In today’s fast-paced world, staying healthy isn’t always easy. With busy schedules, convenient food options, and less time to move around, many people are finding it harder to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
An Ipsos study revelas that obesity is becoming more common across different countries and age groups. While this might sound concerning, it also brings an important opportunity: to better understand our habits and take small, positive steps toward healthier living.
The good news? Even the simplest changes can go a long way.
1. A Growing Trend We Can All See
Obesity is not just a perception. Ipsos survey shows that 7 in 10 people living with obesity see it as a “medical condition requiring ongoing management”, while 66% also believe it is “preventable through personal choices.” This reflects a dual understanding of obesity as both a medical condition and a growing public health concern.
However, awareness of related health risks is still limited. Only half of people living with obesity are aware of the links to heart disease (52%) and diabetes (53%), and fewer still link obesity with certain cancers (18%).
Overall, recognition of obesity is strong, but understanding of its wider health impacts is still evolving.
💡 The Everyday Reality:
We asked: “When trying to stay healthy, what usually ruins the plan?”, and the answers highlight how challenging healthy habits can feel in daily life:
🍕 Delicious food everywhere – 40%
🛋 Too comfy to move – 10%
⏰ No time – 16%
😅 Motivation disappears – 12%
📱 Endless scrolling on your phone – 18%
These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors in 11 Asian countries and Oceania from April 14th – 30th and may not reflect the views of the general population.
👉 This shows that staying healthy isn’t just about knowing what to do, but it’s about navigating everyday distractions and pressures.
2. Lifestyle Factors Behind the Trend
When looking at the bigger picture, people point to a mix of lifestyle and everyday environmental factors:
- Around 80% say unhealthy diets are a key factor
- About 70% link it to lack of physical activity
- Many also point to modern lifestyles that make healthy choices harder, such as long working hours, high stress levels, and the widespread availability of convenient, processed food
This tells us something important: it’s not just about individual decisions, but also how modern life is structured.
3. The Worry & Judgement
Due to their weight, people living with obesity frequently feel :
- 48% worried about future health problems
- 42% anxious about current health or wellbeing
- 36% anxious about how others see them
As many as 70% of people living with obesity have avoided social, leisure, or romantic activities in the past year due to their weight showing the significant social and emotional impact it can have. This is even more pronounced among females, younger adults (18–45), and those who are employed.
This impact goes beyond physical health—emotional and social wellbeing are deeply affected, reinforcing the need for greater understanding, support, and more inclusive conversations around health.
4. People Want to Do Better
Here’s the encouraging part; people are trying.
81% of people living with obesity have considered losing weight, and 56% have been advised to do so to improve their health.
Steps have already been taken to manage it:
- 50% have searched for information online or through family and friends
- 35% have consulted a doctor
- 33% have tried fad diets
The intention is clear and so is the effort. But finding simple, sustainable ways to stay consistent remains a challenge, highlighting the need for greater empathy, support, and accessible guidance.
Source: Ipsos’ syndicated Global Perceptions of Obesity Study. Base: 14,500 online adults aged 18–75 across 14 countries, interviewed December 17, 2025 - January 9, 2026
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Improving your health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small everyday choices can make a real difference over time:
- Choosing home-cooked meals more often
- Adding short walks into your day
- Drinking more water
- Getting enough rest
Simple habits like these can support better overall well-being in the long run.
At Ipsos iSay, we believe understanding people’s everyday experiences can help spark more meaningful conversations and positive change. By sharing opinions and insights, members contribute to a better understanding of important topics like health, lifestyle, and wellbeing.
Take surveys now and share your opinions on topics like these because every voice helps shape a better understanding of the world around us 🌿
