One goal at a time. (© rangizzz - stock.adobe.com)
NEW YORK — Thanksgiving has come and gone, and many Americans now have one thing on their minds — losing weight! While you might think the average person has their sights on dropping five or 10 pounds, it turns out people actually have some lofty goals for 2025. A new poll finds that the average person trying to lose weight actually wants to drop 29 pounds.
Overall, four in five adults who are trying to lose weight are eager to reach their goal as soon as possible (81%). The survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who are trying to lose weight found that even with this desire to reach their weight loss goals, 79% understand that it’s an ongoing process that requires consistent attention and effort.
Conducted by Talker Research for Medifast, the survey also found that the average American has tried to lose weight on three separate occasions in the past five years, with one in five (21%) saying they have tried at least five different times.
In their excitement to get skinny, respondents also shared some of the bad habits they’ve found themselves following, like turning to a “quick fad” for weight loss (44%). More than half even admitted they would prioritize losing weight by any means (51%).
Reaching their weight loss goal is important for respondents, as many describe it as an emotional journey — for some, more so than a breakup (24%), moving (19%), or managing their finances (19%). These feelings have left most feeling frustrated at a lack of progress or results (74%).
The hurdles of their weight loss journey have left more than a third unsure or feeling dejected about whether or not they have the tools they need to see true results (37%).
“While weight loss medications can be a useful tool in achieving one’s weight loss goals, it’s crucial to remember that they are just one piece of the puzzle, and a balanced approach should always be the priority,” says Dan Chard, chairman and chief executive officer of Medifast, in a statement. “With the rising interest in GLP-1s, there’s an increasing need for support beyond medications, particularly in nutrition and lifestyle.”
When asked about weight loss medication, a little over half of U.S. adults trying to lose weight said they’re familiar with these options (55%) and 38% of those respondents have used them. Weight loss medications have been successful on a third of respondents’ weight loss journeys (31%).
Even more adults trying to lose weight said they would consider using these medications if they were easily accessible (57%) and noted barriers that stand in their way, like cost (56%) and availability (34%). Still, a majority of respondents realize that weight loss medications are more effective when used alongside lifestyle changes (65%).
Thinking about their own long-term goals, 45% agree that weight loss medication on its own won’t allow them to get there. Even with the extra help from weight loss medications, Americans in the survey would commit to lifestyle changes like healthy eating (73%), regular exercise (72%), and quality sleep (55%) to achieve their goals.
The survey also found that three-quarters agree that consistently working towards one’s health goals has more lasting results than using weight loss shortcuts (73%).
“Maintaining weight loss is about developing and sustaining healthy habits,” adds Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RDN and vice president of scientific and clinical affairs at Medifast. “Research shows that consistent effort and a focus on lifestyle behavioral changes contribute to more positive outcomes than short-term solutions. It’s about making small, manageable changes that you can stick with over time.”
“By fostering a supportive community and offering guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes, we empower individuals to take control and navigate their health journey, making healthy living an intuitive part of their lifestyle rather than a burdensome task. This, in our experience, is the key to success in weight management.”
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who are trying to lose weight; the survey was commissioned by Medifast and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 2 and May 8, 2024.
