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2004 Trends in Weight Loss

Calorie Control Council Predicts Top 5 Trends in Dieting and Weight Loss for 2004

ATLANTA (December 23, 2003) – As 2004 approaches, thoughts will turn to weight loss and how to lose those unwanted pounds - some of which may have been gained over the recent holidays. Currently, almost two-thirds of adults are overweight. Approximately 124 million are either on a diet or trying to control their weight, according to recent surveys conducted by the Calorie Control Council. (The Council is a non-profit association that has tracked dieting and weight loss trends for the past 20 years).

As the nation's focus turns to weight loss, what will dieters and weight controllers face in 2004? The Council is predicting the following top dieting trends for the coming year:

• The low-carb craze will continue. More books and products will be produced to help consumers reduce their intake of carbohydrates. Currently, roughly 25 million dieters are using diets such as Atkins, the Zone and Sugar Busters to help control their weight, the Council's surveys indicate. Additionally, more than half of dieters are increasing consumption of foods high in protein to help control their weight. There will also continue to be confusion about carbs, with some food marketers promoting "good" vs. "bad" carbohydrates.
• Consumers will make a conscious effort to find ways to add more activity to their day. As the number of modern conveniences increases (e.g., automatic gates and garage doors, elevators, automatic vacuum cleaners, etc.) consumers will be forced to be more conscious about squeezing more activity into their day. More schools will also re-introduce physical education into schools.
• Consumers will seek weight loss help online. Web sites devoted to weight loss, such as the Council's non-commercial site, www.caloriescount.com, will help people lose weight at a time and in a place that is convenient for them. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that online dieting sites can be effective in helping people lose weight.
• Diabetes will continue to be a major concern. With the increasing number of overweight and obese, those afflicted with type 2 diabetes is also expected to rise. Thus a term known as "diabesity" will become more commonplace. Consumers will also hear more about type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it - especially in children. Preventing weight gain and losing excess weight will be top priority as a healthy weight can help protect against type 2 diabetes.
• Restaurants will offer more choices to dieters. Many restaurants will offer low-carb options or meals that are in line with various national weight loss guidelines. More nutritional information will also be available for those seeking it.

"Obviously, some of these trends are not good - especially with a possible increase in the number of people with diabetes. However, there will be some positive trends in 2004. Consumers will have more options for lower-calorie and lower-fat fare and more credible health and weight loss related information will be available on the Internet," notes Beth Hubrich a registered dietitian and director of health and nutrition communications for CaloriesCount.com.

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The Calorie Control Council is an international non-profit association representing the low-calorie and reduced-fat food and beverage industry