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Man with obesity

Stories and experiences

Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, but many people share the same challenges when trying to achieve and maintain their weight goals.1,2 It’s important to remember—you are not alone.

Reading weight loss stories can inspire and motivate you. These real-life weight loss journey stories and weight loss testimonials show that progress is possible, even when it feels difficult.

You can also learn from weight loss experiences and obesity stories shared by others who have faced similar struggles. Their insights may help you discover new approaches and feel supported on your own path.

"No matter how much I diet or exercise, I can’t keep the weight off long term. It’s frustrating when nothing changes, even when I try as hard as others.”

— Jamir A.*

*Quoted language adapted from market research interviews with people with obesity. 
Names are pseudonyms to protect privacy.
Woman with obesity

“I’ve lost weight only to gain it back, even with effort. 
It’s discouraging when my body resists change, and dieting often makes 
it harder. Maybe I can’t do it alone.”

— Indira R.*

*Quotes adapted from obesity research interviews. Names are pseudonyms for privacy. 

Expert perspectives

Obesity stories often highlight how complex and persistent conditions can be. Obesity is a chronic disease, 1,1a and managing it requires more than willpower requires a personalized, science-backed approach. 3

Qualified doctors and healthcare professionals can help develop a tailored plan that includes nutrition, physical activity, and medical support.2 Even modest weight loss—just 5% of body weight—can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions like diabetes. 1,5

  • Many causes of obesity are beyond personal control 4

  • Biological resistance to weight loss is real and common 1

  • Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough for long-term success 3

  • There are now more options than ever to support your weight loss journey

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. A weight loss testimonial from someone who’s been through it, or a conversation with your doctor, can be the turning point. 6

Learn morearrow-right

  1. Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):183-197. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012 

  2. Melby CL, Paris HL, Foright RM, et al. Attenuating the biologic drive for weight regain following weight loss: must what goes down always go back up? Nutrients. 2017;9(5):468. doi:10.3390/nu9050468 

  3. Greenway FL. Physiological adaptations to weight loss and factors favouring weight regain. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39(8):1188-1196. doi:10.1038/ijo.2015.59 

  4. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What causes obesity & overweight? Reviewed July 28, 2021. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/obesity/conditioninfo/cause 

  5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Preventing type 2 diabetes. Reviewed November 2016. Accessed August 5, 2024. 
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-diabetes  

  6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Overweight and obesity: treatment. Updated March 24, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2024. 
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/treatment