The pursuit of weight management is a widespread phenomenon in American society. Discussions about body weight, nutrition, and exercise are ubiquitous, reflecting a national focus on health and physical appearance. Understanding the number of people actively trying to lose weight provides context for the scale of the wellness industry and public health initiatives. Examining population data helps quantify this pervasive effort and reveal who is taking action.
The Current Estimated Prevalence
Nearly half of all adults in the United States report that they have actively tried to lose weight within a recent 12-month period. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2013–2016 indicated that 49.1% of American adults were engaged in this effort. This figure represents a significant portion of the population, reflecting a persistent focus on weight control across the country. This measurement is based on self-reporting, meaning individuals confirm they took some form of action with the specific intent to reduce their weight.
Operationalizing “Weight Loss Attempt”
The percentage of Americans trying to lose weight is derived from survey methodology, relying on a precise, self-reported definition of “attempt.” Researchers quantify this effort by asking participants a direct question, such as whether they have tried to lose weight in the past year. This approach captures any self-directed action, regardless of its intensity, duration, or success. The classification is distinct from “weight maintenance,” where the goal is to prevent weight gain rather than achieve a net loss. The resulting prevalence figure reflects behavioral intent and self-perception, which may not always align with sustained, clinically significant weight loss.
Strategies Most Frequently Utilized
When Americans commit to losing weight, they overwhelmingly rely on behavioral modifications related to diet and physical activity. The most commonly reported strategies are exercising and consuming less food or fewer calories, with both methods cited by approximately 63% of adults attempting weight loss. This twin focus on energy expenditure and energy intake forms the foundation of most self-directed weight loss efforts.
Dietary changes extend beyond general calorie reduction to include specific modifications to food choices. About half of those trying to lose weight report actively increasing their consumption of fruits, vegetables, and salads, while a similar proportion attempts to cut back on fast food and junk food. Close to 90% of people report using two or more different strategies simultaneously, indicating a multifaceted approach. Less common, but increasingly utilized, are medical and professional interventions, such as joining formal weight loss programs, seeking nutritional counseling, or using prescription weight loss medications. These professional-assisted methods represent a growing segment of the weight loss landscape.
Variations Across American Demographics
The overall national percentage of Americans trying to lose weight masks significant differences when examining specific demographic groups. Gender is a notable differentiator, with women reporting much higher rates of weight loss attempts (56.4%) compared to men (41.7%). This disparity holds true across nearly all age categories. Age also presents a distinct pattern, with the highest prevalence observed among middle-aged adults (40 to 59 years old), followed by younger adults (20 to 39). Weight loss attempts are least common among adults aged 60 and older.
Efforts to lose weight are also linked to socioeconomic status and education level, tending to increase with higher family income and educational attainment. Differences exist across racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Asian adults report lower rates of weight loss attempts (41.4%) compared to other groups who hover near the national average.