<p>If you&#8217;re interested in the latest trends, success rates, and analysis of weight loss statistics, you&#8217;ve landed in the right place. This blog gives you an overview of the current weight loss landscape and what you need to know to make informed decisions about your health and weight loss strategies.</p><p>We explore the annual number of Americans who want to lose weight. We also break down the strategies and outcomes associated with <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/specialty/weight-loss/ target="_blank">weight loss</a> to give you a transparent look at what works, what doesn’t, and the common hurdles individuals face.&nbsp;</p><div data-elementor-type="page" data-elementor-id="19916" class="elementor elementor-19916" data-elementor-post-type="elementor_library"><section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6601feb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="6601feb" data-element_type="section" data-settings="{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}"><div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"><div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7151370f" data-id="7151370f" data-element_type="column"><div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"><section class="elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-7c63a75d elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="7c63a75d" data-element_type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}"><div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"><div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-64949213" data-id="64949213" data-element_type="column" data-settings="{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}"><div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-44f1a740 elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="44f1a740" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"><div class="elementor-widget-container"><p class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default"><strong>Is weight loss medication right for you? Find a provider and find out.</strong></p></div></div><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1766dd6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="1766dd6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"><div class="elementor-widget-container"><div class="elementor-spacer"><div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div></div></div></div><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-404cd081 elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-align-center elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="404cd081" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset_mobile&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset_mobile&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0}" data-widget_type="button.default"><div class="elementor-widget-container"><div class="elementor-button-wrapper"><a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-md" href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss%20 target="_blank"><span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper"><span class="elementor-button-text">Book an appointment</span></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div></div></section></div><p>Whether you&#8217;re a healthcare professional, a fitness enthusiast, or someone on the path to better health, this data provides powerful insight into why people are trying to lose weight in the U.S.</p><p>When you’re done learning these valuable weight loss statistics, <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss target="_blank">find a provider</a> on Klarity Health who’s experienced in weight loss treatment and ready to help you achieve your goals.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_How_many_Americans_are_overweight?'>How many Americans are overweight?</h2><p>Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. (30.7%) are classified as overweight, and over two-fifths (41.9%) are considered to have obesity in 2017– March 2020. These classifications are based on body mass index (BMI) measurements, with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicating overweight status and a BMI of 30 or higher signifying obesity.&nbsp;</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_What_gender_is_most_overweight?'>What gender is most overweight?</h2><p>When examining obesity rates by gender, data reveals that 34.1% of men are overweight compared to 27.5% of women. However, severe obesity is more common among women, with 11.5% affected versus 6.9% of men. This suggests that while men are slightly more likely to be overweight, women have a higher likelihood of severe obesity, per BMI standards.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_How_many_Americans_try_to_lose_weight_each_year?'>How many Americans try to lose weight each year?</h2><p>Between 2013 and 2016, the U.S. population was about 320 million, and 49.1% of U.S. adults tried to lose weight in the preceding 12 months. This statistic underscores a significant interest in weight loss across the U.S. population, reflecting widespread health and wellness concerns.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_What_age_group_is_the_most_overweight?'>What age group is the most overweight?</h2><p>In examining obesity across different age groups, middle-aged adults (aged 40 to 59) have the highest rate of obesity at 44.3%. This is closely followed by older adults (aged 60 and older) at 41.5% and younger adults (aged 20 to 39) at 39.8%.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_What_age_group_is_most_likely_to_try_to_lose_weight?'>What age group is most likely to try to lose weight?</h2><p>The number of people trying to lose weight varies by age, with 49.7% of young adults aged 20 to 39 and 52.4% of middle-aged adults aged 40 to 59 trying to lose weight. In contrast, 42.7% of older adults aged 60 and over tried to lose weight, meaning younger and middle-aged populations are trying to lose weight more.&nbsp;</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Are_men_or_women_more_likely_to_try_to_lose_weight?'>Are men or women more likely to try to lose weight?</h2><p>A notable gender difference exists when it comes to trying to lose weight, with 56.4% of women attempting to lose weight compared to 41.7% of men. This difference is consistent across all age groups and races, highlighting a higher tendencyamong women to try and lose weight.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_What_are_the_most_common_ways_people_try_to_lose_weight?'>What are the most common ways people try to lose weight?</h2><p>The most common self-reported way to try and lose weight is a combination of diet and exercise. A majority, 62.9%, used exercise and reduced food intake as their primary strategy.&nbsp;</p><p>The next most popular way to lose weight is eating more fruits, vegetables, and salads, which was the chosen way for 50.4% of respondents. Other methods include increasing water consumption (44.7%) and reducing junk or fast food intake (42.4%).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This data underscores the trend of combining multiple weight loss strategies, with a significant 88.3% of participants reporting they use 2 or more methods to lose weight.</p><p>In a study done in July 2023 about new prescription weight loss medications, nearly half of the adults (45%) expressed wanting to use <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/are-weight-loss-pills-safe/ target="_blank">safe and effective prescription drugs</a> for weight loss. That willingness went up to 59% among those currently trying to lose weight. However, enthusiasm dropped from 23 and 16%, respectively, for routine weight loss injections and medications not covered by insurance.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_How_likely_is_it_to_regain_weight_after_weight_loss?'>How likely is it to regain weight after weight loss?</h2><p>Regaining weight after losing it is common. Studies show that people regain more than half of the weight they in 2 years. By 5 years, they regain more than 80% of the weight.²</p><p>The data suggests that keeping weight off is a constant struggle, requiring sustained behavioral changes and long-term strategies beyond initial weight loss interventions.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Get_help_with_weight_loss_from_a_provider_on_Klarity_Health'>Get help with weight loss from a provider on Klarity Health</h2><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss target="_blank">Find a provider</a> on Klarity Health today for losing weight and keeping it off. </p><div class="wp-block-klarity-faq-section k-cmp k-section cmp-faq-section cmp-layout--default cmp-style--undefined" data-layout="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-head"></div><div class="k-section-content"><dl class="k-faq-list"><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3><strong>Sources</strong></h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p>M.R.P. National Center for Health Statistics. “Attempts to Lose Weight Among Adults in the United States, 2013–2016.” Crescent B. Martin, M.P.H., M.A., Kirsten A. Herrick, Ph.D., M.Sc., Neda Sarafrazi, Ph.D., and Cynthia L. Ogden, Ph.D. July 2018. <a href=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db313.htm target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db313.htm</a><br><br>National Library of Medicine. “Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity.” Kevin D. Hall, Ph.D. and Scott Kahan, M.D., MPH. January 2018. <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5764193/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5764193/</a><br><br>KFF. “KFF Health Tracking Poll July 2023: The Public’s Views Of New Prescription Weight Loss Drugs And Prescription Drug Costs.” Alex Montero, Grace Sparks, Ashley Kirzinger, Isabelle Valdes, and Liz Hamel. Aug. 4, 2023. <a href=https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-july-2023-the-publics-views-of-new-prescription-weight-loss-drugs-and-prescription-drug-costs/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-july-2023-the-publics-views-of-new-prescription-weight-loss-drugs-and-prescription-drug-costs/</a><br><br>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adult Obesity Facts.” May 17, 2022. <a href=https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html</a><br><br>National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Overweight &amp; Obesity Statistics.” September 2021. <a href=https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity</a></p></dd><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3>How we reviewed this article</h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p>This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the editorial and medical review process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.</p></dd></dl></div></div></div><ol></ol><div class="wp-block-klarity-disclaimer-section k-cmp k-section cmp-disclaimer-section cmp-style--default" data-style="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-content"><p>*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.<br><br>The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.</p><p><br>If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.</p></div></div></div>

Dr. Zoe Russell

Weight loss statistics: What you need to know in 2024

How many Americans try to lose weight each year?

What age group is most likely to try to lose weight?

Are men or women more likely to try to lose weight?

What are the most common ways people try to lose weight?

How likely is it to regain weight after weight loss?

Get help with weight loss from a provider on Klarity Health