WeightWatchers — now known as WW International — recently acquired the telehealth subscription service company Sequence, which means that now WW users have access to a lot more tools to meet weight loss goals — including prescription diabetes and popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic (called GLP-1 medications).
This new wing of WW will also give members access to dieticians and fitness coaches. But can you get a good deal on the weight loss drugs? Are there savings by going through Sequence? We’ll tell you what we know about the pricing structure and how things will change for WW members.
If you’re looking for more ways to save money on weight loss, we’ve got a big ol’ list of places that let you work out for free.
First … What is the big deal with Ozempic?
Injectable GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic were originally created to treat diabetes, but they’re now becoming famous for being a celebrity weight loss drug — causing a shortage for patients who actually need it to treat their medical conditions. While GLP-1 medications are considered safe for most patients, side effects of Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs include gastrointestinal issues, which may include potentially deadly intestinal obstruction, as well as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It may also cause thyroid tumors, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, kidney failure, gallbladder problems, vision changes, hypoglycemia, and allergic reactions.
Always check with a healthcare professional before using it for weight loss. That said, if you’re considering signing up for WeightWatchers, Sequence, or both, here’s what to know.
Is Sequence included in my WeightWatchers membership?
Nope. You’ll have to pay separately for your WeightWatchers membership and for your Sequence subscription. And Sequence memberships aren’t covered by insurance (but they will work with your insurance company to pay for medications).
For Sequence, you’ll start with a $49 consultation. If you pursue a membership afterward, you’ll pay $99 per month, with your first month free. The program includes the cost of lab testing and non-GLP-1 medications. You’ll still have to pay for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, though prices will vary depending on your particular insurance carrier and coverage.
Sequence and Weight Watchers won’t make Ozempic cost any less.
You likely won’t cut the cost of Ozempic or other GLP-1 medication through Weight Watchers/Sequence, since that drug isn’t included in your subscription. Instead, like any other place you could get Ozempic, you’re at the mercy of your particular insurance plan’s prescription drug coverage.
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health spending account (HSA), you may be eligible for reimbursement for Sequence if you meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility varies from patient to patient and plan to plan.
A surefire way to save on Ozempic is through their savings card for eligible patients with insurance; it can potentially make it as cheap as $25 for a 3-month supply.
Keep an eye out for more ties between WW and Sequence.
Your WeightWatchers membership doesn’t include Sequence and vice versa. No pricing plans have been released yet for WW members who wish to sign up for Sequence, and the joint service isn’t available just yet. (Although, WW has opened up a waiting list for a weight management program facilitated by Sequence.)
There are eligibility requirements as well: Sequence users must have a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with a qualifying medical condition (which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol) and commercial insurance.
You cannot sign up for Sequence if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer. Current WW members can sign up for a wait list in the meantime.
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