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
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Executive Summary
- What you need to know
- Market predictions
- What consumers want & why
- Opportunities
- Help weight loss efforts by reducing food distractions and increasing fullness
- Make weight management more personal with AI
- Leverage bariatric tools in GLP strategies to enhance support
- Graph 1: intrest in select weight management methods, by BMI, 2024
- Leverage bariatric aids in GLP strategies to enhance support
- GLP-1 users turn to VMS solutions for a variety of health solutions, going beyond just general health
- Graph 2: select attitudes and behaviours toward VMS usage, by current GLP-1 medication usage, 2024
- Graph 3: primary reasons for VMS product usage, by current GLP-1 medication usage, 2024
- Brands can engage former GLP-1 users through targeted messaging and more affordable alternatives
- Noom unveils the “Taper-Off Guarantee” for users aiming to gradually stop their medication for longer lasting results
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Market Dynamics
- Market context
- Market drivers
- Although consumer prices have decreased, sentiment remains low
- Graph 4: consumer sentiment index, 2022-24
- Graph 5: headline CPI and shelter CPI, 2021-24
- The aging population requires support
- Accessibility is a major obstacle to those looking to use GLP-1 medications
- Ro takes the guesswork out of GLP-1 access for interested users
- Body positivity doesn’t mean anti-weight loss
- Market share/brand share
- Abbott and Bellring Brands lead the growing weight management category
- Premier Protein growth is boosted by product expansion
- Fairlife ramps up production to meet demand
- Traditional weight loss brands continue to struggle to regain footing
- Sales of weight management products by company
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Consumer Insights
- Consumer fast facts
- GLP-1s are gaining attention, but aren’t revolutionizing weight loss
- GLP-1 medications put more focus on “food noise”
- Weight management brands are using and educating about food noise to connect with consumers
- Self-reported weight
- The prevalence of overweight and obesity is extensive
- Graph 6: body mass index, 2024
- Men and women have similar self-reported weight estimates
- Graph 7: body mass index, by gender, 2024
- Older adults lead in weight loss efforts as population ages
- Graph 8: body mass index, by age group, 2024
- Weight management status and goals
- Majority of US adults are trying to manage their weight
- Graph 9: weight management status, 2024
- BMI indicates weight management status
- Graph 10: weight management status, by BMI, 2024
- Weight management is significantly influenced by both age and gender
- Graph 11: weight management status, by age and generation, 2024
- Women’s lifestage and health challenges can make weight loss harder, but not impossible
- Young men are focused on weight gain
- Graph 12: weight management status, by age and generation, 2024
- Measurable outcomes play a key role in weight loss goals
- Graph 13: weight loss goals, 2024
- Women tend to focus on goals tied to emotion, while men focus on exercise
- Graph 14: weight loss goals, by gender, 2024
- Goals shift from fitness to nutrition with age
- Graph 15: weight loss goals, by generation, 2024
- Methods used for weight management
- Most adults manage their weight through exercise and self-managed dietary plans
- Graph 16: method of weight management, 2024
- Offer clear nutritional guidance and champion healthy, positive lifestyle choices for younger generations
- Graph 17: currently utilizing outside guidance for weight management, by generation, 2024
- Nourish combines telehealth, nutrition experts, and TikTok to maximize younger consumers’ health insurance benefits
- Embrace older generations’ DIY approach to weight management
- Graph 18: currently follow their own diet plan to manage weight, by generation, 2024
- Brands can bridge cost barriers by tapping into affordable GLP-1 alternatives
- Graph 19: current useage and intrest in GLP-1 medications for weight management, by age and income, 2024
- More-affordable GLP-1 alternatives
- Weight management motivations
- People aiming to manage their weight are primarily driven by the desire for a confidence boost, regardless of their specific goals
- Graph 20: motivations for weight loss, 2024
- Overweight Americans are most motivated by the emotional aspects of weight loss, while obesity amplifies health-related motivations
- Graph 21: motivations for weight loss, by BMI, 2024
- Motivate older adults to achieve weight loss through health benefits
- Graph 22: health related motivations for weight loss, by generation, 2024
- Empower younger women and elevate confidence for older ones
- Graph 23: emotional motivations for weight loss, by gender and age, 2024
- GLP-1 medications emphasize the need to treat obesity as a health issue
- Barriers to weight management
- Cravings are the biggest barrier to managing weight
- Graph 24: top barriers to weight management, 2024
- Losing weight makes food noise louder
- Graph 25: select barriers to weight management, by weight management status, 2024
- Variety is the spice that younger consumers are looking for
- Graph 26: select barriers to weight management, by generation, 2024
- Turn to social media to make food choices more exciting and versatile
- Satisfy women 55+’s cravings with flavorful, low-calorie snacks and meals
- Graph 27: cravings as a barrier to weight management, by age and gender, 2024
- Weight solutions for parents need to emphasize practicality
- Graph 28: balancing responsibilities and nutrients as a barrier to weight management, by parental status, 2024
- Important factors for weight loss programs
- Holistic health and meal planning are the most sought after weight loss program features
- Graph 29: ranked factors for weight loss programs, 2024
- Connect with younger generations desire for total wellbeing and community
- Graph 30: ranked factors for weight loss programs NET – any rank, by generation, 2024
- Merge weight loss with holistic health benefits to motivate older adults
- Aid women in meal planning to alleviate their mental load
- Graph 31: meal planning as a top factor for weight loss programs NET- Any rank, by age and gender, 2024
- Go beyond recommending meal ideas with Ohai & Instacart
- Empower GLP-1 users by leading with expert guidance and community support
- Graph 32: professional guidance and community as a factor for weight loss programs NET – any rank, by GLP-1 medication usage, 2024
- Empower GLP-1 users by leading with expert guidance and community support
- Weight management attitudes and behaviors
- Helping consumers stick to their goals is key to weight management
- Graph 33: attitudes and behaviors toward weight management, 2024
- Offer younger consumers nutritious additions that support total wellbeing
- Graph 34: wellbeing and micronutrient attitudes toward weight management, by generation, 2024
- Satiety claims can offer weight loss consumers GLP-1 benefits without taking medications
- Graph 35: satiety attitudes toward weight management, by weight management status, 2024
- Empower moms with stress relief and practical solutions
- Graph 36: emotional stress as a hindrance to weight management, by parental status and gender, 2024
- Embracing comfort and acceptance toward GLP-1 medication usage
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Innovation and Marketing strategies
- Launch activity and innovation
- Nestlé takes first steps to support GLP-1 users
- GLP-1 users likely aren’t seeking healthier alternatives; they require nutritional support above all
- MyFitnessPal introduces new gut health nutrition plan and app features
- Marketing and advertising
- Mounjaro x Simone and Nellie Biles
- Premier Protein’s NYC popup “Scoop Shop”
- GNC positions itself as comprehensive GLP-support experts
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Appendix
- Market definition
- Consumer research methodology
- Generations
- Abbreviations and terms
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