More than two-thirds of Americans trying to shed pounds or avoid gaining weight will not succeed because they aren't cutting calories and exercising enough, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Promotion in Atlanta. The common strategy and most prevalent problem among these dieters are attempts to consume less fat but not fewer calories. This approach was used by 34.9% of the men surveyed and 40% of women.
Better communication is needed to educate people, especially the obese, on the importance of incorporating exercise into their lifestyles for weight control.
The survey found that many of those who were trying to lose weight were not following the recommended exercise guidelines, which include at least 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on all or most days of the week. Only 42.3% of men and 36.8% of women reported engaging in 150 minutes or more of leisure-time physical activity per week.
The survey also highlights that although Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight loss products and services, obesity has been on the rise.
The study is based on a national survey of 107,804 adult men and women.
(National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Mary K. Serdula, 770/488-5554)