Did you hear?… Apparently we aren't even trying to lose weight
Despite recent government studies showing that the ever-increasing rate of obesity has finally for once not climbed, recent research shows one reason obesity continues to be an issue is that we simply aren't really trying very hard.
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Despite recent government studies showing that the ever-increasing rate of obesity has finally for once not climbed, recent research shows one reason obesity continues to be an issue is that we simply aren’t really trying very hard.
In a poll commissioned by the America On the Move Foundation (AOMF) and conducted by Harris Interactive, efforts by Americans to lose weight have dropped by 14 percent in the last four years — from 73 percent in 2003 to 59 percent today.
That is proof, the foundation said, that building social networks is crucial to regaining momentum. The research also found that only 40 percent of respondents reported their immediate family members encourage them to eat healthy and more nutritious foods, and a mere 16 percent said their close friends encourage healthy choices or lifestyle changes.
“As obesity continues to rise at an alarming pace, these results show that Americans do not have the support they need to make healthy changes,” said James O. Hill, Ph.D., AOMF co-founder and professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Colorado and Health Sciences Center.
In addition, fewer than two in 10 Americans reported all or most of their close friends eat healthy and nutritious foods on a regular basis (19 percent), encourage them to be physically fit (18 percent), exercise or do physical activity on a regular basis (17 percent), and encourage them to eat healthy and nutritious foods (16 percent).
AOMF encourage Americans to move more and eat less by making two simple daily changes: adding 2,000 more steps (about 1 mile), and cutting 100 calories (1 tablespoon of butter).
The foundation’s national survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, polled 2,493 U.S. adults aged 18 or older, regarding their attitudes toward weight loss and healthy living. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of AOMF between Aug. 10-14, 2007.
For more on the foundation, go to www.americaonthemove.org.
