Weight Loss Habits Vary
with Gender
Weight Loss Survey
A new weight loss survey from new the Calorie Control Council reveals
that men and women differ drastically in their approach to controlling
weight and in terms of why they diet, why they use low-calorie and reduced-fat
foods and why they can't lose that excess body fat. The Council takes
a biannual look at Americans' eating and weight control habits and has
tracked dieting trends for over 20 years.
Weight Loss Survey - Weight Loss Failures
The survey revealed that women blame themselves for not being able to
lose weight while men are more likely to give external excuses. Forty-one
percent of women attributed their weight loss failures to a lack of self-discipline,
compared with only 28 percent of men. Women (36 percent) also are twice
as likely to say they often overeat for emotional reasons such as boredom,
stress or lack of family support as opposed to men (16 percent).
Weight Loss Survey - Low Fat Products
Physical appearance was a top contender for women as a reason for using
low-calorie and reduced-fat (or "light") products but men ranked
this reason much lower. Over 45 percent of women listed "maintaining
physical appearance" as a reason to use these products, while only
one-third of men gave this reason.
Weight Loss Survey - Weight Control
Efforts
However, there are some things men and women do agree on that affect their
eating habits and weight control efforts. The number one reason for being
overweight is they don't exercise enough. Most check the nutrition label
to determine the amount of calories, fat and type of ingredients they
are consuming and feel that nutritional content is important. Overall,
men and women feel that they are eating a healthier diet than they were
just three years ago. And, because of the many low-calorie, reduced-sugar
and reduced-fat foods available, both men and women feel that they are
able to better control and balance their overall caloric intake.
Weight Loss Survey - Overweight Need
to Lose Weight
Men and women alike seem to be getting the message - they're simply too
overweight -with 66 percent of women and 51 percent of men stating they
need to lose weight. With approximately 114 million Americans overweight
(according to government statistics), 24 percent (or almost 50 million
Americans over the age of 18) of Americans are "dieting." Another
36 percent are making a conscious effort to control their weight, recognizing
that on-again off-again dieting is doomed to failure and that making gradual,
more healthy lifestyle changes leads to long-term weight loss.
Source: Press Release: CaloriesCount.com.
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