Mind Over Matter For British Dieters
Despite the growing obesity epidemic, British adults are lacking the will power to lose weight, according to research by new weight management specialists Rezest.
The poll of 3,556 people revealed that more than half (55%) the nation would like to lose considerable weight, however, nearly a third (31%) fall off the wagon at the first hurdle, lasting less than four weeks on their chosen diet.
Interestingly, more than half (52%) of those surveyed decided to battle the bulge following the shock of seeing a bad photo of themselves and for an additional 19 per cent, the thought of a new partner seeing them naked was the motivation to embark on a diet.
Top 5 weight loss motivations:
1) Seeing a bad picture of yourself
2) Wanting to look good in a bikini
3) New Year’s resolutions
4) A wedding or special occasion
5) A new partner seeing you naked
Whilst initially motivated to lose weight, nearly half (49%) of starving Brits admit to abandoning a diet because they are unable to cope with the hunger pangs.
Stress is also a major factor affecting the nation’s dieting plans for 2011 with nearly a third (31%) of dieters abandoning their weight loss efforts due to the pressures of life.
More than a quarter (26%) of impatient Brits have abandoned a diet because it is taking too long to lose weight with a further 19 per cent stating that they are just too busy to buy healthy foods.
Shockingly, 15 per cent of those questioned are too tempted by fast food chains to stay on track - the golden arches proving too big a temptation.
The survey also revealed that deceptive Brits are not entirely honest about their weight loss methods, with 17 per cent admitting they lie to friends and family about their food intake whilst on a diet.
A sly one in ten (10%) sneak to the kitchen in the middle of the night to snack secretly, whilst 7 per cent have a stash of food hidden for secret binges!
Chocolate was named and shamed as the biggest downfall for female dieters with nearly a third (31%) a slave to their sweet tooth.
However, British men admitted alcohol was their biggest temptation with more than one in five (22%) quitting their diet to get back on the booze.
Top 5 food and drink temptations:
1) Chocolate
2) Alcohol
3) Crisps
4) Bread
5) Fizzy Drinks
Clive Marsden, co-founder of Rezest, commented: "The results prove that the combination of hunger, stress and time constraints associated with regular dieting prove insurmountable for many Brits.
"In order to attain a healthy weight, it is important to set realistic dieting goals and focus on permanently changing your eating habits."
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