A recent survey of 2,000 UK adults has highlighted significant challenges in sustaining a healthy diet. The study reveals that 31% of participants are actively attempting to lose weight, yet 24% find crash diets ineffective, as they often revert to old eating habits shortly after.
According to the research, 35% of Britons identify as “yo-yo dieters,” frequently regaining lost weight. Additionally, 37% of these individuals report that this cyclical pattern of dieting has had a negative impact on their health. The survey also indicates that 47% of adults find it difficult to integrate a healthy diet into their daily lives consistently, with 40% expressing doubt about their ability to maintain a healthy weight without resorting to such methods.
Medicspot, the weight loss service that commissioned the study, commented on the findings: “Finding a diet that suits your needs and sticking with it is not always straightforward. Yo-yo dieting often stems from repeated attempts at various diets, which can adversely affect both physical and mental health. Contributing factors include restrictive dieting, unrealistic weight loss goals, lack of sustainable lifestyle changes, and psychological influences.”
The study further reveals that 21% of adults require between one and three months to reach their weight goals, while 24% have yet to achieve this milestone. A significant 42% struggle with maintaining a diet long-term, with unhealthy food cravings cited as the primary obstacle (68%). Other challenges include lack of motivation for 55% of participants and stress or emotional eating for 44%. Over half of those surveyed express frustration with their eating habits, and 55% report feelings of guilt.
Additionally, 34% of respondents are dissatisfied with their current diet and food regime, despite 60% acknowledging the importance of losing weight. The study also found that 22% describe their emotional relationship with food as unhealthy.
To support their dietary goals, 24% of adults use meal planning, and the same percentage engage in meal preparation. However, only 18% have sought advice from healthcare professionals regarding dieting and weight loss, with 68% of these individuals finding the consultation beneficial.
The Medicspot spokesperson concluded: “Yo-yo dieting can have serious negative effects on both physical and mental health. However, there are strategies to break this cycle and promote long-term health and well-being.”