Four in five adults trying to lose weight are eager to reach their goal as quickly as possible (81%), according to a new study.
A survey of 2,000 American adults trying to lose weight found that even with this desire to achieve their weight loss goals79% understand that it is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and effort.
Currently, the average respondent is trying to lose 29 pounds.
Produced by Talker Research for MedifastThe survey found that the average respondent has tried to lose weight three times in the past five years, with one in five (21%) saying they have tried at least five different times.
In their excitement to achieve this, those surveyed also shared some of the bad habits they followed, such as turning to “fast fashion” to lose weight (44%), with more than half even admitting that they would give priority to weight loss by all means (51%).
Achieving their goal is important to respondents, as many describe it as an emotional journey – for some, more than a breakup (24%), moving (19%), or managing their finances (19%).
These feelings left most people frustrated with the lack of progress or results (74%).
Obstacles in their journey have left more than a third unsure or depressed about whether or not they have the tools they need to get results (37%).
“While weight loss drugs can be a useful tool in achieving one’s weight loss goals, it is crucial to remember that they are only one piece of the puzzle and a balanced approach should always be the priority,” said Dan Chard, President -general director of Medifast. “With the growing interest in GLP-1, there is a growing need for support beyond medications, particularly in nutrition and lifestyle, areas we have championed for over 40 years.
“We emphasize the importance of a holistic and comprehensive approach, incorporating community and coach support to help individuals achieve and maintain their weight loss goals. By integrating healthy habits that encompass nutrition, mindset and behavior change, and providing a community of support to help individuals stay motivated and accountable, we help people make the lifestyle changes of lives needed to ensure they feel empowered to live full and healthy lives.
When asked about weight-loss medications, just over half of U.S. adults trying to lose weight said they were aware of these options (55%), and 38% of those surveyed had used them.
Weight loss medications were effective on a third of respondents’ weight loss journeys (31%).
Additionally, adults trying to lose weight said they would consider using these medications if they were easily accessible (57%) and cited barriers like cost (56%) and availability (34%). .
However, the majority of those questioned realize that weight loss medications are more effective when used alongside lifestyle changes (65%).
When thinking about their own long-term goals, 45% agree that weight loss medications alone won’t get them there.
Even with the added help of weight loss medications, respondents would commit to lifestyle changes such as healthy eating (73%), regular physical activity (72%), and quality sleep (55%) to achieve their goals.
The survey also found that three-quarters of respondents agree that working systematically for their health yields more lasting results than taking advantage of time-saving opportunities (73%).
“Maintaining weight loss is about developing and maintaining healthy habits,” said Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RDN and vice president of scientific and clinical affairs at Medifast. “Research shows that consistent effort and focus on lifestyle behavior changes contribute to more positive outcomes than short-term solutions. It’s about making small, manageable changes that you can track over time.
“By fostering a supportive community and offering advice on nutrition, physical activity and behavior changes, we empower individuals to take control and follow their health journey, making it a way of healthy living an intuitive part of their lifestyle rather than a tedious task. In our experience, this is the key to weight management success.
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans trying to lose weight; the investigation was commissioned by Medifast and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 2 and 8, 2024.