Another Holiday Season has come and gone and most of us are returning to our regular routines with a few extra pounds. However, 1 in 4 people are still carrying extra weight that they gained from 2023’s holiday season to go along with it, according to a new random double opt-in survey of 2000 general population Americans that was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Herbalife.
Holiday Season Weight Gain
The Holiday Healthy Habits Survey looked at American’s healthy habits in 2024 and how they moved away from their routines throughout the holiday season. The analysis revealed that 24% of the respondents are still carrying the weight that they gained from last year’s holiday season, which was on average almost 10 pounds, and the respondents believed that they gained another 6 pounds as they changed their calendars to 2025.
Using The Holidays As An Excuse
Half of the respondents reported that they were less healthy than they usually are as the end of the year approached, with 43% reporting that they used the end-of-year festivities as an excuse to postpone eating healthy. Gen Z respondents appeared to embrace using the holidays as an excuse with 64% admitting they used the cop-opt compared to 43% of Gen X respondents.
But regardless of age, 53% of the respondents had broken healthy eating habits at the end of the year with 36% admitting it was due to giving into seasonal temptations. Many people reported pausing healthy eating habits so that they can enjoy the holidays, with 62% saying that it is more enjoyable if they don’t have to worry about healthy habits and their weight.
Giving Into Temptation
72% of Gen Z respondents believed that the Holiday Season is more enjoyable without worrying about weight and healthy habits compared to 61% of Gen Xers. Overall, 27% of the respondents reported giving in to holiday temptations, with 52% of Gen Z losing their willpower compared to 38% of Gen X respondents.
40% of the respondents said that they are more likely to give in to holiday temptations because as they have gotten older, they are more willing to just give in and enjoy the moment to be more grateful for being with their friends and family. 31% of the respondents expect that their self-control will be lower at these types of gatherings.
More Than Holiday Season Stress
But the stress of seasonal family gatherings was not the only thing that was weighing heavily on their minds, 26% were worried about the economy, 25% were worried about current events, and 22% were worried about the outcomes of the presidential election.
“Embracing the holiday season means celebrating with loved ones, and it’s possible to enjoy it while keeping your health in focus,” says Dr. Luigi Gratton, vice president of the Office of Health and Wellness at Herbalife, in a statement. “Enjoy those festive treats but consider balancing them with nutritious options and staying active. It’s all about making mindful choices that let you savor the joy of the season while still feeling great. With a little planning, you can celebrate and maintain your healthy habits.”
New Year’s Resolutions
Even though a large portion of the respondents gave up on healthy habits duing the holiday season, the majority of the plan to get back at it, with 65% planning to return to their healthy habits, estimating that it will take around 18 days to back on track or develop new habits.
36% of the respondents made a New Year’s resolution compared to 47% doing the same last year. Of those who made resolutions, 51% are going to work on saving money, 47% plan to exercise more, 40% are going to place more focus on self-care, and 38% are going to work on their sleep hygiene.
“New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to jumpstart your journey to better health, but the real key is sticking with them beyond January,” adds Gratton. “Start with small, manageable goals and integrate them into your daily routine. With consistency and commitment, you can transform those resolutions into lasting, healthy habits.”
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by: