A new study reveals women have become more realistic about weight loss
For years, vanity was the principal reason that women wanted to lose weight, but now, according to a new study, their goal is to attain better and lasting health, enjoy more energy, and improve their self-esteem.
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive for Weight Watchers International, Inc., involved 1,000 women, who were asked about their current and 'dream' weight, and about the impact they thought being thin would have on their quality of life in terms of eating, exercise, health, esteem, sex, fashion, work, and income.
Nearly all of the respondents (93%) acknowledged that they were not at their dream weight, and 61% said they had negative feelings about their current size. Most, however, had healthy and accurate attitudes about what their dream weight might look like: 31% described it as 'shapely,' 30% as 'athletic,' and 27% as 'normal for my age/height.' When asked to identify the most compelling reasons to be thin, 68% chose 'longer life,' and 62% stipulated “disease prevention.”
The top rewards of being thin, they said, were increased confidence (71%) and energy (67%).
'We think it’s significant that most of the women surveyed were realistic and sensible about their dream weight,' observed Nancy Gagliardi, the editorial director of Weight Watchers magazine. 'It’s also encouraging that the majority of women polled now equate thinness with vitality instead of vanity.'
