expanded leadership team, and the addition of Dr Kim Boyd to lead clinical strategy and program innovation, we’re accelerating our transformation.”
She added that in a landscape dominated by “noise, quick fixes, and conflicting advice, WeightWatchers continues to lead as the most trusted, science-backed platform, proven to drive better results and lasting impact.”
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