Weight Loss - Americans
58 percent of Americans admit they need
to lose weight and 37 percent admit they need to lose 10 pounds or more
of body weight, according to a recent weight loss survey by the Calorie
Control Council. So why are Americans becoming more overweight?
Weight Loss Survey - What Americans
Do Right
The weight loss survey finds that Americans understand that fad short-term
diets spell failure and realize it takes permanent lifestyle changes lose
and maintain weight loss. 24 percent of adults (51 million people) are
currently on a weight loss diet and more are likely to be practicing sensible
dieting behaviors (e.g., 98 percent of dieters are cutting down on high-fat
foods and beverages, versus 81 percent in 1986).
Weight Loss Survey - What Americans Do Wrong
We're not exercising enough. Although
45 percent of adults say they get at least some (moderate) exercise at
least five times a week, that still leaves well over half of American
adults who get inadequate regular exercise, according to the weight loss
survey.
We're still eating too much fat.
The most recent government data indicate that Americans still get, on
average, 34 percent of their daily calories from fat. Most nutritionists
recommend limiting fat intake to 30 percent. The good news is, a decade
ago the average American got 40 percent of calories from fat.
We're eating too much, period. Our
calorie intake keeps going up - currently at over 2,000 calories a day
compared with 1,800 in the 1970s - and health experts agree that excess
calories from any source will contribute to obesity, and that calories
still count.
We're faced with powerful obstacles
to weight loss. The survey asked people who said they need to lose
weight why they hadn't been successful at maintaining their desired weight.
The number one answer: "don't exercise enough," followed by
"snack too much," "eat too many high fat foods," "
often splurge on favorite foods," "often overeat at mealtimes,"
and "often eat for emotional reasons."
Weight Loss Survey - Method
The survey findings are based on a nationally projectable sample of 1,200
people aged 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.
Source: Press Release: CaloriesCount.com.
2000
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