Nearly six in ten Brits (57%) keep it a secret when they are dieting or trying to lose weight – as 31% fear being judged for being overweight, research has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that a third (32%) are embarrassed about their need to shed some weight – while 35% keep it quiet so that nobody will know if they happen to fail.
Those aged 18 to 24 are the most likely to diet in secret (81%) – with all respondents having attempted to lose weight four times, on average, during the last three years.
But more than one in ten (12%) have ditched a weight loss plan due to feeling lonely – with 37% saying they appreciate the camaraderie of losing weight with a group, and the motivation which comes with it.
And 34% feel more accountable for their weight loss progress when they are doing it alongside others.
Dr Jacquie Lavin, special advisor on the science of weight management at Slimming World, which commissioned the research, said: “Worries about our weight, and the decision to start a weight loss journey, can feel deeply personal, so it’s natural to think that going it alone might be best.
“As the survey demonstrates, there are many motivations for wanting to lose weight.
“Making the decision to lose weight and improve your health is a positive step, and not something people should ever feel embarrassed about.
“Trying to lose weight can be difficult, and there are lots of benefits to doing it as part of a group that can make it easier and more enjoyable.
“These findings show that anyone who’s concerned about their weight should embrace the encouragement and support of losing weight with others – even if that means stepping out of their comfort zones.”
The study also found that, of those who have chosen to lose weight alone, 38% did so to feel more in control.
And when it comes to dieting, men (44%) are more likely than women (34%) to eat or drink unhealthily in front of others – such as accepting sweets, cakes, and biscuits in the office while slimming, to keep up appearances.
However, it also emerged that more than a quarter of solo dieters found it difficult to motivate themselves (28%), or said it was easy to go off track as “no-one would know” (27%).
Of those who had previously tried to lose weight in secret, 38% would tell everyone about their weight loss attempt in the future, and another 32% would be happy to share with anyone who asked.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, found one in three respondents said that witnessing the dieting success of other slimmers was a key benefit of trying to lose weight as part of a group.
And 34% believe a benefit of losing weight with others is the element of healthy competition, and the chance to show off the efforts they are willing to put in to reach their goals.
Slimming World's Dr Jacquie Lavin added: “Losing weight isn’t always easy, and going it alone is especially hard.
“We know it’s the shared motivation, plus feeling valued, cared for, and understood, which act as a powerful and positive incentive to lose weight, and to keep going if you’re struggling.
“As the survey showed, that shared motivation can be powerful. Our members say seeing the success of other people trying to lose weight is a key benefit of trying to lose weight as part of a group.”
