WeightWatchers files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy: What to know
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US corporate bankruptcies hit highest level since Great Recession
The first three months of 2025 saw the highest number of companies filing for bankruptcy in the U.S. since 2010.
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WeightWatchers announced Tuesday it has filed for bankruptcy in an effort to "bolster its financial position" and "better serve its millions of members around the world."
The company, now called WW International, said on May 6 the bankruptcy will eliminate just over $1 billion in debt from the company's balance sheet and "position WeightWatchers for long-term growth and success."
WW International said it expects to emerge from the process in approximately 45 days and intends to remain a publicly traded company.
"The decisive actions we're taking today, with the overwhelming support of our lenders and noteholders, will give us the flexibility to accelerate innovation, reinvest in our members, and lead with authority in a rapidly evolving weight management landscape," said Tara Comonte, CEO of WeightWatchers, in a news release.
"As the conversation around weight shifts toward long-term health, our commitment to delivering the most trusted, science-backed, and holistic solutions—grounded in community support and lasting results—has never been stronger, or more important," Comonte said.
Reuters reported in April 2025 that WeightWatchers' stock, which traded as high as $100 in 2018, lost most of its value last year as the company faced revenue declines, liquidity concerns, and celebrity shareholder Oprah Winfrey's decision to exit its board.
According to Reuters, WeightWatchers has struggled to stay relevant as effective weight-loss drugs, such as Opzempic, have soared to popularity. The company acquired subscription-based telehealth platform Sequence in April 2023 in order to expand into obesity drug prescriptions.
WW International did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment.
Will there be any impact to WeightWatchers members?
The company said in the news release that operations will continue "with no impact to its more than three millions members worldwide."
"WeightWatchers remains fully operational during the organization process and there will be no impact to members or the plans they rely on to support their weight management goals," the company said.
According to WW International the WeightWatchers model of care, including its weight loss program, telehealth offering, and virtual and in-person workshops will remain available for members.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
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