That’s roughly one-quarter of American adults trying at least 16 different weight-loss strategies, 32% of the respondents reported being successful at losing some weight but gained it back, and only 28% reported being successful at shedding some extra pounds and being able to maintain the weight loss.
A successful weight loss journey appears to be a struggle to sustain for many of the respondents, overall 37% of the respondents describe their weight loss experience as being overwhelming, 31% report it as being unsuccessful, and only 15% report their weight loss experience as being rewarding.
Not surprisingly 65% report that long-term weight loss is too difficult to maintain because of all the sacrifices that come with it. 54% of the respondents reported that they have given up trying to lose weight because they felt like they were sacrificing too much: 34% felt that they had to sacrifice their happiness during their weight loss experience, 29% felt they were sacrificing their mental health, and 28% felt that they were sacrificing love and/or relationships in order to lose some of that extra weight.
Weight loss goals are more than just numbers on the scale, 79% of respondents wanted to lose weight to be healthier, not to be skinnier and 2 in 5 wanted to have more energy. 44% said that they wanted to lose weight to feel more confident with their body with 34% feeling victorious when others noticed their efforts. 42% reported wanting to lose weight to feel healthier overall, and 42% said that they wanted to be able to do activities like climbing stairs, strolling through the mall, or walking a mile without having to stop all the time.
“This data validates what many of us who have tried to lose weight before have known for a long time: that traditional weight loss journeys require too much sacrifice and leans too heavily on the idea of personal willpower,” says Dr. Acacia Parks, chief behavioral health officer at Found, in a statement. “As someone who has struggled with my weight my whole life and also as an expert in psychology, I know that the feeling of extreme sacrifice doesn’t lead to lasting weight loss or positive mental health and only fuels stigma around needing help. To achieve sustainable weight loss, it is important to provide people with a personalized program that works with their unique biology and lifestyle, not against it.”
The reported sacrifices are not the only challenge, the respondents said that there was also a stigma associated with the weight loss journey. However, data suggests that this stigma has significantly decreased compared to 5 years ago, with 73% of the respondents claiming that they were more comfortable talking about the subject with their family and friends compared to then.
Findings revealed that the respondents may be more comfortable talking about their weight loss journey, but they are not as comfortable talking about medications that they might be taking for physical and/or mental health. Surprisingly, 1 in 3 said that they wished they had access to weight loss medications when they were trying to lose weight. 41% of the respondents say that they are very comfortable talking about medications for physical health, but only 29% say that they are comfortable talking about medications that they are taking for mental health.
“It’s time we evolve the mainstream weight loss narratives that are outdated and tell us it’s our fault we aren’t losing weight,” says Dr. Rekha Kumar, chief medical officer at weight care platform, Found. “The science clearly shows that eating and exercise changes don’t address the biological components associated with weight, which is why medications can be extremely valuable in a weight loss journey.”
“Clinical evidence proves that medication in combination with lifestyle changes can result in up to an additional 7-10 percent total weight loss,” Kumar continues. “This survey validates that people are struggling to find effective and long-term weight loss solutions, with 37 percent looking for both a supportive community and access to a program that feels sustainable.”
