Perceptions On Current Diet Trends: What Is Stopping People From Dieting?

It is an undeniable fact that obesity has been increasing in prevalence over the last few decades. Currently in England, 28 percent of adults are obese, and a further 36.2 percent of adults are considered overweight, such that healthy weight adults make up the minority within the population (1).

Perhaps as a consequence of this, it is no surprise to learn that studies have shown that 39 percent of women and 21 percent of men are currently trying to lose weight (2), whether this be by dieting alone and/or exercise.

New diets are constantly emerging, but over the last few years low carbohydrate and intermittent fasting have emerged as two of the most common diets tried. Both of these diets have been found to be beneficial for weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as improving health parameters such as blood pressure, glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and blood lipid markers. Nevertheless, despite the potential health benefits, what is stopping people from adhering to these diets?

Here at the University of Surrey we have ongoing research on various aspects of obesity, diets, weight management and weight loss. We are training future Dieticians, Nutritionists and Sports and Exercise Scientists all of which undertake a research project as part of their studies.

The purpose of this survey is to investigate people’s perceptions, experiences and barriers to current diets, so as to help in the development of a potentially new novel diet which is sustainable to follow. This survey is part of a series of larger PhD intervention studies, looking at the metabolic effects of different diets.

We are looking for participants of any level or anyone interested in nutritional knowledge to complete our five to 10 minute survey:

https://surreyfahs.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71KbWUolTDuGGDs

References:

1. NHS Digital. Health Survey for England 2019 [NS]. 2020. Available from: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2019 (Accessed: 11/03/2022).
2. Hill, A. J. Prevalence and demographics of dieting. Eating disorders and obesity: A comprehensive handbook. 2002; 2, 80-83.