The nation turns its back on faddy diets

Published: 11 January 2006

Every January we commit to gym memberships and vow to start a healthy eating plan.  Yet come the end of the month the membership's been used once and the healthy eating is out the window!  A survey carried out by the Federation of Bakers (FOB) revealed that lack of time and stressful jobs are no longer reasons why we don't eat healthily. The highest percentage of respondents (26%) said the main reason they didn't eat healthily was down to lack of self-discipline.

It appears as a nation we are falling out of love with faddy diets.  Of those who have been on a diet, 89% prefer a balanced, low fat eating plan over crash dieting.  60% of the total asked claim they consider long-term health implications before dieting.  Scientific evidence now proves faddy dieting can damage both heart and bone health, weaken the immune system, plus cause emotional problems such as binge eating and depression*.

On a more positive note, the healthy eating messages appear to be getting through to the nation.  56% of respondents claimed health and well being is the key motive for embarking on weight-loss regimes.  It seems losing weight is no longer just about the need to look good!

Consumer confusion
The FOB research also reveals that 56% are confused by all the different claims being made about food and diets.  As a result, FOB has developed the Vitality Eating System, a seven-day eating plan that is flexible and practical, resulting in achievable and realistic weight loss.
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Notes to editors:
*The report into the dangers of yo-yo dieting was conducted by Dr John Stanley, Trinity College, Oxford in June 2005.

The report is a joint project between the Flour Advisory Bureau (www.fabflour.co.uk), The Federation of Bakers (www.bakersfederation.org.uk) and the Grain Information Service (www.graininformationservice.co.uk)

The research was conducted by TNS Omnibus on 8/10th November 1359 interviews 16-64 GB Adults