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Weight is Weighing on the Majority of Americans, Survey Finds
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Weight is Weighing on the Majority of Americans, Survey Finds

Hims & Hers Shape of America report
A new report from Hims & Hers reveals the hidden impact of obesity on everything from household economics to self-worth, as weight loss medications continue to capture consumer attention and wallet share

As 2025 approaches and many Americans set intentions and resolutions for the new year, their weight is undeniably on their minds, according to Hims & Hers. 

While this may not seem like a stunning revelation—especially since a new year often prompts consumers to head to the gym and/or fill their grocery carts with healthier options, at least for a few weeks—a new report from the health and wellness platform highlights just how significant the issue of weight is for Americans.

The report, The Shape of America, is based on an online survey of 5,000 respondents aged 18 and older and demonstrates how the desire for weight loss has permeated all aspects of life, from household economics to self-worth.

Underscoring that weight is indeed a top concern for Americans, Hims & Hers reveals that 75% of Americans think about their weight every day, with 14% admitting it is a constant concern. 

Other findings from the report reveal that 85% of Americans believe at least one major area of their life would improve if they lost weight, while 83% acknowledge they are not at their desired weight. Over half (59%) agree or somewhat agree that their entire life would improve with weight loss, and 54% say their mood fluctuates based on the number on the scale.

On average, Americans would like to lose 42 pounds, and 77% are open to trying a weight loss method they haven’t yet explored. The desire to lose weight also has an economic impact: 81% of Americans say they would save money on household expenses if they lost weight.

The report also explores the connection between mental health and excess weight, revealing that 85% of individuals with obesity say their weight has negatively impacted their daily lives, making them more likely to skip work or withdraw from activities and goals.

Hims & Hers’ findings contrast with the body positivity movement (a point it acknowledges) and show that Gen Z survey participants report experiencing more body stigma, shame and trauma than older generations. Over half (54%) of Gen Z respondents admit to feeling, or having felt, inferior to others because of their weight.

The statistics from the Gen Z cohort could help explain why young consumers are seemingly more invested in health, fitness and wellness than older generations.  

Weight Loss Medication Market Continues to Surge

The results of the report stand out against the backdrop of rising weight loss medications—industry-disrupting drugs that are helping Americans to slim down, despite their often high costs.

It’s an area that Hims & Hers is now invested in, having ventured into the weight loss medication arena this year with compounded GLP-1 injections and weight loss pills. Last month, the platform issued a white paper demonstrating that its program has been successful, with 87% of its customers working toward, nearing or have already met their weight loss goal

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Hims & Hers-branded GLP-1 drugs
credit: Hims & Hers

It’s undoubtedly been a money-maker for Hims & Hers, as well. The company revealed in May that its weight loss offering is tracking to surpass $100 million in revenue by the end of 2025 and is growing faster than any specialty in its history. For the third quarter of 2024, Hims & Hers reported revenue of $401.6 million, a remarkable 77% increase year-over-year, and revealed that its subscriber base grew to 2 million, marking a 44% rise.

Impressive numbers, considering that access to branded GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic) remains a struggle for many Americans due to shortages, particularly in states where obesity rates are higher. That’s a secondary area Hims & Hers is trying to correct, having introduced a GLP-1 Supply Tracker for individuals to share their experience and provide a clear picture to the Food and Drug Administration of the demand for the popular medications. 

“Our customers have demonstrated a clear gap in supply and demand, so we’re making it easy for everyone to share their experience and be a part of advocating for better access to the medications they need,” Hims & Hers CEO and co-founder Andrew Dudum said. “Part of our responsibility to the millions of customers who trust us with their healthcare is to understand the scale of the challenges they face and use our platform to combat them.”

More recently, Hims & Hers launched high-protein meal replacement bars and shakes for customers either on GLP-1 medications or looking to manage their weight. 

Experts agree that relying solely on weight loss medication without correcting lifestyle habits may limit success long-term, opening the door for fitness and wellness companies to meet new needs. In the meantime, leading brands such as Life Time, Xponential’s Lindora, Equinox, Noom and Echelon are gearing up, as JP Morgan projects that around 9% of the U.S. population (30 million) will eventually become a GLP-1 user in just six short years.

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