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.

While family, friends, doctors, and even total strangers may focus on appearance and size, what people with obesity experience goes well beyond a surface reflection. Often people with obesity experience fatigue, low energy, or joint pain.

Survey respondents indicated that their most common symptoms of being obese or overweight were fatigue, low energy, joint pain, depression, and back pain. They reported an average of eight different symptoms in the past six months as a result of their weight.

Read more about results from the MyObesityTeam survey:

• Common Health Conditions in Those Who Are Overweight or Obese
• No One Way to Lose Weight
• Obesity and Victories Beyond the Scale
• The Impact of Obesity on Emotions and Social Behavior

Which of these symptoms have you experienced? What bothers you the most? Share your experience in the comments below.