What women seek in weight loss: the search for new approaches

A new study has found that the average woman tries to lose weight seven times over their lifespan — but fails six times.

The recent double-blinded poll of 2,000 U.S. women between the ages of 30 and 65 conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Boston Scientific (https://www.endura.com) found that 78% have tried to lose weight before, but many struggle to reach their weight loss goals.

Women who have tried to lose weight in the past shared numerous methods they’ve tried to reach their goals, including a healthier diet (78%), weight loss supplements (41%), weight loss beverages (39%) and fad diets (31%).

Results found some have also tried turning to modern medicine or procedures for weight loss: 14% reported trying GLP-1 medications and 7% tried either bariatric surgeries or endoscopic procedures.

Three in four women (74%) said weight loss is important to their personal overall health and wellbeing.

And for most who have tried to lose weight before, the biggest motivators were to maintain their appearance (65%), their physical health (63%) and their personal satisfaction (59%).

Many said they’re influenced to try new weight loss methods by doing their own personal research (42%) or seeking advice from healthcare professionals (34%).

Four in 10 (41%) admitted they’re unhappy with their current weight, and 43% said their weight has decreased their sense of self-confidence.

A third would consider a weight loss procedure or surgery. However, 48% have hesitations about it, stating they wouldn’t consider undergoing weight loss surgery to assist in reaching their goals.

People are just learning of the endobariatric options. Nearly half (47%) of those who have tried to lose weight before said they were not aware of minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures for weight loss and only 2% of them had undergone an endobariatric procedure.

But 51% said they’d be interested in learning more about it and what it can do for them. In fact, 74% who are unhappy with their weight believe it’s important that they have multiple options to choose from for weight loss.

“Losing weight is an extremely relatable goal among women and something most have tried to do at some point in their lives,” commented Reem Sharaiha, MD, MSc*, attending physician and director of endoscopy at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “It can be a challenging and overwhelming process that often involves many factors and motivators to be successful.

“It is important to understand that obesity is not anyone’s fault and can be multifactorial,” Sharaiha continued. “We need to treat obesity as a chronic condition requiring multiple different treatment options during different stages of a person’s life.”

Seven in 10 women who are unhappy with their current weight believe the ease of implementation and access is important when deciding on a new weight loss method.

Respondents unhappy with their current weight shared what they believe would help them achieve their weight loss goals more effectively: self-motivation (61%), improved finances and ability to afford weight loss treatments under insurance (37%), an increased focus on their health goals (33%), access to weight loss programs (30%) and access to weight loss procedures (27%).

“Endobariatric procedures may be an excellent option for women looking to lose weight and maintain their weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise,” continued Sharaiha. “For those who want to avoid weight loss medications and surgery, an endobariatric procedure can be an effective alternative to kickstart healthy weight loss. I encourage women to talk to their doctor to determine if this may be a good option for their weight loss journey.”

*Dr. Reem Sharaiha is a paid consultant of Boston Scientific Corporation. She has not been compensated in connection with this research or news copy.