3 out of 4 Romanians have tried to lose weight at least once. Why it's time to talk about weight management differently

At the beginning of every year, losing weight is constantly at the top of Romanians' resolutions. A new nationwide survey, at the initiative of Novo Nordisk, shows that almost 75% of respondents tried at least once to lose weightagain 23% of them went through at least three such attempts over time.

The main reasons why Romanians want to prioritize losing weight are health (40%), well-being (34%) and physical appearance (25%). However, the reality highlighted by the data is a worrying one: for most of those who tried to lose weight, the results were non-existent (12%), minimal or unsustainable (38%), the lost kilograms being regained over time (26%). This indicates the difficulty of maintaining weight loss in the long term.

The results reveal a reality often ignored in the public conversation about weight: For most people, weight loss fails not for lack of will, but for much more complex reasons.

Among the top methods applied by Romanians to lose weight are:

• Sports / fitness – 37%
• Restrictive diets / “miracle diets” – 28%
• Calorie counting / online apps – 24%

Losing weight – a repeated but rarely successful experience

For many respondents, the weight loss process is cyclical, marked by repeated attempts and temporary results. The yo-yo phenomenon – losing weight followed by gaining it back – is frequently reported, and the experience is described as difficult, frustrating and demotivating.

Although the public discourse continues to emphasize self-discipline, the survey data shows that the reality is much more nuanced. Respondents indicate as the main obstacles in maintaining weight stress, fatigue and modern lifestyle (45%), lack of will (34%)but also lack of correct information (11%).

This perception is also supported by European data. A study carried out at the initiative of Novo Nordisk in five European countries shows that 43% of respondents do not know that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies obesity as a complex chronic diseasea lack of information that contributes to stigma and unrealistic weight loss expectations. At the same time, a significant part of Romanians do not know or are not sure that obesity is officially recognized as a chronic disease, both internationally and in Romania.

The context is all the more relevant as obesity represents one of the biggest health challenges of today. In Romania, the phenomenon is already widespread: according to the Obesity Atlas[1],
approximately 40% of adults live with obesityagain over 70% are overweight and obese.

“New Year's resolutions are often a well-intentioned starting point, but they can put extra pressure on people when the results don't show up. The data from this survey shows us that we have an overwhelming percentage of people who believe that only their willpower is responsible for losing weight. 86%. I believe it is our role to try to explain that obesity is a consequence of genetic data, environmental factors, and the various situations we go through. Let's be gentler with ourselves: weight management is a complex process, which should not be seen as a personal failure and we should seek support by going to the doctor”, he declares Katarzyna KasperckaCorporate Vice President, Business Area Europe East, Novo Nordisk.

At the same time, the results indicate a growing openness to medical solutions, with a significant portion of respondents stating that they would consider medical options for weight management if they were experiencing obesity-related health problems (31%). At the same time, 25% would turn to pharmacotherapy if they had clear information, medically correct explanations, or if other methods did not work previously (17%) – a sign of a real need for science-based education and dialogue.

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges of today, with major impact on physical, mental and emotional health. The data from Romania, supplemented by the results of the European study carried out at the initiative of Novo Nordisk, support the need for a change of perspective in society: from quick solutions, individual pressure and the myth of “willpower”, to an informed conversation, which recognizes obesity as a chronic disease and emphasizes medical support, long-term support and empathy. Beyond quick fixes, weight management should be viewed as a process that should not be undertaken in isolation.

About the survey

The survey was conducted together with iVox in Romania in January 2026, on a representative sample of more than 1,000 adults, and analyzed resolutions regarding weight loss, motivations, methods used, experiences they went through, level of information and perceptions related to obesity as a chronic disease. The results will be used in a public information campaign regarding correct and sustainable weight management.

About Novo Nordisk