WeightWatchers introduced plans to shop for telehealth platform Weekend Well being, sometimes called Series, in a transfer towards providing prescription weight reduction medicine.
The corporate stated the money and fairness transaction is valued at $132 million, however the efficient internet acquire worth is $106 million. The deal is about to near in the second one quarter this yr.
In conjunction with telehealth consultations, insurance coverage coordination, and diet and health plans, Series gives glucagon-like peptide-1 medicines, together with semaglutide, which use the emblem names Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. The corporate introduced in 2021 and had about 24,000 participants in February.
“WeightWatchers’ diet and behavior-change program can give you the strengthen had to lend a hand other folks construct livable wholesome behavior for the long run and set up the dietary-induced unintended effects frequently felt whilst taking power weight control medicines, similar to glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s),” Dr. Gary Foster, leader medical officer of WeightWatchers, stated in a remark.
“As we construct out our medical weight control pathway, we can be studying and most probably tailoring our diet program for this distinct member adventure. We all know weight control isn’t one-size-fits-all and medical interventions aren’t medically or differently suitable for everybody, which is why we stay dedicated to all pathways.”
THE LARGER TREND
Pastime and insist for semaglutide has risen previously a number of months, with many pharmacists reporting shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Regardless that Ozempic is most effective authorized to regard diabetes, there are expanding stories of off-label use for dropping pounds. Wegovy used to be first authorized as a weight reduction drug in 2021. Previous this yr, the American Academy of Pediatrics launched new pointers on kids and weight problems, arguing for early intervention, which comprises surgical treatment and drugs. Wegovy used to be not too long ago authorized for youngsters ages 12 and older.
Regardless that the drug is efficient, it is also dear. It additionally must be taken often or the results will put on off.
Some other virtual weight reduction corporate, Noom, has additionally begun providing the load loss medicine. In keeping with reporting by way of Insider, it rolled out Noom Medical to supply some customers get entry to to GLP-1 medicines.
Direct-to-consumer digital care corporate Ro and any other on-line weight reduction corporate, Calibrate, additionally be offering semaglutides.
