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ADA SURVEY FINDS CONSUMERS KNOW
IMPORTANCE OF DIET AND ACTIVITY, BUT MISCONCEPTIONS PERSIST
By The American Dietetic Association
CHICAGO -- Overwhelming majorities of
Americans say diet and physical activity are personally important to them, and increasing
numbers of consumers say they believe they are doing all they can to achieve a healthful
diet, according to the American Dietetic Association's nationwide public opinion survey, Nutrition
and You: Trends 2002.
"The findings of ADA's 2002 survey indicate that
consumer trends that were spotted in the late 1990s are continuing into the 21st century
-- and appear likely to remain stable for the foreseeable future," said Atlanta
registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Chris Rosenbloom.
"Healthful eating and physical activity are both necessary for
optimal health, and we all need to incorporate both into our daily lives," Rosenbloom
said. "This is a message that has clearly gotten through over the past several
years."
Among the results of ADA's survey:
Eighty-five (85) percent of American consumers say diet and
nutrition are "important to them personally," the same percentage as in ADA's
last survey in 2000.
Seventy-five (75) percent say they carefully select foods in
order to achieve balanced nutrition and a healthful diet.
Eighty-two (82) percent say exercise and physical activity
are important to them personally, virtually identical to the percentage in 2000.
Sixty-six (66) percent of consumers say they make a conscious
effort to engage in exercise and physical activity.
Fifty-eight (58) percent say they actively seek information
about nutrition and healthful eating.
"People are hungry for information on food and
nutrition and they clearly understand that nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand
for a healthy lifestyle," Rosenbloom said.
On the other hand, Rosenbloom said, some nutrition myths die hard.
Nearly two-thirds of all respondents to the survey (63 percent) said they consider body
weight to be an indicator of a healthful diet. "In reality, no two people have the
same body composition. The measure of a person's diet, as well as overall health, is a
combination of factors, including weight," Rosenbloom said.
The survey found many people continue to hold onto misconceptions
about food and nutrition:
Fifty-seven (57) percent agreed with the statement
"Based on the information I've heard, I believe there are some foods that I should
never eat."
Fifty-four (54) percent agreed that "taking vitamin
supplements is necessary to ensure good health."
Thirty-three (33) percent agreed that "herbal dietary
supplements are safe because they are natural."
In addition, a growing number of consumers -- 63
percent -- agreed with the statement "It seems like I am always hearing information
about what not to eat rather than what I should eat." In 2000, 37 percent said the
news "only tells me what I should not eat."
"Sorting through the never-ending flow of nutrition information
and misconceptions can be difficult, especially for consumers who are trying to make the
best choices and to maximize their health and that of their families," Rosenbloom
said.
"Consumers should know that dietetics professionals and the
American Dietetic Association are their top source for reliable facts about food and
nutrition, and to turn to ADA for answers and help."
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