Sam's Club takes on Costco with a new Weight Watchers partnership
The rapid growth of GLP-1 medications has reshaped the weight-management industry, prompting consumers to seek additional support beyond prescription treatments.
As more Americans turn to medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, demand has also grown for nutritional guidance, coaching programs, and long-term lifestyle support designed to help maintain results.
The shift has created a significant business opportunity. The U.S. weight-loss market was valued at $11.12 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $21 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%, according to Market Data Forecast.
That same study notes that growth is being driven by increased consumer interest in health and wellness, along with a broader adoption of medically supervised weight-management programs.
To capitalize on that demand, retailers, pharmacies, healthcare providers, and wellness companies have expanded their offerings with nutrition programs, coaching services, telehealth options, and medication-related benefits. These initiatives help retailers attract new members, strengthen customer loyalty, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Sam's Club has jumped on that bandwagon with a new partnership with one of the biggest names in weightloss.
Sam's Club partners with WeightWatchers
Sam's Club has partnered with Weight Watchers (WW) to provide members with access to nutrition counseling, affordable healthy food options, pharmacy services, wellness support, and expert guidance.
The collaboration comes as Weight Watchers continues expanding beyond its traditional points-based weight-loss program by integrating behavioral coaching with clinical weight-management support, including GLP-1-related services, to meet changing consumer demand.
"At Sam's Club, our purpose is to help people save money and live better," said Sam's Club Chief Merchant Myron Frazier in the company's announcement. "This collaboration with Weight Watchers extends that commitment by making trusted, science-backed weight health support more affordable and accessible for our members."
As part of the partnership, Sam's Club Plus members are eligible for a complimentary three-month Weight Watchers Core membership, valued at $54. After the promotional period, members can continue the Core plan for $10 per month with no long-term commitment.
Members also receive discounted pricing on Weight Watchers Core+ and Med+ programs, with savings of up to 50% off everyday pricing. Core+ includes personalized wellness coaching, nutrition recommendations, and access to virtual and in-person workshops.
The program is designed to support members pursuing lifestyle changes, those taking GLP-1 medications, and consumers exploring clinical weight management options.
"At Weight Watchers, we know people can improve nutrition, sustain weight loss, and improve overall quality of life with guidance, support, and community, something so aligned with Sam's Club's purpose to deliver value to help improve lives," said Weight Watchers Chief Commercial Officer Scott Honken, PharmD.
Sam's Club expands its GLP-1 strategy
The partnership builds on Sam's Club's broader strategy to expand its healthcare and pharmacy offerings as demand for GLP-1 medications continues to rise.
In January, the retailer announced it would offer starting doses of oral Wegovy Tablet, the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 treatment for weight loss, for $149 per month through NovoCare's self-pay program. Plus members also receive free same-day pharmacy delivery.
The company also introduced pharmacist counseling on medication management, nutrition and side-effect guidance, along with digital wellness resources through the Sam's Club-exclusive Well App.
Originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar, digestion, and appetite, GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity, have become increasingly popular for weight management, driving noticeable changes in consumer behavior.
According to Gallup, approximately 11% of U.S. adults are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss in 2026, up from 3% in 2024. About 15% report having used at some point, while public awareness has also increased significantly, with 91% of Americans now familiar with the medications' role in weight loss, compared with 80% in 2024.
Competition for membership growth intensifies
Sam's Club's expanding health and wellness offerings also serve as a competitive advantage in the warehouse club industry, where retailers increasingly use exclusive benefits to attract new members and encourage renewals.
The WeightWatchers partnership is the latest addition to Sam's Club Plus, the retailer's premium membership tier. While the standard Club membership costs $60 annually, the Plus membership is priced at $120 per year and includes additional exclusive benefits, according to Sam's Club's membership website.
Costco has adopted a similar strategy by expanding access to discounted telehealth weight-loss programs and GLP-1 medications for members.
The retailer currently offers the oral Wegovy Tablet for $149 per month through its pharmacies or $151.99 through Prescription Home Delivery, as well as 50% discount on Wegovy and Ozempic injections, according to Costco's website.
Costco's Gold Star membership costs $65 annually, while its Executive membership is $130 per year and includes additional benefits, per its membership website.
The partnership reflects a broader strategy among membership retailers to move beyond merchandise discounts by incorporating healthcare and wellness services that encourage membership renewals and strengthen the overall value proposition. As competition for recurring membership revenue intensifies, retailers are increasingly using exclusive health benefits to differentiate themselves and deepen customer loyalty.
Sam's Club's strategy drives membership growth
Sam's Club's investment in expanding member benefits is beginning to translate into stronger financial performance.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, parent company Walmart (WMT) reported that Sam's Club U.S. net sales increased 6.1% year over year.
Membership and other income were up 11%, driven by a 5.6% rise in membership-fee revenue, reflecting growth in member counts, renewal rates, and Plus memberships.
"We're continuing to enhance the value and convenience of the membership," said Walmart Executive VP & CFO John David Rainey in the company's earnings call. "These types of ongoing investments in the member value proposition at Sam's supported the membership fee increase that became effective on May 1."
Rainey added that Walmart's combination of low prices and convenience continues to attract new customers to both Walmart and Sam's Club.
Here's some of my previous coverage of retail strategy:
- Spam maker exits entire market
- 98-year-old grocery chain closing stores in key markets
- BJ's Wholesale cuts prices as tariff refunds begin flowing
As demand for GLP-1 medication continues to reshape the health and wellness landscape, retailers are increasingly positioning weight-management services as a long-term membership benefit rather than a standalone healthcare offering.
For warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco, expanding access to pharmacy services, wellness programs, and nutrition support represents another way to compete for customer loyalty while creating value beyond everyday savings.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 3:03 PM.