A large majority of Americans say individuals themselves, not external circumstances, are responsible for the nation’s obesity problem, according to a new survey conducted by the polling company for the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), the world’s largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies.
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The polling company telephone survey, conducted from 16-18 December last year, polled a randomly selected national cross-section of 1,001 male and female adults.
Of respondents, 89% attributed personal responsibility – individuals themselves, lack of exercise or watching television – for why two-out-of-three people in the US are now overweight. In contrast, only 8% hold responsible external entities such as food manufacturers (5%), restaurants (2%) or the federal government (1%).
Last month’s release of the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity recognized the complexity of the weight problem in the US and called for a wide variety of changes, including increased physical activity for children and balancing healthful eating with physical activity; reducing time spend watching television; and improving understanding of the behavioral aspects of obesity.
Lisa Katic, GMA Director of Scientific and Nutrition Policy, said: “It is clear that Americans understand they are responsible for achieving good health.
“Obesity is a complex issue that will require a new dedication to proper nutrition education and daily physical activity. Any solution that fixates on removing choice through narrow restrictions on products will not succeed in changing individuals’ lifestyles.”
