Weight loss statistics 2024

One-third of people living in the U.S. have obesity, and 50-70% wish to engage in a weight loss program

By Kristina Iavarone | Updated on Jan. 24, 2024 Medically reviewed by Josephine Bawab, Pharm.D.

Weight loss can have health benefits for people who have a high body mass index (BMI) or obesity. Healthcare providers may recommend it for those with a long-term condition or those undergoing surgery that requires anesthesia.

Different weight loss programs exist and may include workout exercises and healthy eating habits. Sometimes, people may also need to take weight management medications, in the form of tablets or injectables, to help them achieve a healthy weight.

What is weight loss?

Weight loss refers to the reduction in body weight that can be “achieved by creating a calorie deficit through a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity, and lifestyle modifications,” according to Sophia Turner, dietitian, fitness coach, and co-founder of SlimEtc.

Some people may prefer exercising independently, while others may decide to join a weight-loss program, such as Weight Watchers. Weight-loss programs should include regular physical activity, a nutritious diet plan, and a realistic weight-loss goal. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, n.d.)

The American Heart Association suggests engaging in moderate activity for 150 minutes weekly. This type of exercise causes an increase in heart rate and may include:

Brisk walking
Cycling
Swimming
Water aerobics

(American Heart Association, 2017)

Dietitians may recommend losing weight if someone has obesity or other health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. Sometimes, unexpected or unintentional weight loss can happen in those who:

have a long-term health condition
take medications that may cause nausea or anorexia, such as antibiotics or metformin
have a mental health condition, such as depression or dementia

(CMAJ, 2005)l.

How common is weight loss?

A weight loss program may be part of a treatment plan for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or prediabetes. (NIDDK, 2018)
A 7.9% increase was reported in the number of adults who tried to lose weight between 1999-2000 and 2015-2016. (Diabetes and Endocrinology, 2019)
Intermittent fasting is a type of plan that involves eating and fasting during specific times. Fasting 10–16 hours may help people lose weight and reduce body fat, as the body may convert fats into energy and release ketones into the blood. (Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2013)

Weight loss statistics in the U.S.

Nearly 50% of U.S. adults attempted weight loss between 2013-2016. (CDC, 2018).
Adults tend to exercise and reduce their food intake to lose weight. Aerobic exercises may be best for those with obesity. These involve rhythmic movements of large muscle groups that help strengthen the cardiovascular system and may include cycling, swimming, and walking. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.)
Only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 adolescents do aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d., 2018)
One-third of people living in the U.S. have obesity, and 50-70% wish to engage in a weight loss program. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2012)

Weight loss statistics by sex

Between 2013-2016, 56.4% of women and 41.7% of men tried to lose weight. (CDC, 2018)
Women may take longer than men to lose weight, as men have more muscle mass and burn more calories. (Office on Women’s Health, 2021)
Most of the time, women lose weight to help improve their self-esteem. (American Journal of Men’s Health, 2017)
Women are more likely to join an organized weight loss program than men. (American Journal of Men’s Health, 2017)
A healthy low-carb diet seems more effective than a healthy low-fat diet to help men lose weight and fat. (International Journal of Obesity, 2021)

Weight loss statistics by race and ethnicity

Non-Hispanic White women who are married and come from a high-income household may lose more weight than African American women. (Ethnicity & Disease, 2018)
Mexican-Americans that have lost weight, have a higher prevalence of weight gain than non-Hispanic Whites. (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2017)
Non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanic adults are more likely to engage in interventions to lose weight than non-Hispanic Asian adults. (CDC, 2018)

Weight loss statistics by age

Children motivated by their families have a higher chance of losing weight than those who do not receive any support. (Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity, 2014)
Eight percent of adults admitted to the outpatient department lost weight unintentionally. (CMAJ, 2005)

Weight loss statistics by weight status

Adults and children who believe they are overweight tend to try and lose weight more than those without this perception. (Obesity Reviews, 2018)
Between 2009-2014, 57.85% of adults who tried to lose weight were obese. (American Medical Association, 2017)
Research from 2015 found that people with a BMI of 30 or higher have difficulty maintaining weight loss. Only 1 in 8 men and 1 in 7 women achieved a 5% weight reduction in a year. (American Public Health Association, 2015)

Weight loss and overall health

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that around 70% of adults in the U.S. have obesity. Obesity can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, which can lead to life-threatening situations. (FDA, 2021) (WHO, n.d.)

To reduce the risk of heart disease, those who are overweight should aim to lose 5-10% of their body weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet.

The following are statistics that describe how weight loss can affect health complications:

Losing 5-10% of the total body weight can help improve blood sugar levels and control blood pressure. (CDC, 2022)
Losing 5-10% of the total body weight may help improve irregular menstrual cycles in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). (Health and Human Services, 2017)
Unintentional weight loss can be fatal and increase mortality rates. (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2003)
Physical activity can reduce the risk of cancers, including breast, colon, kidney, and bladder. (National Cancer Institute, 2020)
One study consisting of 40 participants with obesity found that bariatric surgery, a weight loss procedure, improved asthma symptoms in 48% of them. Those aged older than 50 experienced a 100% asthma remission. (Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 2012)

The cost of weight loss

The average cost of bariatric surgery is $17,000-$26,000. (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 2021)
In 2014, obesity-related costs were about $1.4 trillion. This mostly accounted for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and chronic back pain cases. (Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity Alliance, n.d.)
Every year, obesity-related costs amount to $173 in the U.S. (CDC, 2022)
The U.S. healthcare system pays around $173 billion per year on obesity. (CDC, 2022)
The price of a three-month YMCA fitness membership is up to $129. (Elsevier, 2018)
A family of four following the MyPlate Dietary Guideline diet can expect to pay an average of $12,000-$14,000 annually for groceries. The average cost per family varies based on the age of the family members and the percentage of fruits and vegetables that are fresh, frozen, or canned. This diet includes eating healthy fats, lean meats, and nuts, and reducing sugar intake. (Utah State University, n.d.)

Reasons for weight loss

Turner says that “when an individual’s BMI exceeds healthy ranges, losing

weight can help reduce the risk of various chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal issues.”

A healthy BMI range should be between 18.5-24.9. If it is 25 or higher, then the person is considered overweight or obese. (CDC, 2022)

People with obesity may have to lose weight before undergoing surgery. Here’s why:

Excess fat can increase tension and pressure on the wound: This prolongs the time the injury takes to heal.
It makes it easier for surgeons to use injectable anesthetic drugs: Fatty tissue can make it difficult to find veins or insert a breathing tube.
It reduces the risk of heart disease: The heart may have to pump harder to provide the body with blood and oxygen, which adds extra pressure to the body. People with obesity may have an increased risk of developing chest pain, stroke, or high blood pressure during surgery.

(University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2023)

Turner adds, “Athletes or individuals participating in specific sports may aim to

optimize their body composition to enhance performance. Weight loss strategies should be tailored to support performance goals without compromising overall health and nutrition.”

The International Society of Sports Nutrition states that athletes who train intensely for up to six hours daily may burn more than 600-1,200 calories or more per hour during exercise (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2018)

People interested in losing weight may find support from different organizations and services, including:

Online forums
Social media pages and groups
Clinic-based support groups run by psychologists and nutritionists
Smartphone apps
Commercial programs

Weight loss Medications

Weight loss medications may be an option if exercise is not enough and people do not see any improvement after changing their diet. These drugs help reduce cravings and make the individual feel fuller. These are available with a prescription and some can be bought over-the-counter (OTC).

The FDA has approved different weight-loss medications, including: (NIDDK, 2021)

Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone): Contains bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, to help reduce the satisfaction of eating. The drug is available in tablet form and is taken in the morning and in the evening. Side effects may occur, such as nausea, taste changes, and vomiting.
Saxenda (liraglutide): Is FDA-approved for weight management. It is a once-daily injection that may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg): Is approved for long-term weight management and is a single-dose injection. Healthcare professionals usually prescribe it for people with a BMI of 30 or higher and those with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure and a BMI of 27 or higher. It works best when accompanied by exercise and reduced calorie intake and is used once every week.

Some medications can be used off-label for weight loss, meaning that healthcare providers prescribe them for a different condition than what the FDA approves. Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg) is a Type 2 diabetes drug, but it can also be used as a weight loss medication. It is available as a weekly injection and the common side effects include nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Weight loss questions and answers

What is statistically the best way to lose weight?

Most adults achieve weight loss through exercise and following a low-calorie diet, according to the CDC. Sixty to ninety minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity can be effective if a person exercises on most days of the week. People can exercise for up to 90 minutes at one go or divide their workout into different sessions in one day. (CDC 2015)

What percentage of dieters keep the weight off?

Most people regain weight after weight loss. Only 10% keep the weight off and reach a successful weight loss goal. (University of Michigan, 2017)

What percentage of people fail to lose weight?

Most people fail to lose weight. Research shows that they lose 10% of their body weight but regain most of it within one year. They regain all their weight within 5 years. (Health Psychology Open, 2021)

A 2009 study suggests that young individuals may be more likely to lose weight after undergoing bariatric surgery. The rate of those who failed to lose weight was 15%. (Surgical Endoscopy, 2009)

What is the biggest factor in weight loss?

An important factor that people may consider when trying to lose weight is the food they eat. Low-calorie and low-carbohydrate recipes are practical for those seeking a weight management solution. (Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 2021)

It may also help to eat foods high in protein. These may support bone health in older adults and reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis. (Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 2020)