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AMERICA’S WEIGHT PROBLEM CONTINUES:
National Consumer Survey Identifies What We're Doing Right And Wrong

ATLANTA -- Let’s face it: we’re an overweight nation, and we know it. According to the government’s figures -- one-third are obese and well over half are overweight.

The point is, where do we go from here? Is this the picture of America that we better get used to -- double-chins and double cheeseburgers? Are Americans content to be one of history’s heaviest societies?

“No,” according to a new national survey conducted for the Calorie Control Council. For one thing, we’re not in denial: 58 percent of Americans admit they need to lose weight -- 37 percent admit they need to lose 10 pounds or more.

So why are Americans getting fatter? The answer is complex, rooted in many different factors, but the survey provides insight into both what America is doing right . . . and wrong.

What are we doing right?

• We’re NOT dieting. The survey finds that Americans continue to understand that traditional dieting (deprivation, short-term solutions) spells failure. Instead, it takes permanent lifestyle changes to take and keep weight off. Only 24 percent of adults (51 million people) are currently dieting. And even dieters are more likely to be practicing sensible dieting behaviors (e.g., 98 percent are cutting down on high-fat foods and beverages, versus 81 percent in 1986).
• We’re eating more healthfully -- 70 percent of American adults say they are eating a healthier diet today than they were three years ago.
• We’re choosing low-calorie and reduced-fat foods and beverages. An overwhelming 87 percent of consumers eat or drink lighter versions of their favorite foods on a regular basis. And 73 percent of light product consumers are NOT on a diet.
• We’re paying attention to nutrition labels. A sizable majority (61 percent) say they always try to check the nutrition label to determine the fat content in foods and beverages they buy. And 51 percent say they always try to check for calories.

What are we doing 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 survey. Leading health groups agree that regular exercise is the way to winning the weight war. And it doesn’t have to be exhausting. The 2000 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, even if it is in short bouts such as walking stairs, doing housework or playing actively with children.
• 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.”

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.

Copyright © 2007 Calorie Control Council

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