• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, October 4, 2005

Ipsos Public Affairs recently conducted a survey of American adults that revealed about four in ten are concerned about their overall health and eating healthy meals regularly . In the past six months, the biggest changes in respondent eating habits included 11% eating more healthfully or watching their eating habits, 10% eating more vegetables, and 9% eating more fruits.

Among currently "hot adopted trends" are that 55% of Americans say they always or usually opt for a healthy version of a product when they are at a grocery store, restaurant, or fast food outlet. 43% choose whole grain products, 38% low fat, 31% low sugar, and 30% high fiber products. Older adults are more likely to opt for healthier options when available.

Only one quarter of Americans report losing weight as the health issue they most want to improve, followed by 15% who report general fitness or more exercise as their goal. Groups more likely to report losing weight as the main thing they want to improve include 29% of the residents of the South, 32% of respondents aged 40 to 49, and 42% or obese individuals. Groups more likely to report general fitness or more exercise as the health issue they most want to improve include those aged 19 to 29 and those with a household income of $50,000 to $75,000.

Data collected through the poll, though, show some general misconceptions about weight. When asked to rate their health, a majority say they enjoy good health, while only one-third rate their physical fitness as good. Only 44% of adults perceive themselves as overweight or obese, although more than half could be classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index calculations.

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