Statewide Poll Shows Majority of Pennsylvanians Struggle to Lead Healthy Lifestyles

(Harrisburg, Pa.)—“Which nutrition and fitness programs are best for me?”

“How can I stick to my resolutions to diet and exercise?”

“Why can’t I lose some of my excess pounds?”

Sound familiar? If so, the first step is to take a deep breath and go easy on yourself. You’re far from alone, says the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

The results of a recent Medical Society survey of more than 300 commonwealth residents might be titled, “In Search of a Healthy Lifestyle,” indicating the majority find that improving their health is both a struggle and a mystery.

People who report these frustrations—including those who began 2004 with health-related New Year’s resolutions—tend to claim they can’t find the time or don’t have the willpower to eat the right foods or exercise. Half of those making resolutions focused on diet, nearly 40 percent on exercise, and about 10 percent on other issues such as smoking.

The 318 respondents—members of the voluntary consumer Patient Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania Medical Society—represent a cross-section of adults of all ages from around the state.

The poll reveals the following:

  • Three-quarters of respondents are confused about the healthiest food and fitness choices.
  • Nearly 6 in 10 have begun a diet or exercise plan within the last two years, and just over half of them have maintained their new regimen.
  • More than 60 percent of those who haven’t started a diet or exercise plan want to but can’t find the time or aren’t sure where to start.
  • Three-quarters of survey participants say they’re overweight; of those, 64 percent would like to lose more than 20 pounds.
  • On the other hand, nearly three-quarters of respondents feel they’re active, and approximately 65 percent consider themselves physically fit.
Many say time is the greatest obstacle to achieving their desired level of well being. One middle-aged, married woman says, “Working full time, taking care of a home, cooking, et cetera, sometimes doesn’t allow for as much workout time as I would like.” Another reports that her fast-paced lifestyle doesn’t allow for “enough time to make a healthy meal from scratch,” so her family of four eats more pre-made and processed foods.

The other major challenge to keeping these promises is lack of willpower and discipline, as respondents cite obstacles like “old habits,” “inability to resist,” and “temptation.” One poll participant admits candidly to “my own love of indulging in wonderful foods!”

Jitendra M. Desai, MD, past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, says, “While the survey reveals patients’ exasperation with sticking to diets and fitness plans, many say they get support from their doctors, whom they consider their main source of information on healthy living.”

As one state resident says of her physician, “She was heavy at one time, lost the weight, and kept if off. She encourages me, she listens to me, she gives real-life examples and suggestions.”

In the survey, physicians are the top-ranking choice for both nutritional information and preventive medicine. They share the lead for exercise expertise with fitness specialists. Still, the frustration level of those polled suggests that many patients either aren’t seeking or adhering to the medical guidance that’s available.

More than 60 percent say their doctors help them by supervising diet or fitness regimens, like meal plans or new approaches to exercise, and by practicing health maintenance or disease prevention, such as monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol. “I have severe arthritis,” reports one respondent, “and [my physician] has placed me on new medications for it. He also encouraged me to exercise and even sent me to a water exercise class for arthritics.”

Survey participants also were asked to rank factors that help them live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Desai says, “The leading choices—better mental outlook and personal preferences for exercise and food—all relate strongly to personal responsibility but are reinforced by patients working and communicating with their doctors.”

He adds, “Other influential factors that were cited in the survey—mainly medical technology and prescription drugs—absolutely require physician involvement.”

Overall, says the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the poll confirms, from the patient’s perspective, that patient-physician interaction helps to improve health through lifestyle changes, particularly weight loss. The Medical Society plans to share the findings with its 20,000 members so that physicians can better assist and support patients struggling with these issues.
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