Americans think negatively about their bodies four times a day — and it’s quietly reshaping their lives.
That’s according to a new survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Eden Health, which revealed the heavy emotional toll body image dissatisfaction continues to take across the U.S. A staggering 69% of respondents said that when they look in the mirror, the first thing they notice is something they want to fix.
In fact, the average respondent said they feel completely uncomfortable in their skin half the time.
Negative self-image appears to influence everything from wardrobe choices to social engagement.
Nearly one in six said they actively avoid social situations due to how they feel in their body (15%), and more than half believe they’d finally get to enjoy clothes if they felt better physically (63%).
That kind of self-consciousness can cast a shadow over moments meant to be uplifting.
Confidence Linked To Feeling Good in One’s Skin
A telling 50% said they would feel more confident in photos or social settings if they could finally feel good in their own skin.
Eden Health is one of a number of platforms rethinking how Americans access care, alongside companies like Hims & Hers, Ro, and Noom.
“I’ve been through the cycles of yo-yo dieting myself,” said Joshua Khan, co-founder of Eden Health. “You lose weight, but you’re never given the tools to keep it off, and there’s no infrastructure in place to support long-term change. That’s the failure of legacy healthcare. Most people don’t even realize they have a problem until it’s already affecting their lives. Health 3.0 is our response. It’s not just about weight, it’s about building a proactive, comprehensive system that addresses multiple issues at the root level. We combine digital and physical care, real-time personalization, and continuous clinical support to treat the whole person, before the crisis hits. This is infrastructure for lifelong health.”
One of the most common sources of insecurity was found to be their overall weight, with 38% saying it’s the part of their body they feel most self-conscious about.
For many, the journey to feeling better in their bodies is marked by frustration and false starts.
More than half of respondents (60%) said they had lost weight in the past only to gain it back, while another 13% said they didn’t lose any weight at all.
Not surprisingly, emotions like frustration (56%) and discouragement (47%) were among the most commonly reported feelings tied to these efforts.
Despite repeated attempts, nearly one in three respondents (31%) said what’s holding them back now is having tried and failed before. Others cited affordability (26%), uncertainty about what actually works (21%) and lack of time or energy (20%) as major barriers.
And while many want to make a change, nearly a quarter (23%) admitted they simply don’t know where to start.
Still, people aren’t giving up.
Fifty-six percent said they’re looking for a program that can adapt with them as their needs change, rather than one-size-fits-all advice that doesn’t reflect real life.
And for many, support is just as important as science. Nearly a quarter said 24/7 access to a licensed provider would make it easier to stay consistent.
Sustainable Weight Loss Matters More Than Speed
With growing interest in new tools to support long-term weight care, many are exploring medical options as part of a more sustainable approach. In fact, 52% of respondents said maintaining weight loss matters more to them than how quickly it happens.
“We started Eden because we were tired of watching people blame themselves for systems that never really worked,” said Adam McBride, CEO of Eden Health. “For me, the turning point wasn’t just losing the weight, it was realizing how much better life could feel with the right support. We believe everyone deserves access to care that adapts with them, not against them. This isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about creating space for people to feel strong, seen, and supported through every season of their health journey.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who are currently trying to lose weight or have attempted to do so in the past five years; the survey was commissioned by Eden and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Aug. 13 – Aug. 19, 2025.
