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No One Way to Lose Weight

Posted on April 7, 2020

In late 2019, MyObesityTeam conducted a survey with 159 individuals in the United States who were diagnosed by a doctor as being obese or overweight. MyObesityTeam asked about the physical, social, and emotional impact that weight has on their lives; the health implications of being obese or overweight; and ways they have tried to lose weight.

MyObesityTeam shares the research results of our member surveys so our community can learn, collectively, from each others’ experiences.

Obesity has been associated with many other health conditions. According to Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, obesity has also been linked to discrimination, lower wages, lower quality of life, and an increased susceptibility to depression.

However, people have found losing weight to be very difficult for a variety of reasons, including:

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 8 in 10 Americans think that advice about how to eat right is conflicting and inconsistent.

In addition, people often try a number of different ways to lose weight, alone or with external help. According to the MyObesityTeam survey, 86 percent have tried diet or exercise on their own. In addition, 42 percent have tried using meal replacements, and 40 percent have tried commercial weight loss programs, such as Jenny Craig or WW (Weight Watchers).

MyObesityTeam members often wonder whether different approaches to weight loss are effective and safe. Survey results shed some light on this. Respondents consider counseling with a dietician, or dieting and exercising with a professional, to be the most safe, but not necessarily the most effective. In addition, respondents consider other approaches, particularly weight loss surgery, more effective than safe.
Read more about results from the MyObesityTeam survey:
What have you found to be the best way to lose weight? What are some challenges you’ve faced while trying to lose weight? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Heather Lapidus Glassner has over two decades of experience in market research. She has conducted social listening and quantitative survey research across a variety of conditions. Learn more about her here.

A MyObesityTeam Member

Weight loss for me is a complete challenge. I've been obese and yes I say obese since I was 12 or 13 years old. I was part of that generation where people were abusing you and no one was saying… read more

September 24
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >
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Do You Have Any Ideas To Motivate A Person To Become Healthier?

December 5, 2023 by A MyObesityTeam Member 1 answer

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