Experts Predict 2005 Trends in Dieting and Weight Control

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Beth Hubrich, RD
Phone: 404-252-3663

Experts Predict 2005 Trends in Dieting and Weight Control

Decreasing Portion Sizes, Controlling Calories, Counting Steps and Reducing “Calorie Density,”
Will be Top Strategies in 2005 Say Experts

ATLANTA (December 16, 2004) – Come January 1, thoughts will turn to weight loss for many of us. According to a recent Calorie Control Council survey, 33 percent of Americans or 71 million people are currently on a diet – the highest number of dieters in the past 15 years. (The Calorie Control Council has been tracking dieting and weight control habits since 1984.) But with approximately 65 percent of the U.S. overweight what will the future hold for those trying to shed added pounds in 2005? The Calorie Control Council spoke with experts in the field of obesity, nutrition and weight management, including Dr. John Foreyt, Professor, Department of Medicine, at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Rebecca Reeves, President elect of the American Dietetic Association and Dr. Barbara Rolls, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Pennsylvania State University. Below are some of their predictions.

Dr. Foreyt notes that when it comes to carbs, the craze might have hit its peak. He suspects that we will see a downward trend in this area. Some reports show that purchasing of reduced-carbohydrate products has leveled. Similarly, the Council’s 2004 consumer survey indicated that among consumers cutting back on foods high in carbohydrates, 90 percent agreed or strongly agreed it is also important to reduce calories.

In this same spirit, Dr. Reeves believes that the new Food & Drug Administration (FDA) campaign “Calories Count” to tackle obesity is a good one. However, the marketing of this campaign (as well as the education of consumers regarding the importance of controlling calories for weight management) will be important in order for it to succeed and for consumers to take the messages to heart.

Dr. Rolls, who recently presented new research at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) and has a new book about to be released entitled: “The Volumetrics Eating Plan: Techniques and Recipes for Feeling Fuller on Fewer Calories,” says that “calorie density” will be one of the hot buzzwords in 2005. Rolls’ research on calorie density indicates that by eating more nutrient-dense foods that are filling and replacing high calorie foods with lower-calorie foods (e.g., incorporating more fruits and vegetables and using reduced-fat and lower-calorie versions) as well as eating smaller portions of high-calorie foods, approximately 800 calories can be eliminated from the typical daily diet, without people even realizing they’re eating fewer calories.

Unfortunately, Dr. Foreyt and Dr. Reeves predict that the number of overweight children will continue to rise. However, many steps will be taken to help reverse this trend such as the reintroduction of mandatory physical education in schools, and fast food venues offering a variety of healthier selections. Reducing portion sizes, such as the new “100 Calorie Packs” from Nabisco and the mini-sized cans of soda will also continue.

Dr. Rolls, too, believes that the trend for healthier options available at restaurants will continue. “If consumers buy these other options, restaurants will continue to offer them. Thus, we need to educate consumers on making better choices when dining out,” noted Rolls.

According to Dr. Reeves, using a pedometer for “counting steps” each day will continue to be a popular way for adults and children to increase their physical activity – something that has been on the decline for many years.

Although challenges exist for consumers when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, based on the opinions of these experts, making simple changes such as reducing calorie density, counting calories, watching portion control, counting steps, etc., can all be helpful in weight management.

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Note to Editors: To arrange an interview with Dr. Foreyt, Dr. Reeves or Dr. Rolls, please contact Beth Hubrich, MS, RD, at 404-252-3663.

The 2004 survey findings are based on a nationally projectable sample of 1,200 Americans age 18 and older. The sample reliability is +/- 2.8 percent. The survey was conducted by Booth Research Services, Inc., for the Calorie Control Council, a non-profit international association of manufacturers of light foods and beverages.

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