Weight-Control Practices Among U.S. Adults,

Results: Fifty-one percent of U.S. adults tried to control their weight in the previous 12 months, including those who tried to lose weight (34% of men, 48% of women) and those who tried only not to gain weight (11% vs 10%, respectively). Among 2051 adults who tried to control their weight, the top four practices were the same: ate less food (65% among those who tried to lose weight, 52% among those who tried only not to gain weight); exercised (61% vs 46%, respectively); ate less fat (46% vs 42%); and switched to foods with lower calories (37% vs 36%). Less than one fourth combined caloric restriction with the higher levels of physical activity (300 or more minutes per week) recommended in the 2005 dietary guidelines by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Conclusions: Although weight control is a common concern, most people who try do not use recommended combinations of caloric restriction and adequate levels of physical activity.

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