Getting a B- on Diet; C+ on Activity

On average, Americans give how physically active they are a grade of C+, and the healthfulness of their diet a B-, saying they are eating a full letter grade better than other Americans, which they grade a C-, according to the findings of a new health survey released last week.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation 2013 Food & Health Survey also found that more than half of Americans would rather lose $1,000 than gain 20 pounds.

The online survey included approximately 1,000 Americans ages 18 to 80, then weighted the results to provide a representative US sample.

Other findings in the survey include:

• Slightly over half of Americans (56 percent) are actively trying to lose weight, which is similar to the findings of last year’s survey. Approximately a quarter are trying to maintain their weight.
• More than half of Americans (56 percent) agree strongly or somewhat that they would rather lose $1,000 than gain 20 pounds. Women and those with higher income are more likely to prefer to lose the money than men.
• Four percent of Americans grade their diet a straight A; 1 percent give their diet a failing F grade.
• Two-thirds of Americans agree strongly or somewhat that their current lifestyle sets a healthful example for their children.
• Almost 9 of 10 Americans (89 percent) say that showing the number of calories on a menu would be helpful or very helpful
• Taste continues to be the most important factor driving consumers’ decision to buy food and beverages with price playing the secondary role: 89 percent of Americans rated taste as having an impact in the purchasing decision; 71 percent said price; 64 percent said healthfulness, and 56 percent said convenience.
• About three-quarters of Americans (78 percent) agree that they would rather hear what they should eat than what they should not eat, preferring positive messages about how to have a healthful diet.

Source: International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation. The 2013 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health. May 2013.