US Weight Management Trends Report 2024

This report discusses current weight management trends, focusing on the consumer perspective of managing weight. Providing market dynamics, consumer data with analysis, and innovation opportunities, this report can open the door to a powerful insight strategy for your business.

Weight Management – Current Trends

82% of American adults are engaged in some form of weight management. Health needs, motivations, and emotional factors differ widely across different demographics such as BMI, age, and gender, highlighting the growing need for personalized approaches to overcome key obstacles. In response, brands are crafting innovative solutions by leveraging AI and customized nutritional support to deliver comprehensive weight management offerings.

GLP-1 medications have sparked significant interest across the industry, prompting discussions about their ability to transform healthcare and weight management strategies. Despite notable advancements, accessibility challenges currently hamper their growth. Users of these treatments require substantial nutritional and emotional support, presenting brands with an opportunity to engage with this expanding market early.

Weight Management Statistics

• Weight management market context: GLP-1 medications are popular for weight management, with 15% of US adults who are managing their weight utilizing the medication. Yet, consumers face challenges in cost and supply shortages. Shortages are likely to persist, leaving key groups at a disadvantage, particularly as cost and insurance coverage restrictions limit access.
• Weight management market insight: 82% of US adults are actively managing their weight. This opens the door for weight management solutions, particularly in the weight loss segment. While women tend to focus on weight loss, increasing with age, younger men are aiming to gain weight. Many younger men want to use exercise to gain weight and ‘bulk’, with 20% of male Gen Z stating a desire to gain weight.
• Weight management market analysis: Those trying to lose weight face barriers, and “food noise” is a term now used to describe a key difficulty—achieving satiety. Two-thirds find it hard to feel satisfied after meals, with thoughts and cravings, or “food noise”, interrupting goals to lose weight. Brands can emphasize fiber and protein in their products, satisfying the growing demand for natural fullness solutions.

US Weight Management Trends Report – What’s Inside?

Key Topics Analyzed in the Report

• Common barriers to weight management success
• Key factors sought after when selecting a weight loss program
• Innovative strategies in weight management marketing
• The role of AI in personalized weight management solutions
• The rising popularity and challenges of GLP-1 medications
• Consumers growing awareness of “food noise”
• Emotional and health-related motivations in weight management

Report Scope

“Weight management” is defined as an eating or drinking regimen with the goal of losing, maintaining, or gaining weight. This Report covers products and services that are used primarily for weight control (weight loss and weight management).

“BMI” (body mass index) is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. The BMI calculation used to categorize respondents in this study is as follows:

• (weight in pounds x 703) / (height in inches x height in inches

Standard BMI classifications are:

• Underweight: 18.5 or less
• Healthy weight: 18.5 to 24.99
• Overweight: 25 to 29.99
• Obese: 30+

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by Lindsay Cameron. Lindsay joined Mintel in 2023 as a Health and Wellness Research Analyst. She has a master’s in Marketing Research from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s in Marketing from Arizona State University. Prior to joining Mintel, she conducted consumer research for a DTC ad agency and began her career in pet retail.

GLP-1 meds could revolutionize weight management, but face access challenges. Personalized strategies are key for increasingly diverse health and emotional needs.

Lindsay Cameron
Analyst, Health & Wellness