Survey Reveals Weight Loss Aspirations Fueling Billion-Dollar Market

Sun 2nd Feb, 2025

A recent international survey has highlighted a significant trend in Europe and North America: the desire to lose weight is creating a multi-billion-dollar market across various sectors, including fitness, food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Commissioned by Strategy& and conducted by the research firm Appinio, the survey involved 2,150 participants from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. It revealed that over half of the respondents attempted to shed pounds in the past year. Specifically, 700 individuals from Germany participated in the study.

While more than 70% of participants reported that they preferred exercising as a method for weight loss, a notable portion also invested in calorie-reduced foods, dietary supplements, and weight loss medications. The survey determined that over 61% of respondents, including those from Germany, classified themselves as overweight, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) threshold set by the German Obesity Society, which considers a BMI of 25 or higher as overweight.

Among those surveyed, approximately 71% had attempted weight loss through increased physical activity, while 29% indicated that they had purchased calorie-reduced products. Additionally, nearly 25% reported taking dietary supplements, and about 13% had used non-prescription weight loss medications.

The survey also examined participants' willingness to invest in their weight loss goals. Nearly 40% expressed a readiness to spend up to 100 euros per month, with some willing to invest even more. However, the survey indicated that this financial commitment has limits, as only 14% were prepared to continue funding their weight loss efforts for more than a year.

According to Strategy&, the weight loss market in the U.S. and Europe is estimated to be worth around $400 billion. This estimate encompasses a wide range of options, including food and dietary supplements, medical products, fitness programs, counseling, therapy, and even surgical interventions.

This emerging market reflects a growing awareness of health and wellness among consumers, who are increasingly seeking effective solutions to achieve their weight loss objectives. As the demand for weight management products and services continues to grow, various industries are poised to capitalize on this lucrative opportunity.


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