Amid a growing focus on GLP-1s and midlife women’s health, WeightWatchers taps SoulCycle co-founder Julie Rice and acquires her platform Peoplehood to revamp community, connection and coaching
WeightWatchers is bringing on SoulCycle co-founder Julie Rice as its first Chief Experience Officer and acquiring her latest venture, Peoplehood, as the storied weight management company accelerates efforts to build a more community-driven, holistic health platform.
Peoplehood, the wellness support platform Rice co-founded, has been described as a “relational fitness” company, but in practice, it’s something closer to a modern support group for the wellness era, offering peer-to-peer support and coaching.
With the acquisition, Peoplehood will integrate its curriculum, technology and operational insights into WeightWatchers’ ecosystem, including its community-driven programs focused on GLP-1 use and menopause. The integration is expected to enhance the member experience across coaching, workshops and digital engagement.
The move builds on WeightWatchers’ post-bankruptcy transformation, which includes a relisting on Nasdaq, a renewed focus on midlife women’s health and a deeper push into GLP-1-powered obesity care. As part of its relaunch, the company has recently expanded its medical leadership team, strengthened ties with pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk to increase access to FDA-approved GLP-1s like Wegovy and announced plans to roll out a menopause program that blends clinical support, coaching and community tools.
“Community has always been at the heart of WeightWatchers,” CEO Tara Comonte said. “It’s where the brand began, and it remains one of the most effective drivers of lasting success. As weight management becomes more complex, particularly with the rise of medications, many people are navigating the journey alone. Support, connection, and shared experience matter more than ever. Julie brings a deep understanding of how to build brands and foster communities that truly connect. She will play a pivotal role in shaping how we deliver experience, community, and brand across the entire business.”
Rice, a longtime WeightWatchers board member, will lead the company’s global workshop business, which hosts 20,000 in-person meetings each month across 11 markets. She’ll also oversee the brand team and collaborate with product, marketing and clinical leaders to develop how content, coaching, and community show up across the platform.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Rice said. “As a lifelong member, I first joined WeightWatchers in my twenties and credit the program with teaching me how to shift my habits and care for my health in a sustainable way. Now I’m honored to help reimagine what weight health can look like in today’s world of isolating apps and one-size-fits-all solutions. Together, we have the opportunity to continue enhancing the WeightWatchers experience that is rooted in science, medical expertise and, above all, human connection.”
In a 2023 interview with Athletech News, Rice subtly foreshadowed how Peoplehood could one day complement platforms like WeightWatchers.
“We want to offer a category that focuses on relational fitness and encourages people to build habits and routines around spending intentional time taking care of themselves and their relationships,” she said. “We believe that Peoplehood can be a valuable addition to a person’s wellness routine by offering breakthroughs in connection and opportunities to learn new skills.”
