American Women Speak Out About Weight Loss and Healthy Eating

Author: McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
Published: 2011/01/10 - Updated: 2023/05/31
Topic: Fitness and Nutrition - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Study revealed that when it comes to achieving or maintaining their ideal weight most women are ill-informed on the most effective or healthy ways to do so. The survey, which polled women across the country ages 25-54, returned thoughtful feedback on the state of weight loss in America today and the things women are doing to stay healthy.

Introduction

On average, more than a third of American women think about their weight at least three times per day, and many think that achieving their weight loss goals or maintaining an 'ideal' weight requires overly strict and drastic lifestyle changes, according to a recent survey conducted by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, the marketer of SPLENDA® Sweetener Products, with the support of SHAPE Magazine. Eighty-one percent of women surveyed do not think they are at their ideal weight; still, almost half are optimistic they will achieve their ideal weight in 2011. The survey, which polled women across the country ages 25-54, returned thoughtful feedback on the state of weight loss in America today and the things women are doing to stay healthy.

Main Item

The survey revealed that when it comes to achieving or maintaining their ideal weight, most women are ill-informed on the most effective and/or healthy ways to do so. For example, 91 percent of women were unaware of the amount of calories one needs to burn in order to lose a pound of fat (3,500 calories).

Women surveyed cited stresses, demands on their time, family obligations and financial problems as the reasons their weight loss efforts have been difficult.

With so many other factors on their minds, the survey also found that women tend to overlook nutritional value in their food purchases, ranking price, taste and quality higher. Only 17 percent of women ranked nutritional value as the most important factor when purchasing food.

"We found that many women are implementing major lifestyle changes to lose weight. Oftentimes it's small, simple changes that are not only crucial to the weight loss process, but are also healthy and effective in the long run," said SHAPE magazine senior health and nutrition editor Sharon Liao. "We want to spread the message that it doesn't need to be really difficult to make a difference and get on the right track."

The survey went on to reveal some detailed information on the steps women believe are necessary to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. Many women surveyed believe that in order for an average woman to lose 20 pounds in one year, she would need to cut something like sweets or snacks out of her diet entirely (35 percent) or reduce her caloric intake to fewer than 1,000 calories per day (39 percent). In reality, an average woman can successfully lose weight if she follows a calorie-appropriate diet and stays active. The survey revealed that 70 percent of women currently add sugar to foods and beverages, most often adding it to their coffee (48 percent).

By making smart substitutions with their food choices and by watching their portion sizes, women can continue to enjoy the foods they love with fewer calories from added sugars.

"If women have unrealistic ideas of what it takes to reduce calories and eat healthy, they are more likely to become derailed in their weight loss efforts," said Fred Tewell, group product director for SPLENDA® Sweetener Products.

"We want to educate women who are trying to manage their weight and let them know that a good place to start is by simply incorporating healthier habits into their daily routines, such as using SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener in place of sugar. If you replace 3 tablespoons of sugar each day with SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, you'll save 100 calories. It's important for women to know that they can carry out their goals in simple, delicious ways that won't disrupt their daily lives."

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC and published on 2011/01/10, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, McNeil Nutritionals, LLC can be contacted at NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.