WW International
Global weight loss and wellness company offering subscription-based programs, coaching, and services for weight management and overall health.
Company Type
public
Founded
1963
Headquarters
New York, New York, USA
Stock
NASDAQ: WW
About WW International
WW International operates as a global weight loss and wellness company offering subscription-based programs and services. The company's programs include the Weight Watchers comprehensive diet program with three format options: online via mobile app and website, coaching by phone or online, and in-person meetings. WW also provides access to clinicians who can prescribe weight management medications when clinically appropriate.
The company generates the majority of its revenue from subscription fees. WW maintains a global network of coaches, community members, and digital resources supporting members in their weight loss and wellness journeys. The company emphasizes personalized approaches, community support, and comprehensive wellness services beyond traditional diet programs.
History of WW International
WW International was founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch, a Queens, New York homemaker who developed the Weight Watchers program based on her personal weight loss journey. Nidetch established the company to help others achieve weight loss through group support and structured programs. The company grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest weight loss organizations in the world.
Throughout the 1960s-1980s, Weight Watchers expanded nationally and internationally, establishing a strong brand presence in the weight loss industry. The company went public in 1968 and became a publicly traded company. In 1978, Heinz acquired Weight Watchers, and the company continued to grow under various ownership structures.
In 2000, Weight Watchers was taken private by private equity investors. The company returned to public markets in 2004. In 2018, the company rebranded to "WW" to reflect its evolution from focusing solely on weight loss to overall health and wellness. The company expanded its offerings to include fitness, mindset coaching, and personalized health services. In 2025, the company filed for bankruptcy protection but emerged in July 2025 with a restructured business model and was relisted on NASDAQ.
Brands Owned by WW International
WW International owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
WW International Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Established brand with 60+ year history in weight loss industry
- +Global presence and international market reach
- +Multiple program formats serving diverse customer preferences
- +Subscription-based recurring revenue model
- +Strong community and peer support networks
- +Expansion into broader wellness and health services
- +Emergence from bankruptcy with restructured business model
Considerations
- -Recent bankruptcy and financial restructuring uncertainty
- -Intense competition from fitness apps and digital wellness platforms
- -Dependence on consumer commitment to weight loss programs
- -Vulnerability to health and wellness trends
- -Regulatory compliance for health and medical claims
- -Economic sensitivity to consumer discretionary spending
- -Changing consumer preferences toward digital-first solutions
Frequently Asked Questions About WW International
Is WW publicly traded?
Yes, WW International is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol WW. The company was relisted on NASDAQ in July 2025 after emerging from bankruptcy.
When was Weight Watchers founded?
Weight Watchers was founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch in Queens, New York. The company has operated for over 60 years and is one of the largest weight loss organizations globally.
Why did WW file for bankruptcy?
WW filed for bankruptcy in 2025 due to financial challenges in the weight loss industry. The company emerged from bankruptcy in July 2025 with a restructured business model and was relisted on NASDAQ.
What is the difference between WW and Weight Watchers?
WW is the rebranded name for Weight Watchers International, adopted in 2018 to reflect the company's evolution from weight loss focus to overall health and wellness services.
What program formats does WW offer?
WW offers three program formats: online via mobile app and website, coaching by phone or online, and in-person community meetings. Members can choose the format that best suits their needs.
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