The weight of judgment: 1 in 4 women feel shame over medical weight loss

New report reveals that weight loss isn’t just numbers on a scale, but the pressure, judgement and stigma that comes with it

March 18 2025 – A new report from Juniper reveals 3 in 4 Australian women (76%) believe they are held to higher weight standards than men and nearly half (47%) feel personally affected by negative attitudes toward weight loss, especially when considering medical treatments. 

‘Beyond the Scale: Reclaiming the Medical Weight Loss Narrative, a new report by Juniper, Australia's leading digital healthcare clinic for women, highlights the real-world experiences of Australian women 40+ navigating weight loss, the stigma surrounding medical treatments, and the need for better education and support. The Juniper research highlights a system where traditional dieting often fails, medical weight loss is still stigmatised, and healthcare settings can feel unwelcoming.

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Key Findings from the ‘Beyond the Scale: Reclaiming the Medical Weight Loss Narrative’ Report:

The Weight Loss Struggle:

• Nearly half (49%) believe weight loss is primarily about willpower, despite scientific evidence showing weight is influenced by genetics, hormones, and metabolism.
• 1 in 10 women have tried to lose a noticeable amount of weight over 20 times. With other insights revealing 44% of women attempted 1 and 5 weight loss programs in their lifetime, and 16% have attempted 6 to 10 programs. 
• Only 30% of women who attempted to lose weight in the past year reported success, 41% report they were unsuccessful.

Stigma and Societal Pressure:

• 76% believe women are held to higher or different weight standards than men.
• 80% agree the media fails to accurately portray the challenges of losing weight, and 20% still view medical treatment as ‘cheating.’
• 1 in 4 (22%) of medical weight loss patients feel guilt or shame about their choice to use a treatment program.

Medical Weight Loss: Interest vs Barriers:

• While 1 in 5 (18%) of those actively trying to lose weight have used medical treatment,, 57% of those who want to lose weight are open to trying them.
• Those interested in medical treatment but yet to start cite concerns around side effects (59%), a lack of knowledge (36%), and eligibility (39%).
• 16% of women interested in starting medical treatment feel anxious about discussing it with their doctor.

Juniper’s report highlights the urgent need to change how medical weight loss treatment is discussed, both in healthcare settings and in public discourse. According to leading dietitian Susie Burrell, “There is no doubt that medical treatments are becoming more acceptable as an option  for the medical and lifestyle management of weight issues.”

“The truth is that many women, especially those aged over 40, will require a treatment program to lose weight, often due to hormonal changes beyond their control. The outdated belief that weight loss is just 'calories in vs. calories out' is fundamentally flawed.” 

However, despite the increasing acceptance, many women continue to face barriers—including fear of judgment in healthcare settings. Dr Kirsty Wallace-Hor, a Juniper weight loss specialist, explains, “We know that weight bias is common in healthcare. Telehealth allows patients to be present in a consultation without being 'physically' present. They can participate in a safe space of their choosing. I find that this helps foster more open communication and that patients feel more empowered to ask questions about their health because they feel less likely to be judged.”

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A call for change

Over half (53%) of Australian women believe the government is not doing enough to tackle overweight and its related health complications. 

“The report makes it clear; it’s time to move beyond outdated, judgmental views and create a future where women have the knowledge and support to make the best decisions for their health,” Dr Kristy Wallace-Hor concluded.

Juniper is committed to reshaping the conversation around medical weight loss by amplifying patient voices, pushing for more balanced media representation, and improving education for both the public and healthcare professionals.

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Available for interview:

• Dr Kristy Wallace-Hor, weight loss specialist at Juniper
• Dr Ramy Bishay, Specialist endocrinologist & obesity physician at Juniper 
• Susie Berrell, leading dietician 

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—ENDS—

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Methodology

This study was conducted online by YouGov on behalf of Juniper between 14th – 19th of February 2025. The sample comprised of 842 Australian women aged 40 years and older, though some questions were directed only at certain portions of this sample (for example: people who have tried medical  treatment already). Following the completion of interviewing, the data was weighted by age and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.

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