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What's Hot and What's Not for Weight Loss in 2003

Experts Predict Upcoming Trends in Health and Weight Loss

ATLANTA (Jan. 9, 2003) -- Every year in January many Americans resolve to lose weight. Currently, almost two-thirds of the U.S. population are overweight and approximately 124 million Americans are either on a diet or trying to maintain their weight, according to a national survey conducted by the Calorie Control Council. With so many people trying to either lose weight or prevent additional weight gain, what can we expect when we start watching the scales this year? The Calorie Control Council, a non-profit association which has tracked dieting trends in the U.S. for over 25 years, is making several predictions when it comes to weight loss and obesity:

• Getting worse before it gets better - as far as the "epidemic" of obesity in the U.S is concerned. Almost 65 percent of adults are overweight and 31 percent are obese (according to government statistics). Rates of obesity and diseases related to it, such as diabetes, will continue to climb, with more young people being affected than ever before. More and more health experts and leading health organizations will begin emphasizing the need for increased activity, controlling portion sizes of foods and focusing on healthier lifestyles.
  
  
• Becoming more "active." "Activity" will be the buzzword. Between work, kids, travel and leisure time, more Americans will begin to fit physical activity in wherever they can - taking the stairs rather than the elevator, parking farther away from the store, etc. Also, more states and local governments will develop programs to encourage their citizens to become more active. For example, Colorado recently launched "Colorado on the Move," with people counting their steps during the course of the day.
  
  
• Successful "losing" online. Internet resources, including Web sites devoted to weight loss, such as the Council's non-commercial site, www.caloriescount.com, will help people lose weight. "Studies have shown that online weight loss programs can help consumers become 'successful losers,'" says Beth Hubrich, a registered dietitian with the Council. She adds, "With such busy schedules, online programs eliminate the need to attend meetings. Chatting online, getting customized meal planning and sending emails to experts allows consumers to get the feedback they need to stay motivated."
  
  
• Getting "sweeter" on low-calorie sweeteners. The popularity of low-calorie sweeteners and products that contain those sweeteners will continue to rise. According to the Council's surveys, the use of low-calorie, reduced-sugar and sugar-free foods and beverages has been on the rise since the early 90's, now consumed by 79 percent of adults.
  
  
• New confidence in lighter versions of our favorites. The increased use of low-calorie products and "light" alternatives to help balance calories will coincide with renewed consumer confidence in their safety. Although the safety of the approved low-calorie sweeteners (acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and sucralose) has been affirmed by the Food and Drug Administration and leading health organizations, consumers will be reassured by additional safety reviews. For example, the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Union recently (December 2002) reaffirmed aspartame's clean bill of health. Likewise, based on the latest science, the warning label has been removed from foods sweetened with saccharin.

Although obesity has reached epidemic proportions, there are ways that consumers can improve their health - which is a trend most people would like to see. "The key is to lighten up and get moving and the trends noted above can help people do just that," says Ms. Hubrich.

Copyright © 2007 Calorie Control Council

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