LET’S TALK ABOUT WEIGHT: NEW REPORT SHOWS THE ‘WHOLE LIFE’ IMPACT OF OBESITY

Among those living with overweight or obesity, half said their weight had delayed major life milestones

A significant new report is laying bare how deeply overweight and obesity affect everyday life for millions of Australians, reaching far beyond physical health.

The national survey of 1,305 people, published by METIS Healthcare Research and commissioned by Lilly Australia, reveals that weight influences confidence, relationships, career progression and even life milestones.

Weight affects every corner of life

Among those living with overweight or obesity, half said their weight had delayed major life milestones.

That includes meeting a partner, taking dream holidays, or putting themselves forward for promotions.

Health and mobility were clear pressure points, with 64 per cent reporting negative impacts such as fatigue and reduced mobility. Mentally, 55 per cent said weight was often or always on their mind, while many described withdrawing from social situations to avoid judgment.

Habit expert Dr Gina Cleo says this pattern can quickly become entrenched. “Once you start to withdraw from life, it can soon become a habit..

"Reaching out for support when you notice yourself pulling back is such an essential step towards feeling better and reconnecting with life again.”

Satisfaction gap runs wide

Across health, relationships, leisure, finances and work, satisfaction levels were consistently lower among respondents with lived experience of overweight and obesity.

• Social life and hobbies were diminished or avoided

• Forty-six per cent said they felt a lack of companionship

• Thirty per cent said their weight had affected their financial security

• International data shows obesity increases the odds of absenteeism by 147 per cent

More striking: 71 per cent believed their life would be different today if they had reached their ideal weight.

Stigma is still a significant barrier

Despite strong genetic and biological influences, 70 per cent of respondents attributed weight management to personal responsibility.

Nutrition Scientist Dr Joanna McMillan stresses the complexity behind weight. “It’s not as simple as ‘eat less, move more’.

"People respond to food and exercise differently, and numerous other factors are also at play... Good nutrition and a healthy, joyful relationship with food are essential for everybody, irrespective of size.”

Rethinking how we talk about obesity

Many respondents wanted open, judgment-free conversations with their healthcare providers, but doubted their GP could offer adequate support.

For Dr Steven Lu, the stigma baked into weight discussions is part of the problem.

“Obesity is a chronic disease caused by a range of factors, very few of which are in the individual’s control.

A compassionate, person-first approach can better influence health outcomes.”

To help change this, the Let’s Talk About Weight report includes a language guide encouraging Australians to separate the person from the disease.

The aim is to spark healthier conversations, reduce shame and encourage more people to seek support.