Two-Thirds of Americans Plan to Avoid Photos During the Holidays Because They Are Unhappy with Their Weight, New Survey Reveals

Two-Thirds of Americans Plan to Avoid Photos During the Holidays Because They Are Unhappy with Their Weight, New Survey Reveals

 

Three-in-five expect to gain weight over the holidays, one-third say they’ll gain 10 or more pounds

According to a recent survey conducted by Jenny Craig, a leader in the weight loss industry, the holiday season poses a challenge for many when it comes to maintaining their weight, with more than half of Americans anticipating weight gain between late October and January. The survey, which polled more than 600 adults in the U.S., uncovered that gaining weight affects resolutions for the new year, while also finding that many avoid having their photo taken during holiday festivities due to unhappiness with their weight – and men are even more likely than women to opt out of photos.

According to the survey:

  • Nearly three out of four men (73%) said they will avoid having their photo taken this season, compared to about two-in-three women (62%), because they are unhappy with their weight
  • 71% of men compared to 53% of women expect to gain weight during the holidays
  • Four-in-five (78%) Americans who expect to gain weight during the holiday season anticipate adding 5 or more pounds; more than one-third (36%) predict they’ll gain ten or more pounds
  • Nearly 7 out of 10 parents (68%) say they’ll be gaining weight during the holidays; 7 out of 10 married people say the same

Despite anticipating holiday weight gain, Americans are optimistic about making healthier choices in the new year. More than half of Americans cite desire to improve their overall health, with one-third naming losing weight as their 2019 resolution, closely following eating healthier and exercising more. Yet, despite the desire to get healthier in the new year, more than half of women (52%) and four-in-ten men (42%) say they have no clear plan for tackling these goals.

“Creating a credible and practical plan, as well as getting the right support, can help motivate and keep people on the path to their health, wellness and weight management goals,” says Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM, chair of the Jenny Craig Science Advisory Board. “In fact, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, those who followed structured weight loss programs with ongoing support were most successful in achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss.”

“There is no substitute for quality support and a realistic strategy to reach your weight loss goals,” said Monty Sharma, Jenny Craig CEO and president. “The data shows that many Americans are resolving to get healthier in the new year, and Jenny Craig is proud to be a trusted partner for people seeking a healthier life. Our consultants work with each member to develop personalized plans with our premium, chef-crafted foods, set goals, and provide support and accountability, which together are a proven formula for improving health.”

To get started today or for more information, visit: www.jennycraig.com.

Wladimir P. is a Content Editor at European Gaming Media and at PICANTE Media and covers a large variety of industries.