[acb-diabetics] ARTIFICIAL SWEETNERS MIGHT HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS, BUT. . .

[Patricia LaFrance-Wolf]

New Research Shows Americans Are Informed Yet Not Self-Aware


Eight-two percent of Americans are aware that being overweight is a key risk
factor for diabetes, yet those at risk are not applying this logic to
themselves.... 






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Diabetes is a serious chronic condition affecting people all over the world
and instances of the illness are increasing. In 2011, 366 million people
worldwide had diabetes, and the figure is expected to grow to 552 million by
2030. In the U.S., those numbers are 23 million and 29 million,
respectively. Yet, when it comes to making lifestyle changes, Americans are
falling far short. Despite considerable awareness of the risk factors that
are well within their control, Americans are suffering from a "not me"
syndrome.

According to a new international survey, released by Health Dialog, many
Americans are aware that being overweight is a key risk factor for diabetes
(82% are aware), yet those at risk are not applying this logic to
themselves: 58% of American adults had a body mass index of 25 or over,
classifying them as overweight or obese. Overall, 29% of American
respondents were actually obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. More
than half of the obese respondents surveyed (51%) considered themselves to
be healthy and 43% thought their diets were good.

Paradoxically, nearly three-quarters (74%) of American respondents said
obesity, unhealthy diets, or low levels of physical activity constitute the
nation's biggest health issues. More than eight in ten (82%) American
respondents knew that being overweight is a risk factor for the development
of diabetes. The research showed mirroring trends in Great Britain (84%
showing this link), New Zealand (84%) and Australia (82%). Respondents in
India (51%), China (52%), Egypt (58%) Spain (60%) and Hong Kong (61%) were
far less likely to see being overweight as a risk factor in the development
of diabetes.

Peter Goldbach, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Health Dialog, noted that, "There
is a startling disconnect between what people know about the risk factors
associated with diabetes and what they are actually doing to protect
themselves from a health and wellness standpoint." "Given their knowledge,
people now need to realize that even small steps can make a big difference
when it comes to eating better, exercising more regularly, or shedding a few
pounds. At Health Dialog we understand the importance of wellness programs
that fit easily into people's lives and are more like fun than like a chore.
It's not about checking a box. It's about integrating new behaviors little
by little into everyday life."

International Diabetes Federation,
http://www.idf.org/media-events/press-releases/2011/diabetes-atlas-5th-editi
on. International Diabetes Federation,
http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/the-global-burden. Health Dialog
Services Corp. 


 

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