If your weight loss is personal, why does it feel public?
You're not alone.
We commissioned a YouGov Study to assess the state of play in Australia.
And it turns out these dangerous, and outdated, tropes are failing Australian women in record numbers and stopping them from exploring proven medical weight loss solutions.
The Never-Ending Diet Loop: ‘Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t’
of women face difficulty forming and sticking to healthy habits
say they lack motivation or willpower
"The media usually features stories around weight loss about individuals who have lost weight by changing just one thing or by exercising a lot. Some people have a lot of trouble exercising due to physical and mental barriers and these should be portrayed more to provide encouragement to others."
of women over 40 have tried between 1-5 weight loss programs in their lifetime.
of women who attempted to lose weight in the past year saw no results at all
"Too much emphasis on exercising more and eating better types of food. Also it allows people to think that just with some will power weight can be lost but no account is really ever taken by the hormones in the body having major control of weight and body stasis."
"There is a perception that overweight people are lazy, and it follows that using medical weight loss instead of work to lose weight is also lazy."
The Weight of Stigma: Breaking Free from the Guilt and Judgement
of women over 40 say society’s views on weight personally affect them
believe they are held to higher weight standards than men
"I feel there is a lot of fat shaming in the media. There isn't enough information about the different causes of weight gain and the difficulties losing weight like genetic predisposition or illnesses. It seems to be about hitting the gym and going on diets."
still believe weight loss is about willpower
view being overweight as a personal choice
"They judge people for their choices not realising some might not have a choice."
"You are judged as people believe it's linked to vanity rather than a helpful tool for weight loss particularly as it's been flaunted by celebrities. For many people this medication can help enormously."
Media Misinformation: Unpacking the Myth that “Medical Weight Loss is Cheating”
of women agree that the media fails to capture the true challenges of weight management
still see medical weight loss as “cheating”
“The media only gives a simplistic overview of weight loss focusing on quick results. The reality is getting weight off and keeping it off requires a long term commitment of meal planning and regular movement.”
“In regards to women, media does not address issues like hormonal and metabolic factors, the impact of pregnancy and menopause on the body; it is ridiculous to expect women in their 60s and older to have the body of a 20 year-old.”
would feel more comfortable choosing medical weight loss treatment if there were no stigma attached
believe weight loss achieved through lifestyle changes is more “admirable” than through medical treatment
“Some make losing weight is the easiest thing in the world. There's so many factors/reasons as to why people struggle. Mine is chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia. It's a vicious circle of controlling pain and trying to be more active. Media doesn't portray this.”
The Education Gap: Empowering Women with the Knowledge They Need
of Australian women who have been trying to lose noticeable amount of weight have used medical treatments
"I have felt humiliated by doctors when seeking out support for my weight situation. Doctors need to get proper training on how to speak to obese patients and need to better understand the complexity of obesity."
of women report feeling anxious about discussing medical treatments with their doctor
of users of medical weight loss express feelings of guilt or shame
In this day and time, the cost of living is horrendous. It’s not just about being able to afford the “healthy” food but everything else that they have to cover. Rent, kids, vehicles, gas water, power. The stresses of being able to make it to the next pay day is very much alive. Then there’s mindset mentality. It’s not just about food and affordability. It’s the emotions and the courage that goes with trying to make the changes. It’s hard for many.”
of women who haven’t looked at or used medical weight loss treatments would consider them
The myth is: don’t eat & you will lose weight. It is not as simple as that. The mental health aspect of being overweight is constantly overlooked.
Hear from our obesity & weight management specialists
Obesity is not a moral failing—it’s a complex medical condition driven by factors like genetics, hormones, and metabolism. When we treat it as such, we can offer real solutions. Medical weight loss is part of that solution, not a shortcut.
We’ve been taught to believe weight loss is all about willpower and discipline, but the reality is much more complex. We have here a legitimate medical treatment that can help people who are struggling with obesity. Calling it 'cheating' is not just inaccurate, it's harmful.
The stigma around medical weight loss is rooted in the misconception that it's a 'quick fix.' For many of my patients, this is a tool to break free from the endless cycle of dieting and shame. It's not about taking the easy way out—it's about creating long-term, sustainable change.
The notion that medical weight loss options are cheating couldn’t be further from the truth. They're just another tool in a comprehensive approach to health. Nutrition, exercise, and medical intervention all work together to create lasting change.
Your medical weight loss action plan
Learn what it involves
Medical weight loss treatments are a powerful, science-backed option for individuals who haven’t found success with traditional weight loss methods. Unlike fad diets or quick fixes, these treatments assist you with the complex biological factors behind obesity — like hunger, cravings, and metabolism.
At Juniper, we treat obesity as a medical condition, not a moral failing. Our program combines clinically proven medical weight loss treatment with holistic support through our Strength Program, which offers personalised guidance on nutrition, movement, and mindset changes, helping members build long-term lifestyle habits.
Our approach is designed by Australian doctors and backed by emerging research. We’re here to offer a real, lasting solution—not just temporary weight loss but sustainable health gains.
Talk to your loved ones
Starting a conversation with friends and family about medical weight loss can feel daunting, especially when they may not fully understand the treatment. It’s natural to worry about being judged or misunderstood, but approaching these discussions with confidence and clarity can make a big difference.
Here are some tips to guide the conversation:
- Be honest: Share why you’ve chosen this path. You could say, “I’ve been struggling with my weight for a while, and I’ve decided to try a medically guided program to improve my health.”
- Stick to the facts: Explain that this is a legitimate, clinically supervised treatment designed to address the biological factors behind weight gain—not a shortcut or a quick fix.
- Set boundaries: If you’re met with negativity or misconceptions, it’s okay to assert your boundaries. “I appreciate your concern, but this is a decision I’ve made for my health. I’d love your support.”At the end of the day, your health journey is yours alone. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you—and lean on Juniper’s community if you need extra encouragement.
At the end of the day, your health journey is yours alone. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you—and lean on Juniper’s community if you need extra encouragement.
Approach your medical team
Talking to your practitioner about weight loss is a crucial step towards finding a treatment plan that works for you. It’s important to be open and honest, sharing your medical history, past weight loss efforts, and what you hope to achieve.
How to start the conversation:
“I’ve been struggling with my weight and would like to explore medical weight loss options. Can we discuss what might be right for me?”
“I’m interested in understanding more about how biological factors might be affecting my weight. Could you guide me on the available treatments?”
Questions to ask:
“What are my treatment options, including medical treatments and lifestyle changes?”
“Are there any potential side effects I should be aware of?”
“How can I integrate medical treatments with other healthy habits, like diet and exercise?”
Building a trusting, collaborative relationship with your practitioner can help you receive the support and guidance you need. At Juniper, we’re here to back you up every step of the way. Our practitioners have a special interest in compassionate weight care, and receive training around the latest medical interventions and research to equip you with both expert care and ongoing support.
Make holistic changes
Medical weight loss treatments can be transformative, but they’re most effective when combined with a well-rounded approach to health. At Juniper, our strength philosophy complements medical treatments with practical strategies for exercise and nutrition to set you up for long-term success.
The science: Why a holistic approach matters
While medical treatments can aid weight loss, relying on medical weight loss alone can lead to muscle loss along with fat loss. Muscle mass is crucial not only for mobility, strength and longevity, but also for maintaining a healthy metabolism. When muscle mass decreases, so does your resting metabolic rate—meaning your body burns fewer calories at rest. Combining medical treatment with strength training and proper nutrition helps preserve muscle mass, which is why more Juniper patients maintain their results after treatment concludes
Strength training
Incorporating regular strength training into your routine helps build lean muscle, which not only tones your body but also boosts your metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn—even at rest. Strength training also supports bone health, increases energy levels, and improves overall strength and mobility.
Protein-rich diet
A diet rich in protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting weight loss. Protein helps repair and build tissues, keeps you feeling full longer, and can boost your metabolism. Incorporating lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils into your meals can make a significant difference in your weight management journey.
At Juniper, we’re often encouraging our members to eat more, rather than diet with restrictions. That’s through high-protein recipes, personalised meal plans, and recommendations.
Simple tips for a holistic approach:
- Aim for balanced meals with a good source of protein, like lean meats, tofu, eggs, or legumes.
- Incorporate strength training exercises into your weekly routine—even 2–3 sessions can make a difference.
- Stay consistent with both medical and lifestyle strategies to maximise your results.
With the right combination of medical support, nutrition, and exercise, you can create a strong foundation for lasting health and weight loss success.
Discover the psychology behind it
Weight loss isn’t just physical—it’s also deeply connected to your mindset. Many of us struggle with emotional eating, stress, or negative self-talk, which can create real barriers to progress. Addressing the psychological aspects of weight loss can make a significant impact on your journey.
Common psychological barriers
- Emotional eating: Many people turn to food for comfort in times of stress, sadness, or boredom. Recognising these triggers can help break the cycle.
- Negative self-talk: Thoughts like “I’ll never succeed” or “I’m not good enough” can undermine your progress. Practising self-compassion can shift this mindset.
- Stress and anxiety: High-stress levels can lead to unhealthy habits. Learning to manage stress through techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing can be a game-changer.
Strategies to support a healthy mindset
- Mindfulness: Practising mindfulness can help you become more aware of your eating habits and build a healthier relationship with food.
- Setting realistic goals: Break your weight loss journey into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each win, no matter how small.
- Build a support network: Whether through friends, family, or Juniper’s supportive community, having people to lean on can make a big difference. An accountability buddy—someone who understands your goals and encourages you along the way—can provide the motivation and support you need to stay on track. They can celebrate your successes, help you overcome challenges, and keep you moving forward.
At Juniper, we believe in a whole-person approach to weight care—supporting not just your body but also your mind. You deserve to feel confident, capable, and fully in control of your health journey.