America is famous for many things, but only recently has it gained the distinction of being the world’s fattest nation. Some 64% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese, according to government sources.
The obesity epidemic has consumers on the defense, according to a new survey by Bally Total Fitness, with 64% of respondents saying that label is embarrassing, to them personally and to their country. And yet, more than 50% of respondents admitted being overweight, of which 55% wanted to shed 20 pounds and 21% hoped to drop more than 40 pounds. Even so, only 25% are currently following a diet program and only 20% belong to a fitness center.
Americans were quick to point the finger at the fast food and “junk food” industries. More than 80% indicated fast food, busy lifestyles or junk food as the root problem for the country’s collective weight gain. Nevertheless, 38% said they would still sit down to eat a fast food meal containing more than 500 calories and 50 grams of fat, the study found. As for providing nutritional information to consumers to help them make healthful food choices, 83% reported they wanted such information on menus but only 39% said it would influence their food choices. Only 35% reported counting calories; 40% count carbs and 40% count fat.
Consumers also seem confused, or misinformed, about the heathfulness of the foods they choose. On average, respondents believed that a latte, a slice of pizza and a fried chicken breast all had about the same caloric and fat content. (Latte — 260 calories/14 grams of fat; pizza — 350/18; chicken — 470/28).
The survey was conducted in December 2003 and polled a random sample of Americans ages 18 and older.
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