• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains

    Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

    Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences

    What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?

    How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions

    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    Earth Mama Organics Achieves 'Plastic Neutral' Certification

    TopGum Gummies Receives USDA Organic Certification
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    Bill Chioffi Joins Nammex as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer

    FDA Issues ‘No Questions’ Letter for Chiber Mushroom Fiber Preservative

    VITAL Ancillary Study Finds No Link Between Vitamin D and Bone Fracture Risk

    FDA Issues Final Guidance on NAC Supplements
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions

    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    Earth Mama Organics Achieves 'Plastic Neutral' Certification

    TopGum Gummies Receives USDA Organic Certification
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    VITAL Ancillary Study Finds No Link Between Vitamin D and Bone Fracture Risk

    Krill Oil Study Provides Evidence of Osteoarthritis Benefits

    Immunobiotic Heat-Killed Bacteria Linked to Skin Benefits

    Folic Acid Appears Beneficial in Type 2 Diabetes
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Botanic Healthcare LLC

    BGG World

    ESHA Research

    JRS Pharma

    KLK OLEO
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Botanic Healthcare LLC

    BGG World

    ESHA Research

    JRS Pharma

    KLK OLEO
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Why So Many Consumers Struggle with Weight

    Understanding consumer preferences and emotions may help lead to more effective and personalized weight management solutions.

    Why So Many Consumers Struggle with Weight
    Obesity rates have more than doubled in the U.S. over the past 35 years
    Related CONTENT
    • MOROSIL™: SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE INGREDIENT FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
    • Nutralliance Adds Apple Cider Vinegar to Its Portfolio
    • Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    • OptiBiotix to Exhibit Microbiome Modulation Solutions
    • Bergamonte®: Italian SuperCitrus. Cardioprotective Science, History, & Sustainability
    Barbara Katz, President, HealthFocus International09.08.15
    Reducing weight in the U.S. is a $30 billion business consisting of programs involving dietary supplements, foods, new exercise regimens and cleanses. The Boston Medical Center has indicated that approximately 45 million Americans diet each year in their pursuit of a trimmer, fitter body.

    However, statistics on the weight of the population still indicate that these programs are not working. According to the “State of Obesity” report—a project of the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—obesity rates have more than doubled in the U.S. over the past 35 years. From 2009-2010 to 2011-2012, rates remained the same, however, the average American is more than 24 pounds heavier today than in 1960. So despite all of the efforts among consumers, along with the $30 billion diet industry, one could argue that the most we have achieved is stasis.

    What can we do to effect faster change? It would be obvious and fair to say in light of all this effort that there is not an easy answer. However, one thing we can discuss is understanding consumer preferences and how to individualize them based on their attitudes. Why the topic of weight is relevant to consumers needs to be better understood. Additionally, in order to impart lasting success, companies need to recognize and address the actual mental struggle that is present for more than a third of people attempting to lose weight. 

    Consumer Attitudes
    Consumers are definitely concerned about excess weight. In a 2012 HealthFocus study of 1,880 consumers titled  “Solutions for Consumer Weight Management Segments,” 58% of respondents had been actively trying to lose weight in the last month.

    According to another study, the “2014 HealthFocus USA Trend Study,” the percentage of people that believes it’s possible to be overweight and still be healthy has fallen from 45% to 38% since 2008. So consumers understand there is cause for concern.

    However, in the study on solutions for weight management, only 39%  of the obese population wanted to lose weight because they were concerned about high blood pressure or diabetes, whereas 78% wanted to lose weight because they didn’t like the way they looked, and 69% because they didn’t like how their clothes fit.

    So while the knowledge exists that excess weight too often relates to health issues, and people are likely to say they want to lose weight to improve their general health, they either are not aware of the specific risks, or the risk is just not enough to motivate them to prolonged action or a continuous healthy lifestyle.

    Fifty percent of people lose interest in a weight loss regimen within four weeks regardless of weight status. Sixty three percent need to see noticeable results in two weeks or they get discouraged. If a healthy rate of loss is 1-2 pounds per week then there is a gap between the time necessary to make noticeable changes and the time available before interest is lost. However, the gap is not insurmountable, as more than 50% of respondents consider noticeable results to be 1-6 pounds.

    Weight loss programs would be better off not telling people what the expected rate of loss is per week, but rather asking them what would truly make them happy and working toward that. It is not entirely possible, nor necessarily unhealthy, for an individual to lose 6 pounds in two weeks. It likely is not sustainable or even lasting at that rate, but there is time enough to teach people about healthy eating and sustainable weight loss when they are further along the path and more committed. If they’ve dropped out of the program completely, that opportunity won’t be there. So understand the short-term outcomes that define their success and keep setting and celebrating those short-term achievements.

    Emotion & Weight Management
    For many, weight management should actually begin with psychology, more than with food or fitness. The reasons people eat very often have nothing to do with hunger, so the needs to address go beyond satiety. Half of survey respondents in the HealthFocus weight segmentation study said that nearly every day they eat just because they are in front of the TV. Thirty four percent eat just for something to do and 50% eat something because it looks good. This is nearly every day, not once in a while. In order to change the habit of eating for entertainment, the habit has to be replaced with something else. 

    Change is so difficult because it’s multifaceted. When asked why healthy weight was difficult to maintain, 44% of respondents said “stress.” There are many emotions associated with weight—and not for a minority of people either. Out of the 1,880 participants in the study, which segmented weight managers based on their attitudes, only 19% were categorized as “Active Maintainers” while 37%, the largest segment, were “Emotional Seekers.” There were five total segments in the outcome. Active Maintainers can be defined as well adjusted, proactive health managers who maintain a fairly consistent healthy lifestyle. Emotional Seekers, on the other hand, have significant emotion tied up in weight loss. Forty four percent of them said a key reason they can’t lose weight is that they love to eat and don’t want to give it up; 46% want to lose weight because they are disgusted with themselves.

    Another aspect of emotional eating is perception. Only 32% of study respondents were in a normal body mass index (BMI) range, but of those, more than half thought they were heavier than they should be. So not only are there people who should lose weight who don’t know it, there are also people who shouldn’t lose weight who don’t know it as well. That leads to discouragement as it’s hard to succeed when you’ve so long thought weight had the upper hand. 

    One part of the very complex solution to this issue clearly has to do with deep consumer understanding and addressing needs that are holistic, because the problem is so multi-faceted. 

    It is not logical to discuss overweight and obesity as if they are the same thing, or to discuss people as if they are all defined by the fact they are overweight or obese and that somehow makes them attitudinally homogenous. If someone is an Active Maintainer, they need some knowledge of what to do, tracking tools, variety in their exercise and a little encouragement in order to be successful. If someone is an Emotional Seeker, they probably need a network of support, to exercise with friends, share recipes, make connections, replace habitual eating with other “hobbies,” learn to deal with stress and learn about fast, convenient and healthy solutions. It’s a lifestyle change, which is no easy feat, but it’s a disservice to let people believe otherwise. 


    Barbara Katz is president of HealthFocus International, a company that researches consumer needs in health and nutrition. For more information on any of the studies mentioned herein, contact barbara.katz@healthfocus.com.
    Related Searches
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Extracts
    • Enzymes
    • Mineral
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Cardiovascular Health
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Healthcare Trends
    Suggested For You
    MOROSIL™: SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE INGREDIENT FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT MOROSIL™: SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE INGREDIENT FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
    Nutralliance Adds Apple Cider Vinegar to Its Portfolio Nutralliance Adds Apple Cider Vinegar to Its Portfolio
    Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    OptiBiotix to Exhibit Microbiome Modulation Solutions OptiBiotix to Exhibit Microbiome Modulation Solutions
    Bergamonte®: Italian SuperCitrus. Cardioprotective Science, History, & Sustainability Bergamonte®: Italian SuperCitrus. Cardioprotective Science, History, & Sustainability
    NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon
    Lynside® Forte B offers full range of B-vitamin benefits with nutritional yeast Lynside® Forte B offers full range of B-vitamin benefits with nutritional yeast
    Childhood Fitness and Obesity Impact Cognition Later in Life, Study Finds Childhood Fitness and Obesity Impact Cognition Later in Life, Study Finds
    Global Innovation Tracker Marks Return of ‘What’s Next’ Research Treks Global Innovation Tracker Marks Return of ‘What’s Next’ Research Treks
    Research Trends in Nutrition and Mental Health Research Trends in Nutrition and Mental Health
    New and Evolving Formulation Options Must Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Maintenance New and Evolving Formulation Options Must Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Maintenance
    Some Clarity Offered for Label Declarations of Vitamins in the EU Some Clarity Offered for Label Declarations of Vitamins in the EU
    Blood Sugar Management: Personalized Testing Drives Home The Need for Early Intervention Blood Sugar Management: Personalized Testing Drives Home The Need for Early Intervention
    Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
    Consumer Conviction: Results of consumer satisfaction study on mental wellness and sleep. Consumer Conviction: Results of consumer satisfaction study on mental wellness and sleep.

    Related White Papers / Tech Papers

    • MOROSIL™: SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE INGREDIENT FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

      MOROSIL™: SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE INGREDIENT FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

      MOROSIL™ Moro Orange is a standardized extract derived from a highly pigmented Sicilian blood orange, Moro variety. Download our FREE Whitepaper to learn more!

    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Functional Foods & Beverages | Herbs & Botanicals | Natural/Organic | Supplier News
      Nutralliance Adds Apple Cider Vinegar to Its Portfolio

      Nutralliance Adds Apple Cider Vinegar to Its Portfolio

      The company has launched a water-soluble, powdered form for use in food manufacturing.
      07.25.22

    • Dietary Supplements | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

      Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

      Complex formulas, sophisticated adulteration, and cost expectations are key pressure points in the dietary supplement market.
      By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 07.18.22


    • OptiBiotix to Exhibit Microbiome Modulation Solutions

      OptiBiotix to Exhibit Microbiome Modulation Solutions

      The company invites attendees to learn more about its probiotic strains and prebiotic fibers.
      07.06.22

    • Bergamonte®: Italian SuperCitrus. Cardioprotective Science, History, & Sustainability

      Bergamonte®: Italian SuperCitrus. Cardioprotective Science, History, & Sustainability

      Watch our video to learn more!

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • First Day Life Shuts Down Children's Behavioral, Cognitive Health Claims Following Challenge
    • Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content In Cheese
    • Pycnogenol Evidenced To Have Skin Benefits In Dermatology Study
    Breaking News
    • 3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions
    • INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility
    • Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs
    • Earth Mama Organics Achieves 'Plastic Neutral' Certification
    • TopGum Gummies Receives USDA Organic Certification
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    July/August 2022

    • A Growing Herbal Products Market Still Faces Formidable Threats, Challenges
    • Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    • Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences
    • Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains
    • How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    • What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions
    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility
    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    ICP Building Solutions Group Names Sami Rahman New Chief Commercial Officer
    Tnemec Introduces Series 21 Epoxoline
    Make UK Defence Collaborates with HMG Paints
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—Aug. 6
    Ampersand Capital Partners Invests in Sterling Medical Devices
    ICG Acquires Seaway Plastics Engineering
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Datwyler to Double Capacity at Production Ops in Pune
    Thorne HealthTech, AstraZeneca Entend AI Discovery Alliance
    Aptar Pharma Acquires Worldwide Rights to Pharmaxis’ Orbital Inhaler
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Alicia Keys Introduces Keys Soulcare’s First SPF Skincare Offering
    Kylie Gets Backlash for Makeup Lab Photo Shoot
    Redken Celebrates Hair Gloss Day
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    CEO Named at Ourself, Ulta Beauty’s Digital Investment Fund, Spate Insight
    UK Society of Cosmetic Scientists Launches New Introduction to Cosmetic Science
    Metallic Eyeshadow, Body Glitter and Glow Blush Top Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Epple Druckfarben Lead This Week’s News Stories
    A-Flex Label Adds Epson SurePress UV Digital Label Press
    Ball Announces 2Q 2022 Results
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    FLAG to hold roundtable event at Labelexpo Americas
    Premier Packaging expands, Resource Label promotes culture and more
    Labelink acquires Taylor Label and The Label Factory
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Weekly Recap: A New Day for Hygiene, Glatfelter Reports Q2 Results & More
    Dyper Achieves B Corp Certification
    Edgewell’s Sales Grow
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—Aug. 6
    Spineology Releases Endoscopic, Single-Tubular Retractor Fusion System
    GreenBone Signs Distribution Agreement for its Regenerative Scaffold
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Weekly Recap: STMicroelectronics, NextFlex and onsemi Top This Week’s Stories
    Zebra Technologies Reports 2Q 2022 Results
    InnovationLab Demonstrates New PCB Production Method Based on Additive Manufacturing

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login