Life Moments: The milestones that encourage us to lose weight

Key moments in life often push us to consider losing weight, whether it's preparing for a wedding, becoming a parent or simply wanting to feel better in your own skin. But what drives these ambitions? Is it personal goals, social pressures or the pursuit of better health?

In the UK, where nearly two-thirds of adults are classified as overweight or obese, weight loss has become more than just a personal choice – it's a growing public health concern. Obesity has a significant impact on the economy and the NHS, costing the UK’s healthcare system around £6.1 billion annually.

As a result, many are turning to weight-loss treatments to manage their weight. In the past year alone, 2.3 million weight-loss injections have been prescribed across the UK, highlighting the rising demand for medical solutions.

To get a clearer picture of the life moments that inspire us to lose weight, we surveyed over 2,000 UK adults to learn more about why we begin our weight-loss journeys and the pressures we all face to look and feel our best.

Here’s what we found out.

There are certain moments in life that incentivise us to lose weight and, according to our research, the top triggers are seeing an unflattering photo of ourselves (50%) and not fitting into our old clothes (50%).

Comments from family and friends also play a big role, with 1 in 5 (19%) respondents saying remarks about their weight led them to take action. Weddings are another big motivator, with 18% of respondents saying a wedding had encouraged them to lose weight, whether it was their big day or they were attending someone else’s.

Overall, 1 in 2 people (50%) believe that the pressure to lose weight has increased compared to ten years ago, possibly due to the ever-present influence of social media. After all, it’s easier than ever to be caught off guard by a picture that makes you stop and think.

When it comes to losing weight, most people start by making changes to their diet. 52% of those we surveyed said they tried to reduce their calorie intake, while others focused on eating a more balanced diet (42%), cutting down on sugars (38%), controlling their portion sizes (38%) or getting ahead of the week with meal planning (33%).

Interestingly, fewer UK adults turn to exercise as their primary weight-loss method. Just 33% of respondents reported doing cardio, and only 16% turn to strength training, despite these both being crucial components of a well-rounded approach to weight management.

It’s not surprising then that 30% of respondents admit that they have spent money on weight-loss programs or products that ultimately did not work for them.

Despite the struggles with traditional methods of losing weight, only 7% of people have tried medically backed treatments, like weight loss injections, even though clinical studies show these treatments can help you lose 15% of your starting weight.

A further 43% of respondents say they are open to trying medically supported weight-loss treatments. However, 25% of respondents say they have avoided seeking medical advice about their weight because they worry about being judged, which could explain why many Brits haven’t explored these options yet despite being curious.

Losing weight can be difficult, but for many, keeping the weight off is an even bigger challenge. According to our survey, the struggle for long-term success is all too common: 63% of respondents who had previously lost weight reported gaining it back.

When breaking down the data, 27% of respondents who managed to lose weight said they eventually regained some of it, while 22% reported they could only keep the weight off for less than a year. Perhaps even more frustrating, 14% of those who initially succeeded in losing weight said they ended up regaining all of it.

These results emphasise the difficulty of sustaining long-term weight loss. However, there is hope - 32% of those we surveyed said they had successfully kept the weight off, proving that, with consistent effort and support, it is possible to achieve lasting weight loss.

For many people, body weight isn’t just a physical thing - it affects various aspects of daily life, from going out and seeing friends to finalising plans.

Looking at the data, the emotional toll of body image is clear: 43% of the people in our survey said they avoid being in photos or videos because of their weight. This is even more pronounced among women, with 50% reporting that they avoid the camera compared to 32% of men.

Public spaces can also be a source of anxiety. 36% of respondents in our survey said that they avoid places like gyms or swimming pools due to feeling self-conscious about their weight. A further 65% of people said they steer clear of certain types of clothes. Women are particularly affected by this, with 73% avoiding certain outfits compared to 52% of men.

Weight concerns can also lead to social isolation. Nearly 1 in 3 people (28%) have avoided social events because of worries about their weight, and 16% have even cancelled or postponed a major event like a wedding because they hadn’t hit their weight target. Relationships are another area where weight plays a role. 29% of the UK adults in our survey said they feel their body weight has affected their relationships, and 22% believe it has stopped them from getting a date.

Even festive periods like Christmas can be stressful for those with weight-loss concerns. 31% of people find the increase in food and drink overwhelming, and 26% admit that they enjoy the holiday season less because of their weight.

The emotional toll of how we see ourselves doesn’t stop there. Almost half (49%) of those we surveyed said they feel ashamed of their weight, with this figure rising to 55% for women and dropping to 41% for men.

Losing weight isn’t just about knowing the right strategies. It’s about overcoming the challenges that stand in your way. Our research shows that for 37% of UK adults, the biggest barrier to weight loss is a lack of motivation. Keeping that motivation going is no easy task either, as 29% of respondents said their biggest struggle was not seeing results quickly enough, which can be discouraging.

Emotional eating is another common roadblock, affecting 31% of those we surveyed. This issue is slightly more common among women, with 36% identifying emotional eating as a hurdle compared to 34% of men.

Another significant barrier is getting enough exercise. About 22% of respondents said they struggle to engage in physical activity, making it harder for them to hit their weight-loss goals. Stress also plays a major role, with 21% of UK adults reporting it as their biggest obstacle.

When it comes to shedding the pounds, many people are willing to make sacrifices. According to our survey, the first thing most would give up to lose weight is takeaways, with 57% of respondents saying they would happily ditch their favourite fast food. Alcohol is next, with 45% reporting that they would willingly cut back on drinking to reach their goal weight.

Some are even prepared to sacrifice social activities, with 21% of UK adults saying they would go out less to stay on track. Smoking was another sacrifice for 20% of respondents, showing that some are ready to make significant lifestyle changes in pursuit of their ideal weight.

However, there are limits to what people are willing to give up. Only 10% of the people we surveyed said they would sacrifice sleep, and even fewer would give up time with loved ones. Just 7% said they would sacrifice time with their partner or family to lose weight.

Losing weight can be a challenging journey, but the benefits certainly make it worthwhile. According to our survey, for many the top reward is improving their physical appearance, with 23% of UK adults saying this was the best part of their weight loss experience.

Beyond looks, there are deeper, more poignant benefits. Achieving a healthier BMI is the next most valued advantage. This is closely followed by a boost in confidence (18%) and improved mental health (15%), highlighting just how positive a change weight loss can have on us, both inside and out.

With so many life moments influencing our desires to lose weight, it's important to focus on sustainable methods that lead to lasting success, whether it's through diet, exercise or medically supported treatments.

If you're ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey, or considering a medically backed weight-loss treatment, make sure you seek advice from a healthcare professional to explore your best options. With the right support, you can achieve the results you’re looking for and experience the many benefits that come with a healthier way of life.