Survey Shows Consumers Misinformed About Weight Loss StrategiesSurvey results released by the University of Connecticut’s Center for Survey Research & Analysis (CSRA) and presented at the 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting of NAASO, The Obesity Society, found that many adults are confused about the safety and regulation of dietary supplements for weight loss. According to the researchers, this is the first survey of its kind to address the increasing use of dietary supplements for weight loss and to explore consumer perceptions and their experiences with these products. In short, the study showed that more than 60% of respondents incorrectly believe that these weight loss products have been tested and proven to be safe (65%) and effective (63%). More than half (54%) mistakenly believe that these products are approved by FDA. Those that carried out the study believe the new data emphasize the need for increased awareness and education about the benefits and risks associated with the myriad of weight loss products available. The survey of 3500 Americans was developed as a collaboration between the University of Connecticut’s Center for Survey Research & Analysis, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Weight Loss and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.
The survey also found that more than 90% of self-identified overweight or obese American adults recognize the health benefits of losing weight and that being overweight increases their risk of disease. However, less than one-third of those surveyed consulted their physician as a resource in the attempt to lose weight—of those respondents only 15% used FDA-approved treatments to aid in weight loss, but more than twice that many—34%—used potentially unproven weight loss products.
Those surveyed reported that they had made an average of 15 serious and deliberate weight loss efforts in their lifetime, defined as attempts maintained for more than three days. The top three weight loss strategies employed were self-directed exercise (90%), dieting (72%) and the use of products such as dietary supplements, appetite suppressants and herbal products (34%).
The survey also found that patients are not utilizing their physician as a resource to help them lose weight, but also, physicians are not advising their patients on