Nearly 4 in 5 (78%) Americans say it’s possible to love your body and still want to lose weight.
That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 Americans trying to lose weight, and about half (51%) said they felt or experienced body embarrassment because of their weight.
The most common are friends (51%), partners or spouses (46%), family members (45%) or doctors (40%).
After experiencing body shaming, respondents said they felt they lacked willpower (60%), blamed themselves (55%), and were lazy (52%).
So, no matter how restrictive or unreasonable the approach may sound, it’s no surprise that the majority (65%) will try to do something to lose weight.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of WeightWatchers (WW), the study explored how Americans think about trying to lose weight, including how culture, society and the environment influence their mindset.
77% of respondents say having a community of like-minded people is important along with accountability (73%), but are reluctant to share their weight loss journey with others Some people have reported that
In fact, more than half (56%) say their journey is a personal experience they want to keep private, and 45% avoid sharing it to avoid the shame of wanting to lose weight.
“Weight-based stigma is pervasive and harmful in our society. This stigma and insult is cruel and harmful. Neither will help you succeed in your weight loss journey. “It’s important to see travel as something you do for yourself, not against yourself.”
Minimizing the risk of other health problems associated with weight gain was the top motivation for weight loss for the majority of respondents (69%).
This was followed by improved self-esteem and confidence (65%), and looking and feeling great (62%).
The survey also explored how Americans think about themselves and their weight loss journey.
Exercise and diet topped the list as two key factors, but 85% agreed that mindset is important when trying to lose weight.
When it comes to how people think, nearly two-thirds (63%) believe they’re more likely to focus on what’s not working than what’s working.
Still, when faced with setbacks in their weight loss journey, 75% are more likely to speak negatively to themselves than to their friends.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) also expect setbacks to happen regularly, but 76% agree that obstacles and setbacks make them feel discouraged and want to give up.
This is due to barriers such as respondents having too much going on in their lives and losing focus (55%), being too restrictive (53%), and having no community or support system (41%). This may be due to facing
“Diet and activity are important for weight loss, but your mindset is most important and will drive your long-term success,” Dr. Foster added. That’s key to making your weight loss journey positive rather than punitive. Self-compassion always trumps self-criticism.”
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