Almost 9 out of 10 Americans say that diet and nutrition are important to them, according to a survey released by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). This number is the highest recorded since the ADA began such surveys in 1991. However, less than half of all Americans are doing more to achieve a healthy diet, the survey reveals. According to the public opinion survey, diet and nutrition is important to 85% of American adults and getting enough exercise is important to 84% of adults. But only 41% feel they are doing all they can to achieve a healthy diet.
An unwillingness to forego favorite foods was the main reason Americans were not doing more to achieve a healthy diet, the survey found. Other reasons include not wanting to take the time to keep track of diet and confusion over nutrition guidelines. The survey also found that an increasing number of Americans, particularly those over age 55, are taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Forty-nine percent of adults said they take supplements every day, including 65% of those over age 55 and 34% of those between 25 and 34 years.
It has been my experience that until a person has their first health problem, they're just not motivated to make the difficult changes. Most people are not willing to make the sacrifice to change. However, it is at least encouraging to see that such a large percentage of individuals are at least interested in making the changes.