U.S. Weight Loss Market Worth $135 Billion, To Grow 6.6% in 2026

March 4, 2026

Marketdata LLC has released a new report: “The U.S. Weight Loss Market: Status Report & 2026 Forecast” This 108-page analysis tracks the current status of ALL weight loss market segments, 2025 performance, the latest dieting trends, 15 competitor profiles, with 27 tables and charts.

Some findings:

“The U.S. weight loss market is undergoing a historical disruption and transformation due to the emergence of  multiple medications that produce significant weight loss.”, according to John LaRosa, Marketdata’s Research Director.

  • The total U.S. weight loss market was worth $135 billion in 2025 (when including the revenues of health clubs ). A  6.6% increase is forecast in 2026, largely due to growing sales of GLP-1 drugs.
  • Commercial weight loss companies/centers (Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, jenny Craig, Medifast) saw revenues fall by 24% as a group in 2025, to $1.86 billion, as they struggle to pivot and deal with strong competition from the GLP-1 drugs.
  • All medical programs accounted for a new high of  38% of the total market, worth $51.5 billion last year. This is up sharply from 11% in 2022, prior to the GLP-1 drugs boom.
  • The number of bariatric surgeries is estimated to have fallen by 8% in 2024 and another 6% in 2025, to 232,000.
  • The market for prescription obesity medications is estimated to have increased by 64%, to $43.48 billion. Growth will be slower in 2026, as new and cheaper weight loss pills enter the market.
  • Meal replacements and OTC appetite suppressants is a $4.2 billion market. Shakes and nutrition bars have held up well but retail diet pills sales are plummeting.
  • Weight Watchers revenues will likely have decreased by 11% in 2025, while sales at Medifast fell by 36%.

 

Learn More

The complete report is available for sale, for $995, at: marketdataenterprises.com, or by calling Marketdata at: 813-971-8080.  A Table of Contents can be found at the website.

The report includes in-depth analyses of: 2024-2025 market/revenue performance, recent competitor and market developments, current dieter trends and top diet plans, and diet company advertising and marketing spending. Special emphasis and analysis of the obesity drugs market and its effect on all market segments. Coverage of cheaper compounded drugs that are not FDA-approved, new drugs entering the market.

Individual Status Reports and the effects of the obesity drugs boom on operations and revenues, for ALL major weight loss market segments… diet soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, health clubs industry, commercial weight loss chains, retail meal replacements and appetite suppressants, and low-calorie dinner entrees.