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, go easy on yourself. You’re far from alone.
The results of a recent Pennsylvania Medical Society survey of more than 300 commonwealth residents indicate that the majority find that improving their health is both a struggle and a mystery.
Many said they can’t find the time or don’t have the willpower to eat the right foods or exercise. The poll also reveals:
- 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. 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.”
The other major challenge is lack of willpower and discipline, as respondents cite “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, “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.
More than 60 percent say their doctors help them by supervising diet or fitness regimens 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.”