LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Watching what you eat, exercising and counting points has been the way customers on WeightWatchers have been shedding pounds for years. But now, there's a new tool they can add.
It's been a month since the company started offering popular weight loss drugs, giving people a new option to help them lose weight.
Melanie Ressa, 32, says she's struggled with her weight her whole life.
When she first joined WeightWatchers in 2021, Melanie lost 60 pounds. But when the chaos of life kicked back in, she said things changed.
"I reverted back to a lot of those habits that were comforting to me which was eating. So stress eating and emotional eating," Ressa said.
Ressa gained back half the weight she had lost.
"That's when I kind of switched over to the GLP-1 Plan," she said.
It's a newer option that WeightWatchers offers.
"When you think of obesity as a biological disease or condition, you've got to start thinking about using biological tools to help more people," said Dr. Spencer Nadolsky. the medical director for WeightWatchers.
Nadolsky said the company's new program which offers the latest anti-obesity meds is a paradigm shift. It involves treating obesity as an illness rather than simply a lack of willpower.
"They feel like it's a moral failing. And now we think of it differently, like, hey, this is biological, it's not your fault," Nadolsky said.
Semaglutide drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound mimic a naturally-occurring hormone that works with the brain to suppress appetite.
Ressa says it's helped reduce the "food noise" in her head.
"It has been so life changing for me," she said.
But she says people shouldn't think of it as a "magic pill." "
That's not the case, you still have to work the program and have healthy lifestyles," she explained.
Weightwatchers offers a lifestyle guidance program for those already taking anti-obesity meds prescribed from their own doctor.
WeightWatchers members may also be eligible to receive Ozempic and Rybelsus and other Type 2 diabetes drugs often prescribed off label to treat obesity.
"We have a whole prior authorization team that helps you jump through the hoops of insurance, because that's really one of the big issues," Nadolsky said.
Common side effects include nausea, injection site reactions and headache.
For access to clinicians who can prescribe weight loss medications, WeightWatchers members pay a $99 monthly fee, which does not include the price of the drugs.
Medication costs vary depending on a person's insurance.
Just because these popular weight loss drugs are now an option, it doesn't mean it's for everyone.
Stephanie De La Torre, 38, has been battling weight gain for 12 years. She's a true believer of the company's traditional point system combined with peer support. She says what works for her may not work for somebody else.
But De La Torre appreciates the new weight loss tools, which she believes is a win for everyone.
"They give us choices to make and it's our own personal choice to take it," she said.
Ressa says anti-obesity meds made the holidays much easier for her to navigate.
For 2024, her top goal is to create a new self-care mindset.
"I'm a lot kinder to other people than I ever have been to myself", she said. "And I really want to try and be nice to myself. I deserve it."
MORE: As many struggle with weight, more doctors turn to weight loss drugs
Experts say nearly three quarters of Americans are struggling with their weight and many people are now using a medication originally intended to help with another issue. Lately, it's been gaining more widespread acceptance.
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FAQs
Weightwatchers offers a lifestyle guidance program for those already taking anti-obesity meds prescribed from their own doctor. WeightWatchers members may also be eligible to receive Ozempic and Rybelsus and other Type 2 diabetes drugs often prescribed off label to treat obesity.
What medication do WeightWatchers prescribe for weight loss? ›
Weight-loss medication types
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®) A once-weekly injection approved for weight management.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®) A once-daily injection approved for weight management.
- Naltrexone-Bupropion† Twice-daily, extended-release tablets that combine two different medications. ...
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound™)
WeightWatchers Is Now Prescribing Ozempic.
How do you qualify for the new weight loss drug? ›
To qualify for a prescription of Wegovy, a patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, indicating having obesity, or a BMI of 27-29 and a weight-related chronic health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
What is the cost of Wegovy per month? ›
A package of Wegovy contains four pens, each pre-filled with a single dose of Wegovy. Without insurance, the cost of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month or 28-day package, which breaks down to $269.80 per week or $16,188.24 per year. Even without health insurance, it is possible to bring down the cost of Wegovy.
What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill? ›
Based on data reported in clinical studies, Qsymia is likely the most effective prescription weight-loss pill. It tends to lead to the largest amount of weight loss in the highest percentage of people.
Can you really get Wegovy for $25? ›
Without insurance or discounts, Wegovy can cost more than $1,200 a month. If you're eligible for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy savings card program, you could get a 28-day supply or one box of Wegovy for $25.
How much are WeightWatchers charging for Ozempic? ›
The support program is included in the company's $23 monthly membership. For additional access to clinicians who can prescribe weight loss medications, members will pay a $99 monthly fee – excluding the price of the medication. Customers can also receive a prescription from their primary care physician if they prefer.
Why won't my insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss? ›
To get Ozempic covered by insurance, you'll need to meet your plan's coverage requirements. Ozempic is more likely to be covered by insurance if it's prescribed for diabetes, not weight loss. The FDA has only approved Ozempic for those who have diabetes.
Why did Oprah leave WeightWatchers? ›
Oprah Winfrey resigned from the WeightWatchers board after almost 10 years to avoid a conflict of interest. During her appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" last week, Winfrey explained why she stepped down ahead of her upcoming special, "An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution."
During an interview with “The View” host Whoopi Goldberg on Monday's “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Clarkson admitted to taking a weight loss drug to lose weight. In January, Clarkson told People magazine that diet and exercise helped her slim down.
What is the weight loss drug $1000 a month? ›
Ozempic from Novo Nordisk, which sells for nearly $1,000 a month, can be manufactured for less than $5, according to a study from researchers at Yale University, King's College Hospital in London and the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders.
What is the new weight loss drug in 2024? ›
One such new drug is pemvidutide, which is being developed by Maryland-based biotech firm Altimmune. Researchers are expected to present data on 27 new GLP-1 drugs at the upcoming 2024 American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference.
How do I get 3 months of Ozempic for $25? ›
If you have private or commercial insurance, such as insurance you receive through an employer, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month prescription (maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription).
Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy? ›
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced an investigation into the "unjustifiably high prices" of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy. The list price for Ozempic, which is approved for diabetes, is $969 a month, or $11,628 a year. The list price of Wegovy, approved for obesity, is $1,349 a month, or $16,188 a year.
How to get Mounjaro for $25? ›
How to get Mounjaro for $25. Some people with insurance will be eligible for Lilly's Mounjaro Savings Card, which starts at $25 for a 1- or 3-month prescription. A 1-month supply includes 4 pens across 28 days. A 3-month supply includes up to 12 pens for 84 days.
How much weight can you lose on Ozempic in a month? ›
How much weight can you lose in a month on Ozempic? One study found people who received weekly semaglutide injections lost an average of about 15 pounds after three months and about 27 pounds after six months, which translates into about a 5-pound weight loss per month.
What is the cheapest way to get Ozempic for weight loss? ›
How to save on the cost of Ozempic without insurance. If you don't have insurance coverage, you can still get Ozempics at a cheaper price. Some websites, such as GoodRx, source Ozempic coupons from various retailers — including Costco, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart — which can help you save on the cost of Ozempic.
Is Wegovy better than Ozempic? ›
If you are looking into GLP-1 drugs to manage your type 2 diabetes, Ozempic may be the better option, as it is FDA-approved specifically to treat type 2 diabetes. If you're looking to lose weight, however, Wegovy might be a better fit for you given its FDA-approval.
How much does Ozempic cost? ›
Today, a new Yale study found that Ozempic costs less than $5 a month to manufacture. And yet, Novo Nordisk charges Americans nearly $1,000 a month for this drug, while the same exact product can be purchased for just $155 a month in Canada and just $59 in Germany.
