A January 2025 survey by Hers reveals that weight bias in healthcare impacts 12% of Americans, with 1 in 10 reporting judgment from doctors about their weight during office visits. Despite this, doctors remain the most trusted source for health advice, with 42% of Americans relying on their physicians over Google (7%) or AI (2%). The survey, conducted by Culture Co-op, polled 7,100 adults aged 18-65 across the U.S., highlighting the complex role doctors play in shaping health perceptions and the challenges posed by weight bias in healthcare.
The survey found that weight bias in healthcare disproportionately affects certain groups, with 13% of moms, 14% of people of color, and 17% of LGBTQ+ individuals reporting judgment. This bias is significant because doctors tie with TikTok as a top influence on body ideals, surpassing celebrities, fitness instructors, and parents. Notably, 27% of respondents said their own reflection in the mirror most shapes their body perception, underscoring the personal nature of self-image.
Doctors are also the first confidants for weight loss decisions, with 32% of Americans turning to their physicians before partners, friends, or therapists. With 55% of Americans planning to lose weight in 2025, the presence of weight bias in healthcare complicates this journey. Among those who avoid discussing weight loss, 21% cite fear of judgment, 14% feel ashamed, and 8% point to social stigma. These findings emphasize the need for judgment-free medical environments to support patients effectively.
Telehealth platforms offer an alternative for those wary of weight bias in healthcare. Eight percent of Americans have sought weight loss advice via telehealth, ranking it among the top three sources alongside doctors and Google. Over the past five years, 15% of Americans have adopted telehealth services, particularly for mental health, skincare, and weight loss. This shift reflects a growing demand for accessible, stigma-free healthcare options.
Beyond medical consultations, Americans are pursuing diverse weight loss strategies. Exercise leads at 41%, followed by reducing carbs (28%) and fat (25%). More modern approaches include intermittent fasting (21%), calorie-tracking apps (18%), and injectable or oral weight loss medications, each used by 12% of respondents. The survey also noted that 12% have tried cleanses or adopted vegetarian or vegan diets, indicating a blend of traditional and contemporary methods.
The Hers survey, fielded across 50 states and major metropolitan areas, analyzed 190 demographic and psychographic factors, including gender, race, and lifestyle preferences. Its findings underscore the enduring trust in doctors despite weight bias in healthcare, while highlighting telehealth’s role as a viable alternative. For more details, visit www.hers.com.
