The Real Cost of Losing Weight: What We Spend on Health

Living a healthy life comes at a cost — often higher than many people realize. New research reveals that over 4 in 5 Americans and Britons spend monthly on health, with an average of 5.5% of annual income going toward health-related expenses. Despite these investments, 42% feel unable to live their healthiest lives due to barriers like fatigue, financial constraints, and lack of motivation. Understanding these challenges is crucial for addressing systemic health disparities and creating solutions that make health accessible for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Over 4 in 5 Americans and Britons (81%) spend money on their general health every month, and Americans are 19% more likely to do so.
• On average, respondents spend roughly 5.5% of their annual income toward health-related expenditures; Americans spend 6.3%, while Britons spend 4.7%.
• 42% of Americans and Britons feel they are unable to live their healthiest lives; low-income respondents are 31% more likely to feel this way.
• Fatigue (62%), financial constraints (58%), and lack of motivation (53%) are the biggest barriers to a healthy lifestyle.

How Much Are People Spending on Health?

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• Over 4 in 5 Americans and Britons (81%) spend money on their general health every month, and Americans are 19% more likely to do so.

• Americans are over 2x more likely than Britons to spend on weight loss supplements.

• Regarding health spending, Americans ($87) and Britons ($67) spend the most on healthier food options and/or diets every month.

• On average, respondents spend roughly 5.5% of their annual income toward health-related expenditures, with Americans spending about 6.3% and Britons spending around 4.7%.

What Stops People From Living Their Healthiest Lives?

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• 42% of Americans and Britons feel they are unable to live their healthiest lives, and Britons are 21% more likely than Americans to feel this way.some text
  • Low-income respondents are 31% more likely to feel unable to live their healthiest life.
  • Percentage who feel they are unable to live their healthiest life by generation:
    • Gen Z (45%)
    • Millennials (43%)
    • Gen X (39%)

• Fatigue (62%), financial constraints (58%), and lack of motivation (53%) are the biggest barriers to a healthy lifestyle.
  • Millennials are the most likely to report having barriers to a healthy lifestyle.
  • Americans (61%) were more likely to report financial constraints as a barrier to a healthy lifestyle than Britons (56%).

• On average, Americans and Britons feel they need to spend $2,811 on their health every year to live their healthiest lifestyle.

• On average, Americans and Britons feel they need to earn $58,710 annually to live their healthiest lifestyle.

"When we talk about making healthcare accessible and affordable, we're not just talking about convenience. This is about addressing long-standing health challenges and bridging gaps that have existed for far too long," shared Dr. Zoe Lees, Medical Writer at Levity. "When we bring quality care right into communities — no matter where people live or what their income is — we're giving them the power to take charge of their own health. This doesn't just help individuals; it takes the pressure off our healthcare system and helps entire communities thrive."

"Think about what true healthcare equity looks like," Dr. Lees added. "It means understanding that different communities face unique challenges and making sure everyone has a fair shot at their best possible health. The findings show that financial constraints remain one of the biggest barriers to living a healthy life. When Americans spend, on average, 6.3% of their income on health-related expenses compared to Britons at 4.7%, it’s clear that many people - especially those with low incomes - are forced to make impossible choices, like paying for medicine or putting food on the table."

"Living a healthy life shouldn't be a privilege - it should be something everyone can achieve. Through thoughtful policy changes, working hand-in-hand with communities, and finding creative ways to deliver care, I truly believe we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy."

Methodology

We surveyed 1,014 Americans and Britons about their health habits, spending, and barriers. Among the respondents, 50% were American, and 50% were Britons. Generationally, 46% reported as millennials, 25% reported as Gen X, 22% reported as Gen Z, and 7% reported as baby boomers.

About Levity

At Levity, we help you achieve lasting weight loss through an evidence-based approach that includes personalized support and clinically proven treatments like GLP-1 medications. Our team of US-based clinicians and registered dietitians are here to guide you with care, ensuring your journey is as smooth and effective as possible.

Fair Use Statement

Feel free to share these findings about the cost of health for noncommercial purposes, but please provide a link back to this page.