Most People Overestimate Effort it Takes to Maintain Weight

April 2, 2003 Washington DC -- Most people don't know that simple changes in their lifestyles can help them prevent weight gain, according to a new national survey from the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition.

40 percent incorrectly believe that in order to prevent weight gain, an average person should reduce daily caloric intake by 500 calories or more. But according to a recent study published in Science magazine, just 100 calories fewer per day may be all it takes to avoid weight gain. Only 7 percent of respondents agreed that eliminating 100 calories would prevent weight gain.

Most consumers also overestimate what they need to do to expend more energy or to consume fewer calories - another potential obstacle to successfully addressing weight control.

"These misconceptions prevent Americans from taking small but significant actions as part of their daily lives to better maintain their weight and achieve a healthy balance for life," said ACFN Chair Dr. Susan Finn. "The Council's 50/50 Program offers tips for Americans to eat 50 calories fewer and to burn 50 calories more. These simple and achievable changes can help Americans get smarter - and get started - on balancing nutrition and activity while accommodating the demands of today's lifestyles."

Notably, the survey found that women were more likely to underestimate the ease of cutting 50 calories through dietary changes or increasing physical activity to burn 50 calories.

"Because women are generally seen as more influential on matters of health and diet in their families, it is important for us to provide women - and mothers especially - with the information they need to take positive action," added Dr. Finn.

Size of the U.S. Overweight Problem

Almost half of Americans underestimate the percentage of adults in the United States who are classified as overweight. The most recent available statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics (a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) show that 65 percent of American adults are classified as overweight; 48 percent of respondents thought the figure was lower. Only 43 percent of respondents knew the correct figure.

Activity Levels Overestimated To Burn Calories

More than one third of adults (35 percent) believe that in order to burn off an additional 50 calories per day, they would need to walk briskly for 30 minutes. Only 13% of survey respondents knew that the average person would only need to walk for 10 minutes in order to burn 50 calories.

Calorie Reduction

When asked how many tablespoons of ice cream the average person should cut out if he or she wants to reduce caloric intake by 50 calories but still enjoy ice cream for dessert, 30% inaccurately said they would need to reduce their servings by five tablespoons. Only 16 percent of respondents knew that just two tablespoons less ice cream can eliminate 50 calories.

Women Tend to Underestimate Value of Small Changes In Exercise

Women were both more likely to underestimate actual energy expenditure (38% think a person needs to walk for 30 minutes to expend 50 calories, as opposed to 32% of men) and calorie content (33% think a person needs to cut five or more tablespoons of ice cream to cut 50 calories, as opposed to 26 percent of men).

About the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition

The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition is a non-profit organization established to promote a healthy balance between fitness and nutrition, and to deliver information about balance and lifestyle choices based on the best available science. ACFN was founded by a coalition of food and beverage companies, not-for-profit organizations, and trade associations working together to improve the health of all Americans. www.acfn.org.