Weight Watchers and Weight Loss Drugs

Let's discuss Weight Watchers and the weight loss drugs.

First....I have no problem with anyone that uses weight loss drugs to help them lose weight; the drugs are just another tool to help with your weight loss, in the same way that weight loss surgery is.

My issue has always been with WW offering the drugs. 

Why?

You can go to your own doctor, you know the person that knows you and your health, and get a weight loss drug prescription.  You can then, sign up for the WW app only and access the program that is for glp-1 losers.  That's right, you don't have to be going through WW clinic to use the program.  It would actually be cheaper that way.  (Note:  WW is updating the app this week, I'm unsure if the glp-1 program will be available with just Core; you may have to do the Core+ for an additional fee).

You go through WW?  Well you're assigned a clinician (doctor???), they'll even want bloodwork done if none has been done recently.  They'll make a decision on whether or not you're a good fit for the drugs.  I've never met one person yet, that has ever been denied the drugs through WW.  I have met people who have been denied the drugs through their doctor, but approved through WW.  I have to question that.

You'll pay WW a monthly fee (higher than the app and/or meetings fee) and then you'll pay the price of the drug.  If your insurance won't cover the cost or partial cost; you'll pay the amount out of pocket which may be very pricey.  Can't afford the drug after being approved through WW?  Okay, but you're still stuck in the WW contract to the end of the term.  I have been told that when this happens there is a pill that WW will prescribe as part of the monthly fee; it may or may not work for you.

I highly suggest that you check with your insurance plan to see if they cover the cost of the drugs first. If not, don't sign up through WW.   

Another thing to consider is if something goes wrong - bad reaction, sickness - anything from the drug.  You go to the ER, Urgent Care or doctor and who are they contacting regarding this?  Your online WW clinician (doctor???).  Will they be able to get in touch with them?

Those are my concerns when it comes to WW offering prescription drugs.  You do you however.

I do like that WW does offer a program to go with weight loss drugs and that's all that I think they should be doing.

I know that everyone is offering weight loss drugs now; I just always have put WW at a higher standard then those other sites.