SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL DIETERS
REVEALED IN NATIONAL SURVEY
(Atlanta, September
19, 2000) - Waistlines continue to grow with 55 percent of the American
adult population now overweight, according to recent government
statistics. The federal government has declared an obesity epidemic.
However, a new national survey reveals that some Americans are losing
weight successfully.
The
survey, recently released by the Calorie Control Council, reveals
that one-fourth of the population is currently on a diet and another
47 percent are making a conscious effort to control their weight.
This means that more than 124 million Americans (over the age of
18) are trying to either lose or control their weight. And with
some success - almost two-thirds of dieters have lost at least ten
pounds in recent months. The Council, a non-profit trade association,
has tracked dieting trends for over 20 years.
So
what are the secrets of these successful dieters? Men and women alike
feel that in order to watch their weight they need to pay attention
to both fat and calories. Additionally, the top five most popular
ways of losing and controlling weight are:
|
-
Exercise
-
Cut down on foods high in fat and
sugar
-
Use reduced-fat and sugar-free foods
and beverages
-
Eat smaller portions of favorite foods
-
Combine calorie reduction with exercise
|
Although
most overweight individuals acknowledge they need to lose the
weight, they are also aware of the obstacles that thwart their
efforts to maintain this weight loss. The number one reason according
to the study, is not exercising enough (50 percent gave this reason).
Other obstacles included not enough self-discipline (36 percent),
splurging on favorite foods (36 percent) and snacking too much
(33 percent). Frequently overeating at mealtime (26 percent) and
having trouble eating properly at restaurants (23 percent) also
seem to stand in the way of weight loss success.
It
seems that Americans are getting the message -short-term diets do
not work, but making long-term lifestyle commitments to better eating
and regular physical activity do result in successful weight loss.
Americans also are realizing that restrictive diets, diet pills,
crash diets and fasting are counterproductive. These weight management
methods were used the least, the survey revealed.
"The survey
confirms that successful weight loss means adopting sensible behaviors,"
said Lyn O'Brien Nabors, executive vice president of the Calorie
Control Council. Pills, fad diets and cutting out certain foods
and food groups just aren't working - and consumers are finally
understanding this. To lose pounds, you've basically got to lighten
up and also get moving."
The
2000 survey findings are based on a nationally projectable sample
of 1,200 Americans age 18 and older. The sample reliability is +/-
2.8 percent. The survey was completed in July 2000 by Booth Research
Services, Inc., for the Calorie Control Council, a non-profit international
association of manufacturers of low-calorie, reduced-fat and light
foods and beverages.
###
Copyright
© 2006 Calorie Control Council
Permission to reprint information in whole or in part contained
on this site is granted, provided customary credit is given.
|
Home
