AP/Ipsos Poll: Many Americans Underestimate Weight Problems, Drop Off Diets To Regain Lost Pounds

Washington, D.C. (AP) -- Many Americans underestimate the seriousness of their own weight problem and give up on diets, only to regain at least some of the lost pounds, an Associated Press poll found. By Will Lester Associated Press Writer Those could be among the causes of widespread weight problems for Americans that contribute to diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Those who do watch what they eat are more likely to trim fat than take the trendier approach of cutting carbohydrates. Such issues are on people's minds with the approach of summer, when many will try to squeeze into swimsuits without wincing in front of the mirror. In an overweight nation, just 12 percent say they are currently on diets, the AP-Ipsos poll found. Most people who have been on diets say they've regained at least some of the weight they had lost. "I've been up and down for many years -- it is hard," said Ann Burris, a 59-year-old teacher from Tallahassee, Fla. "I've tried, and I understand nutrition, but it's a lack of self-discipline. I'm going to retire this year, and I want to try to get to a healthy weight." Who's to blame for America's weight problem? More than three-quarters said individuals bear responsibility for themselves, while 9 percent pointed to family and 8 percent blamed fast-food restaurants. The AP poll found that six in 10 who qualify as overweight under government standards say they are at a healthy weight. Only one-quarter of those who are obese consider themselves very overweight, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs. People are unlikely to admit the severity of their weight problems for fear of being seen in a bad light, said Dr. William Dietz of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Many also may be unfamiliar with government standards. "There have been lots of changes in food intake -- fast foods, increased portion sizes, soft drink consumption," said Dietz, director of the CDC's division of nutrition and physical activity. People also are exercising less, he added. About two-thirds in the poll said they have tried to start regular programs of physical exercise in the last year. When asked which health risk posed the greatest danger to Americans today, those in the AP-Ipsos poll were most likely to say unhealthy eating habits. The poll asked people their height and weight and used a government formula to determine if they were overweight. Forty-nine percent qualified as overweight or obese, based on their reported height and weight. However, respondents in a telephone poll could be inclined to understate their weight, and men were more likely than women to report weights that would make them officially overweight. Only 36 percent described themselves as overweight, just over half the number considered overweight by government standards. A 1999-2000 government study of nutrition found that nearly two-thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese. Almost one in six in the AP-Ipsos poll said being overweight is a major problem for them or someone in their family. More than half said it was at least a minor problem. A majority, 56 percent, said they attempt to restrict fat in their diets, while 33 percent said they try to restrict carbohydrates, foods like bread and pasta. Low-carb approaches like the Atkins diet have been around for decades but have grown increasingly popular in the last few years. Jennifer Bryan, a 36-year-old massage therapist in Coronado, Calif., said exercise is the key component since she has had to focus more on her weight in recent years. "I'm not overweight on anybody else's standards," said the former NFL cheerleader. "I've always had a magnificent, fantastic body. But it's all about exercise." In that group of people who have dieted in the past, nearly four in 10 said they either gained back most of the weight they lost (13 percent) or all of it (23 percent), and an additional 41 percent said they gained back some of the weight. "My problem is that I have no approach to it at all," said Jim Lunger, a 44-year-old market researcher from Louisville, Ky. "I know it can be a health problem, but what a way to go." The Associated Press Poll is conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Between May 17-19, 2004, the AP/Ipsos poll interviewed a representative sample of 1,000 adults nationwide. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 for all adults. Margin of error for subgroups may be higher. To view the complete filled-in questionnaire for this survey, please download the Topline Results. For more information on this press release, please contact: Thomas Riehle President, Ipsos Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 202.463.7300 About Ipsos Public Affairs Ipsos Public Affairs, headquartered in Washington D.C., is a non-partisan, objective, survey-based research company made up of campaign and political polling veterans as well as seasoned research professionals. The company conducts strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of American and international organizations, based not only on public opinion research but often elite stakeholder, corporate, and media opinion research. It has offices in New York City, Chicago, San Ramon (CA), and Washington, with affiliates around the world. Ipsos Public Affairs conducts national and international public opinion polling on behalf of The Associated Press, the world's oldest and largest news organization, and conducts the young voters poll for Newsweek.com. 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