News just broke that Weight Watchers bankruptcy may be on the horizon, and if you’re a member, this feels unsettling. WW has been a trusted name in weight loss for decades. What does this mean for your membership, the app, and personal weight loss progress? Is WW closing?
We’ve gathered everything you need to know, plus steps you can take right now to protect your weight loss journey and peace of mind. Keep reading for honest insights and encouragement to help you stay grounded and on track, no matter what changes.
Key Take-Aways about WW Bankruptcy
- WW is preparing for bankruptcy but hasn’t filed yet
- No current changes for members or the WW app
- The Holy Mess offers continued support for WW and non-WW members alike
Weight Watchers Financial Challenges
WW International, also known as WeightWatchers, is preparing to file for bankruptcy in the coming months, the Wall Street Journal and NY Post reported Wednesday, citing knowledgeable sources. This is part of a plan to hand control of the business to its creditors.
Shares of the company tumbled nearly 59% to 18 cents in afternoon trading.
Why is WW facing such financial hardship? Reasons include:
- Pandemic fallout – Like many businesses, WW was hit hard by shutdowns during the global COVID pandemic and never fully recovered.
- Closing in-person meetings – Thousands of in-person meetings were closed, and the company moved to more virtual, digital meetings.
- New weight loss medications – The rise in popularity of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro has dramatically impacted the WW organization. They purchased Sequence, now called WW Clinic, to offer both name-brand and compounded GLP-1 options.
- Shifts in focus—Former CEO Sista Sistani apologized for WW’s past mistakes regarding weight loss messaging, which sent mixed messages about the company’s brand and focus.
- Program changes – The WW points system, which is the foundation of the program, has undergone numerous changes, including the current 350+ zero-point foods that some people say give members too much freedom and may inhibit weight loss.
- Celebrity endorsements – Celebrity shareholder Oprah Winfrey left the board last year, causing a massive drop in revenue.
- Aging demographic – WW customers are primarily older women, and efforts to reach a younger audience have only been somewhat successful.
- Competition – New WW alternatives such as Noom, Healthi, and a wide variety of apps like My Fitness Pal have led to more competition in the market.
What This Means for WW Members
As someone who has used the WW system for 20 years and is a Lifetime member, I understand your feelings if this news has hit you hard. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t Panic
WW has not filed for bankruptcy yet. The future is unclear, but there are no changes for current members at this time.
What is Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
In the U.S., there are several types of bankruptcy. Chapter 11, often used by companies like WW, allows for reorganization so that businesses can continue running while restructuring their debts under court supervision. There’s also Chapter 13, a repayment plan used by individuals with regular income. Each type offers a legal path to managing overwhelming debt.
WW’s Response
When asking WW customer support in the chat feature, here is their response,
Thank you so much for your commitment and loyalty to WeightWatchers. While we don’t comment specifically on matters in the press, we can assure you that there are no changes planned to our operations or our business at this time. We are building this brand for its bright future, and for right now, we hope the focus of our members is on accessing the very best of our program so they can live their happiest, healthiest lives. Our Leadership Team remains committed to providing updates and transparency as soon as we are able—but the best thing all of us can do to support the future of the company is continue to innovate and deliver excellent results for our members. -WW Customer Support
How to Prepare – Just in Case
While there’s no need to panic or make drastic changes, being prepared is always a good idea. If you have relevant information on the WW app that you would be upset about losing, like weight loss information or recipes, consider saving it with screenshots or downloads.
Helpful tip: If you think you might decide to take a GLP-1 medication or have weight loss surgery in the future, some insurance providers require proof that you tried a weight loss program first. Be sure to download your data just in case the WW app becomes unavailable.
No matter what happens with WW, The Holy Mess is here to support your weight loss efforts, especially with The Holy Mess Weight Loss Membership, where we offer support to both WW and non-WW members.
The Holy Mess: Support for Your Weight Loss Journey
The Holy Mess is here to help you achieve your weight loss and wellness goals.
We offer:
- Healthy & easy recipes
- Meal plans & cookbooks
- Courses and workshops
- The Holy Mess Weight Loss Membership – NEW!
- YouTube videos
- The Holy Mess Weight Loss and Wellness Facebook group – with weekly live videos with LaNette
Be sure to join our email list to stay up to date.
FAQs about WW Bankruptcy
Is WW shutting down?
No. While Weight Watchers is facing financial difficulty and may file for bankruptcy, the organization is not closing now.
I just bought a WW membership. What should I do?
Your membership will continue with no changes.
Can I get a refund?
Contact WW customer support for questions about your membership. Please note that we are not affiliated with Weight Watchers. We recommend contacting the company directly at 1(800) 651-6000 or through the chat feature on the WW app.
Is the WW app going away?
There are no changes to the WW app for members at this time.
What are your thoughts about the Weight Watchers company? Share in the comments below.
More WW Posts for You
WW 23 Point Menu – What to eat in a day on WW
75+ Zero Point WW Meals & Snacks – All zero points
350+ Zero Point Foods for 2025 – Free PDF printable list
Top 10 WW Meal Prep Lunch Recipes – Easy lunch ideas to prep ahead of time
WW Zero Point Vegetable Soup – Classic, reader-favorite soup recipe
Very sad to hear that weight Watchers maybe closing doors, I just came back ,prior to Covid I was a member since 1982 ,but when I could go to meetings the big struggle began ,so I quit .thus program has always worked for me and I was a free lifetime member for many years ,now my goal was to get back to goal ,I like many others just gave up when Covid hit .i love the fact it’s a lifestyle not a diet it’s something I can stay focused on always. I don’t want to take weightloss medications ,I’m thinking in the long run it’s not good so you don’t learn how to live a healthy lifestyle you take the drugs you lose weight you go off the drugs you gain weight because you don’t know how to eat healthy and exercise. Which pretty much puts you on this medication often on for the rest of your life. I don’t see that being a healthy alternative at all..
Do you have any plans on offering printable points reference charts? This would be awesome! I just started WW (I’ve done it off and on since I was 11 back in the 90’s!) again am really working hard on focusing on health vs. weight loss. That being said, WW is the ONLY program that works for me. If I didn’t have access to points values for foods or a way to calculate them, I don’t how I would do.
Thank you for all of the amazing resources you provide now!!!
Hi Kelly, We have this list of the 350 zero point foods. Is that what you need? Thanks for the comment. https://theholymess.com/weight-watchers-zero-point-foods-2025/
In February WW raised my membership from $10.00 a month to $23.00 a month without notice. I use the app daily but have been considering a different app. I want one that will allow me to track my weight daily as well as blood sugar amounts, food and to see points or calories for restaurants. I haven’t found one yet. I have been seriously considering leaving WW. Also, My weight has stalled in a yo-yo fashion for over a year now. Plus, they continually push the shots. Been there with Tresiba, which caused constipation and a host of medical conditions afterwards that will last my lifetime.
This seems to be a sign of the times. Many businesses closing, Joanne’s… and now WW. It was very disappointing when they closed all of our in person meetings in our town. I have been a lifetime member since the early 80’s.
Hope they stay afloat.