10.01.09
Perceptions about health strongly contradict national statistics about obesity, illness and wellness, according to a new survey from Mintel International, Chicago, IL. Seven in 10 survey respondents (71%) told the market researcher they believe they’re in “excellent” or “good” health. But according to the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions’ Connected Care, 100 million Americans suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes or hypertension.
On the issue of obesity, people seem to be in denial as well. Only 25% of survey respondents said they suffer from or have been diagnosed as obese or overweight. But according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) two-thirds (67%) fall into these categories. Mintel calculated the body mass index (BMI) of survey respondents for a separate report on obesity and likewise found that 65% of people are overweight or obese. It also found that 70% of adults think they should exercise more. Fewer than two in five (37%) say they exercise regularly, and half of them (48%) only work out twice a week or less.
The dichotomy between perceived health and actual behavior emerged further in attitudes toward food. Two-thirds of Mintel respondents (65%) said they “try to eat healthier food these days,” but nearly the same percentage (59%) said they eat the foods they like “regardless of calories.” Similarly, just more than half (52%) said they’re on a diet, but nearly the same number (45%) said they often overeat.
On the issue of obesity, people seem to be in denial as well. Only 25% of survey respondents said they suffer from or have been diagnosed as obese or overweight. But according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) two-thirds (67%) fall into these categories. Mintel calculated the body mass index (BMI) of survey respondents for a separate report on obesity and likewise found that 65% of people are overweight or obese. It also found that 70% of adults think they should exercise more. Fewer than two in five (37%) say they exercise regularly, and half of them (48%) only work out twice a week or less.
The dichotomy between perceived health and actual behavior emerged further in attitudes toward food. Two-thirds of Mintel respondents (65%) said they “try to eat healthier food these days,” but nearly the same percentage (59%) said they eat the foods they like “regardless of calories.” Similarly, just more than half (52%) said they’re on a diet, but nearly the same number (45%) said they often overeat.