As long-term weight loss becomes more of a reality for many Americans, it's clear that they're envisioning lifestyle and mental health shifts as major benefits. Research indicates that psychological well-being is likely to improve alongside weight loss, with the biggest change being an increase in vitality. 

The Hims & Hers study findings support that. While respondents would plan to spend less on food overall, they envision themselves making healthier purchases at the grocery store. And instead of feeling hindered by size options for fashion and paying more for larger sizes, they would spend on clothing and accessories they really love and that would work for going on vacation or socializing with friends.

These data points also signal potential changes for the industries associated with these purchase areas. If the study results presage actual spending shifts, some industries, like grocery stores, fashion retailers, and hair salons, could financially benefit. On the other hand, fitness memberships, healthcare facilities, and therapists, for instance, are all areas in which people would prefer to spend less.

3 Tips For Starting a Weight Loss Journey

Even with the rise of weight loss medication, it takes ongoing work and motivation to commit to healthy lifestyle changes. If you're on a weight loss journey or thinking about starting one, follow these tips to stay committed. As you get closer to your goal weight, you may find yourself thinking about shifting some of those financial priorities to align with your newfound goals. 

1. Identify your purpose: There are many reasons someone may choose to lose weight, but it's important to find your own reason to stick with it. Maybe you want to have more energy throughout the day, reduce anxiety, or mitigate some health issues like prediabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension. Make your own personal mission statement on why you're working on losing weight and create affirmations around those thoughts to keep them at the forefront of your mind.  
2. Get an accountability partner: Research shows that accountability plays a key role in successfully losing weight. Whether you have a daily group chat with friends or join an online group, find a safe place where people want to hear you brag about your morning workout and share photos of hitting your daily protein goal.
3. Track (and celebrate) your progress: As you work on losing weight and improving your health, track your daily wins. It can be frustrating to only rely on the scale for motivation, especially when it's common to have weight loss plateaus. Instead, track habits you have control over, like hitting a daily exercise target, getting good sleep, making a good food choice, or getting in some extra steps. Choose a method that appeals to you, whether it's writing it out in a journal or downloading a health tracking app.

Losing weight and prioritizing spending habits are closely intertwined. As more Americans lean into weight loss goals, both with and without medication, we'll continue to see how purchasing decisions shift alongside a healthier population.