• Weight Management

LifeMD vs. WeightWatchers: How Do They Compare?

Published: April 23, 2025
Updated: April 23, 2025
4 mins

LifeMD and WeightWatchers are both telehealth companies committed to providing patients access to weight loss treatment. They both offer access to various weight loss medications based on individual needs, eligibility, and weight loss goals. While these companies share some similarities, there are some differences in the medications they prescribe and the overall structure of their program offerings.

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Zepbound® (tirzepatide)

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Wegovy® (semaglutide)

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Saxenda® (liraglutide)

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Ozempic® (semaglutide)

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Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

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Key Similarities Between LifeMD and WeightWatchers

LifeMD and WeightWatchers offer access to GLP-1s as well as oral medication options. GLP-1s work by mimicking natural hormones in the body to help regulate digestion and appetite.

With both LifeMD and WeightWatchers, the process begins with an online assessment to help determine your eligibility for weight loss treatment based on your medical history, weight loss goals, and other factors. 

LifeMD Weight Loss Medications

LifeMD places a stronger emphasis on access to GLP-1 medication, comprehensive weight loss support, and guidance from licensed medical providers. In addition to medical oversight, LifeMD provides educational resources on nutrition and healthy habits within its app. Through the OPTAVIA and LifeMD partnership, members gain access to nutritional guidance alongside GLP-1 medications, creating a well-rounded approach to weight management. The LifeMD Weight Management membership also includes complimentary “6S appointments” — each led by a LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider to support six key areas of health, such as nutrition (sustenance) and fitness (sweat).

As part of the onboarding process, your medical history and current health status will be reviewed. Blood work may be required in some cases. Even if not required, blood work is encouraged, as lab testing before starting GLP-1 treatment can provide valuable insights into your health. If it’s determined you're eligible, your LifeMD-affiliated provider will prescribe a GLP-1 medication, which may include one of the following brand-name options:

• Wegovy^®: Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, helps to reduce appetite and increase satiety to aid in weight loss. Wegovy is a weekly injection that is also prescribed to help treat type 2 diabetes.

• Ozempic^®: A widely recognized weight loss medication with semaglutide as the active ingredient. Ozempic is a weekly injection medication also commonly used for type 2 diabetes treatment.

• Mounjaro^®: Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro. Mounjaro is a weekly injection medication that lowers blood sugar levels and supports weight loss.

• Zepbound^®: A once-a-week injectable medication for weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Zepbound. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, Zepbound can help with weight loss.

• Saxenda^®: Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda, which helps adults with obesity lose weight. Saxenda is a once-daily injection that helps the body regulate digestion, insulin, and blood sugar levels.

LifeMD-affiliated providers may also recommend other weight loss medication options based on your assessment, health history, and current health status. LifeMD offers the option of Triple Therapy treatment for those who may not be eligible for GLP-1 medications or who are interested in a different option. Triple Therapy is a custom kit of three oral medications to help promote weight loss. Triple Therapy is generally taken once or twice daily based on your healthcare provider’s instructions.  

If your provider prescribes Triple Therapy, you won’t be prescribed GLP-1 medication. LifeMD’s Triple Therapy treatment includes the following medications, combined in carefully selected doses.

• Metformin: A biguanide that helps increase the body’s response to insulin. Metformin is used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing glucose production in the liver. Metformin is often prescribed off-label for this purpose, particularly for those with insulin resistance or conditions like PCOS.

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin): An antidepressant commonly prescribed in combination with other medications to help with weight loss and depression to help people quit smoking. It’s classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) — which helps regulate mood, reduce cravings, and control appetite.

• Topiramate: A medication used to control seizures, prevent migraines, manage epilepsy, and for off-label use to help with weight management.

WeightWatchers Weight Loss Medications

The main difference between LifeMD and WeightWatchers is the emphasis on diet as part of the weight loss journey. While both telehealth platforms offer guidance on healthy eating alongside GLP-1 treatment, the WeightWatchers weight loss program focuses more on flexible nutrition options. 

WeightWatchers offers access to both GLP-1s and oral weight loss medications. The following medications are available through their weight loss membership:

• Ozempic

• Wegovy

• Saxenda

• Zepbound

• Mounjaro

• Compounded semaglutide

• Metformin

A healthcare provider may also recommend a combination of naltrexone and bupropion to help with weight management. GLP-1 medications are not included in the price of a WeightWatchers membership. As part of your membership, non-GLP-1 medications can be shipped to your home.

LifeMD Weight Loss Process

When you sign up for the LifeMD Weight Management Program, you’ll be required to fill out the LifeMD medical intake form, verify your identity using a valid form of photo identification, and provide any insurance details (if applicable). The intake form will give your provider a better understanding of your health profile, including family health history and your personal weight loss goals. You’ll then meet virtually (over video) with a LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider. After the online visit (and based on your responses in the intake form), your provider will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

The LifeMD care team will also run a benefits check to determine if your insurance will cover all or part of the cost of the medication. If the medication isn’t covered, they can present alternative options such as cash-pay branded GLP-1 medication, a compounded formulation, or a non-GLP-1 option.

Note that if your body mass index (BMI) falls between the range of 27-30, lab work will be required to demonstrate a weight-related condition. Required lab work completed at Quest or Labcorp location is included in the cost of the program. You can also purchase an at-home kit (from the LifeMD shop in the patient portal) to complete testing. Lab work will always be required before a patient can receive their second round of Triple Therapy medication.

LifeMD patients can expect to lose up to 20% of their body weight based on the average weight loss in three 68-week clinical trials of patients on Wegovy without diabetes who maintained a dosage of 2.4 mg of GLP-1 treatment weekly. With guidance from LifeMD-affiliated providers, patients may also follow a reduced calorie diet and increase physical activity while taking GLP-1s to help encourage weight loss results.

WeightWatchers Weight Loss Process

Like LifeMD, WeightWatchers promotes a welcoming environment to support your weight loss efforts. WeightWatchers encourages going on your weight loss journey in a “judgment-free zone.” You can sign up for WeightWatchers by taking a five-minute quiz assessing your weight loss goals. 

From there, you can download the app to explore healthy recipes and connect with others within the WeightWatchers community. If interested, you can meet with a clinician or dietitian to help you on your weight loss journey. WeightWatchers offers three different programs:

Points program: The points program is a more self-guided approach to better nutrition. In this program, members can follow their progress, track budget goals, connect with other members, and discover more about “zero-point foods.” Every food gets a point based value based on how nutritious the food is.

Workshops: WeightWatchers workshops are a plan that allows members to connect virtually or in-person with expert coaches on their weight loss journey. Every week, coaches provide weekly techniques to help members on their weight loss journey. 

Weight loss medication: The weight loss medication membership offers personalized care and support for patients taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

You can combine the points program and GLP-1 medications for improved weight loss outcomes, including losing up to 54% more weight. Each membership plan (points program, workshops, and WW membership + medication) is separate from each other. However, you can choose to start with the traditional weight loss membership before adding medications or workshops.

LifeMD Weight Management Program Costs

The price of GLP-1 medications is separate from the cost of the LifeMD Weight Management Program. As of April 2025, the program starts at $75 a month (plus the cost of medication) when you sign up for the annual plan with the flexibility to cancel at any time.

The Triple Therapy subscription is priced at $129 a month. This includes the cost of medication, required lab work at Quest or Labcorp, shipping and fulfillment costs, and ongoing access to the clinical team (including medical providers and support staff) to ensure optimal results. 

If applicable, LifeMD works with health insurance providers to help patients manage costs for patient care. Costs for brand name GLP-1 medications vary depending on your insurer, but LifeMD accepts insurance in a growing number of states. Still, LifeMD will work with you to help you understand prescription coverage, benefits, and prior authorization requirements.

WeightWatchers Membership Costs

WeightWatchers offers three different membership options based on your goals, medical history, and lifestyle.

As of April 2025, the price of different WeightWatchers programs is as follows:

Points program: The points program is the most affordable membership plan, starting at $11 per month.

Workshops: The workshop membership starts at $22 a month. This membership includes both in-person and virtual coach-led workshops.

Weight Loss Medication: Pricing for the weight loss medication membership starts as low as $49, depending on your treatment plan.

If you’re looking for nutrition guidance on their weight loss journey without GLP-1s, you can explore the WeightWatchers Membership + Workshops. While each plan is different, you can still receive guidance from dietitians and healthcare providers and GLP-1 medication on the WeightWatchers Weight Loss Membership + Medications plan.

If you have health insurance, WeightWatchers works with your insurance provider to offer the most optimal price, as well as support in the event of a medication shortage. Access to guidance from a registered dietitian can also be included in any plan if covered by health insurance.

They also currently offer six months free for select programs. Non-GLP-1 medications are typically included in the cost of membership with a mail-order pharmacy partner. The cost of GLP-1 medications is separate from the cost of the WeightWatchers membership.

LifeMD Weight Loss App 

The LifeMD Weight Management Program is accessible on the LifeMD app. The LifeMD app is a mobile/desktop platform providing patients with consistent guidance on their weight loss journey. Within the app, you have full 24/7 access to LifeMD-affiliated providers for questions about treatment, side effects, and more. The LifeMD app tailors content according to your weight loss goals and treatment plan.

LifeMD offers the following features in the app:

• Access to at-home lab kits for purchase

• Ability to purchase digital tools for tracking weight, body composition, and more

• AI-powered tracking tools to monitor weight loss progress

• Educational resources about weight loss, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and more

• Support for navigating health insurance coverage

WeightWatchers Weight Loss App

The WeightWatchers Weight Loss app is designed to give users a personalized experience tailored to their nutrition and weight loss journey. The WeightWatchers points system is a tool within the app to help with mindful eating without having to track calories.

A key component of the points program is the concept of “zero point foods.” ZeroPoint foods (ZPFs) are healthy foods from the five main food groups you can enjoy without disrupting your weight loss goals. These foods allow you to still incorporate some of the foods you love on your weight loss journey.

Features within the app may vary depending on your membership. The app offers the following features across different plans:

• Access to a full list of over 200 ZeroPoint foods

• Personalized care based on your membership plan and health concerns

• Fitness coaching

• Guidance from registered dietitians

• Tracking tools to follow your progress

• Barcode scanner for restaurant meals

• Recipes for healthy eating

• Options for in-person meetups with other members

• Diabetes-tailored weight loss plan

• 24/7 from a care team to check in on your progress and offer guidance for getting the most out of the app

• Member-only social network within the app

Where Can I Learn More About Losing Weight?

If you’d like to learn more about weight loss through programs like the LifeMD Weight Management Program, don’t hesitate to explore our site to learn more about committing to your weight loss journey. LifeMD can offer you even more guidance on how the program works, how to get started, the benefits of the program, and how to see results.

Just answer a few questions about your weight loss goals and medical history to determine eligibility. Once you begin the process, you’ll be able to set up a virtual appointment with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home.

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