Unlocking the potential in the expanding obesity and weight loss market
The obesity and weight loss industry is witnessing remarkable growth, fueled by increasing obesity rates linked to poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and various socio-economic factors. This market is diversifying with innovative diet foods, online programs, fitness equipment, and the emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, many weight loss efforts remain short-lived, often resulting in the "yo-yo" effect, where individuals regain the weight they initially lost.
This dynamic presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to convert the high, yet fleeting, consumer demand and willingness to invest in weight loss solutions into a sustainable, long-term journey towards weight management and effective obesity prevention. Beyond individual health and wellness, obesity poses a substantial global financial burden, projected to reach $4.3 trillion by 2035.
Our report delves into weight loss beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to pay, alongside attitudes towards various weight loss solutions, through a comprehensive consumer study conducted in the US, Germany, and the UK.
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Transforming the weight loss journey
With consumers in the US and Europe poised to invest over US$ 400bn in their weight loss aspirations, there is a prevalent focus on immediate outcomes. While there is a myriad of options available, it remains challenging for consumers to integrate the breadth of offerings into their daily life:
While diet and exercise remain the most popular methods, 81% of consumers agree that achieving sustainable, long-term weight loss necessitates a holistic, multi-faceted approach. Although there is widespread recognition of the importance of managing obesity over the long term, many still exhibit a short-term mindset, often regaining weight after initial success. This pattern highlights the urgent need for industry leaders to rethink their strategies and evolve their offerings, empowering consumers to embark on a truly sustainable weight loss journey.
Shaping the future of obesity care and prevention
Obesity is a complex condition, and tackling it requires equally intricate solutions — there's no one-size-fits-all approach. We believe that achieving sustainable weight management hinges on (1) a long-term perspective, (2) personalized strategies, and (3) shared ownership, including innovative business models.
To support consumers on their weight management journey, collaboration across the ecosystem is essential. This means integrating diverse data to better understand consumer behaviors and employing AI to personalize solutions effectively.
Strategies
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1Reorient consumers’ short-term motivations toward longer-term change
Encourage long-term behavioral change and sustainable weight management to treat or prevent obesity, alongside helping consumers to achieve their short-term weight loss goals
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2Drive holistic and personalized weight loss solutions
Consider individual’s health profile, lifestyle and personal preferences to ensure a sustainable approach to obesity care and/or prevention over the long-term
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3Create shared ownership of obesity care and outcomes
Generate sustainable business and care models for providers and consumers by sharing both costs and benefits of long-term obesity management and prevention
Enablers
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Integrated data and AIsolutions to capture multidimensional, diverse consumer data and enable personalization
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Ecosystem, cross-sector and public-private partnerships to support closer cooperation and new business models
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Comprehensive educationon the complexity of obesity and risk of associated diseases, as well as on the need for sustainable weight management
By effectively addressing these elements, obesity care can become a cornerstone of the LIFEcare system, enabling the Future of Health.
Navigating the future of obesity care: A strategic blueprint
Whether you are a leader in the obesity market, experiencing rapid growth, or just embarking on developing your solution, we invite you to consider pivotal questions that will shape your strategic approach and help combat obesity as a global health challenge:
Brian Selvarajah, Rahul Khatri, Grace Iwanovski, Katelyn Leach, Ricarda Thilmann and Philippa-Luisa Harhoff-Beisecker have also contributed to this report.
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