What are the hidden costs of weight loss for Americans?
This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.
LOSING WEIGHT ISN’T JUST HARD, IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE.
A NEW POLL OF 2,000 AMERICANS TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT FOUND THEY SPENT AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN $12,000 LAST YEAR DOING IT.
THE STUDY, COMMISSIONED BY HIMS AND CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, CALLS IT A ‘WEIGHT TAX’ – MONEY SPENT ON GROCERIES, CLOTHES, AND REPEATED DIET AND FITNESS PROGRAMS.
RESPONDENTS SAY REACHING THEIR GOAL WEIGHT COULD SAVE THEM NEARLY $200 A MONTH, MOSTLY BY CUTTING FAST FOOD, GROCERY COSTS, AND CLOTHING SHOPPING.
AND MORE THAN EIGHT IN 10 SAY THEY’D TRY EVEN HARDER IF A $5,000 REWARD WAS ON THE LINE.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? IS WEIGHT LOSS COSTING YOU MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans actively trying to lose weight who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Hims, Inc. and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.
To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by Talker Inc. For queries, please submit an inquiry via our contact form.
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