Canadians are Struggling to Achieve Their Annual Weight Loss Resolutions: Here’s Why

Every year, millions of Canadians make the same weight loss resolutions. But, they’re also the same weight loss resolutions they made last year… and the year before that… and the year before that. This cycle of broken resolutions has become all too common, so if the “new year, new me” mentality has begun to feel less like motivation and more like noise — you’re not alone. 

The current reality around weight loss goals

We recently commissioned a survey by Nanos Research to better understand the current climate around weight loss resolutions, and the results were discouraging… to say the least. 

This research revealed that an estimated 10 million Canadians have made weight loss resolutions in the past, yet few report successfully achieving their goal. In fact, 60%say they struggled to reach their most recent weight loss resolution, leading to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and hopelessness. These frustrations often cause folks to abandon their goals altogether (hello, Quitter’s Day…). 

The good news is that, despite past setbacks, an estimated 14 million Canadians still plan to work towards their weight loss goals again this year. When asked what strategies they plan to use, 93% said they’re going to improve their diet, and 80% said they’re going to exercise more. 

The problem with traditional weight loss resolutions

Resolutions around losing weight have historically focused solely on diet, exercise, and willpower and leave out a massive piece of the puzzle — up to 70% of weight can be determined by biology. While diet and exercise are both essential aspects of weight management, the reality is that these strategies aren’t always enough. With genetics and hormones proven to play a major role in weight, many folks relying exclusively on lifestyle modifications alone will, unfortunately, make little progress on their weight loss goals.

Dr. Sean Wharton, Internist and co-author of the Canadian Obesity Guidelines believes not factoring in biological components of weight can often be a recipe for disappointment. "Weight loss resolutions often set unrealistic expectations," he explains, “And people attribute their failures to a lack of willpower. However, we now understand that willpower alone is not sufficient to achieve long-term weight loss, especially when considering that many biological factors like genetics and hormones play a crucial role in weight management." 

A new year calls for a new approach

This year, we’re encouraging Canadians to rethink the cycle of unfulfilled goals and their approach to their weight loss journey. 

According to experts and Obesity Canada's Guidelines, medical weight loss treatments, in conjunction with diet and exercise, are considered to be the modern, medically-backed approach to weight loss. That’s why at Felix, we provide access to modern weight loss care and firmly believe treatment can act as an important tool to help patients achieve long-term health improvements. 

"Weight loss journeys can be filled with uncertainty, especially for those who haven't successfully lost weight or maintained weight loss with diet and exercise alone,” explains Felix Medical Director Dr. Kelly Anderson, “Medically-backed options are available to Canadians who want to explore stigma-free and supportive methods to incorporate into their healthy lifestyles. Participants in Felix's program self-report an average 6.8% body weight reduction in just three months, on par with clinical study outcomes. By addressing the biological factors alongside lifestyle changes, Canadians can break the cycle of unmet goals and frustration this year."

You can learn more about weight loss treatment at Felix and check your eligibility by starting a new visit today. 

Read the original press release and survey results here