Millions of people in the UK may be attempting to manage one of the country’s biggest health challenges alone, according to new research by Phlo Clinic, a digital pharmacy and healthcare provider. The research, a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, explores people’s experiences with weight loss, from the challenges they face to where they feel support is lacking, both in everyday interactions and with access to expert advice.
The NHS reports that 64% of UK adults are overweight or obese, and the World Health Organisation recognises obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease. Yet the research may highlight a weight loss support gap, with the issue often framed as willpower despite being influenced by genetics, biology, environment and behaviour. As a result, weight loss may often take place in isolation, with one in five people (19%) saying there is not enough support and only 8% seeking help from GPs or doctors.
The pressures and motivations shaping weight loss journeys
Expectations around weight-loss progress may be a challenge for many people, with 27% saying results happened slower than expected. Emotional eating linked to stress is a challenge for 26%, while 21% report fatigue or burnout from their weight-loss efforts. Cycles of losing weight and regaining it may also play a role, with almost one in five (18%) saying they struggle with this, while 19% report that mental health or anxiety affects their progress.
With 42% choosing to lose weight on their own, the research also uncovered the top reasons behind this. The most common reason, cited by 24%, is having a sense of control. Only 17% say they chose to lose weight alone because they had previously been successful doing so, while 16% value the flexibility to manage their own routine. A further 15% say they prefer to keep their weight loss private, while 10% say concerns about judgement or stigma influenced their decision to lose weight alone.
Limited support in social situations may make weight loss harder
Social pressure may be a major factor shaping people’s weight-loss experiences, with 38% saying they frequently feel criticised about their weight or their attempts to lose weight, and 32% reporting being discouraged by comments or unsolicited advice from others.
The research also identifies social situations as a key challenge for people trying to manage their weight. More than a third of respondents (34%) say they feel uncomfortable refusing food at social occasions, while 37% report finding it difficult to avoid alcohol with friends or colleagues.
These pressures may make it harder for people to stick to lifestyle changes, with a further 44% saying they feel pressure to behave “normally” around food during social events.
Conflicting advice may leave people unsure where to seek support
Confusion around weight-loss advice may be another factor contributing to the support gap. More than a third of respondents (38%) say they have received conflicting advice about how to lose weight, while the same proportion say they do not know where to turn for expert support.
Despite the challenges people report, relatively few have accessed structured support. The study found that just 9% of respondents have worked with a trainer, coach, Dietitian or nutritionist, while only 7% have sought help from a GP or doctor. According to the research, 13% of Britons say they trust weight-loss advice simply because it is trending, while 10% are more likely to follow advice endorsed by an influencer.
Meanwhile, 35% say they are unsure about the kinds of support that would be most helpful for their weight loss. This may suggest that many people are not yet aware of, or able to access, the range of supervised weight-loss options available.
Dennis Ouko, Superintendent Pharmacist, Phlo Clinic, said “When people recover from illness or injury, support often comes from many directions. Yet when it comes to weight loss, our research shows many feel they have to manage it alone, despite the growing availability of weight loss services. This support gap is an overlooked issue that may make long-term weight management significantly harder, and closing the UK’s emerging weight loss support gap could play an important role in helping more people achieve their goals and live longer, healthier lives.
Ouko goes on to add “A key way to do this will be to educate people on the challenges of the disease and how it is influenced by a range of factors including genetics, environment, and behaviour, as well as the support options available to them. Consistent advice is also important. Reinforcing the message that long-term weight loss requires a combination of lifestyle changes and, for some people, medical intervention can help shift expectations away from short-term quick fixes that may achieve short-term results but are often quickly lost, leading to the frustrating cycle many people experience.”
Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-checking-weight-on-scales-in-studio-6975466/
