Britain To Battle The Bulge In 2011
Turkey sandwiches and mince pies are now a distant memory but the legacy of post-Christmas weight remains, according to research by new weight management specialists Rezest.
Whether it’s New Year blues or the shock of seeing old photos of a slimmer self, more than two thirds (69%) of British adults will be dieting this year – that’s approximately 34 million people*!
The poll of 3556 people revealed that nearly a third (31%) of those questioned are already on the diet wagon with a staggering 77 per cent of British women hoping to transform their weight.
The nation’s men are also showing concern for their weight with more than half (58%) committing to a diet this year.
Showing they mean business, the survey showed that the average Brit hopes to lose 14lbs - a full stone - through their weight loss efforts with an astounding one in ten (10%) setting their sights on losing more than 30lbs!
Northern Ireland residents proved the most motivated region, hoping to lose a significant 15lbs with their diet overhaul.
However, their London counterparts are set to make the least effort by looking to lose 13lbs – lower than the national average.
The top five regions looking to lose the most weight:
1) Northern Ireland – 15lbs
2) North West – 14.8lbs
3) North East – 14.7lbs
4) Yorkshire and The Humber – 14.2lbs
5) East Anglia – 14.1lbs
Whilst motivated to lose significant weight, the survey revealed that many Brits are not entirely honest about their methods with 14 per cent of those questioned lying about their food intake whilst on a diet.
A further 12 per cent have been dishonest about the amount of weight they’ve lost to make their dieting seem more successful and a conniving 3 per cent of Brits admitted to sabotaging a friend’s diet!
The survey also revealed that the majority of Brits tend to diet just once a year but keep their efforts up for an average of three months.
However, a disappointing 12 per cent last less than two weeks on their chosen diet. By contrast, more than one in ten (11%) frustrated Brits spend over eight months of their year on a diet – highlighting the age old need for quality over quantity.
Clive Marsden, Managing Director at Rezest, commented: “It is great to see such a huge portion of the nation doing their best to take control of their weight during 2011.
"A healthy weight is the best way to achieve a permanent lifestyle improvement, but it is important not to set unsustainable targets. We urge dieters to set realistic goals and focus on transforming their lifestyle, paving the way for a healthy and happy 2011.
"Our dieters have a very high success rate as the Rezest programme removes the main reasons people fail at their weight loss efforts, providing support at all the key milestones with a programme that is manageable for all committed dieters. ”
Tagged in Health