Americans Underestimate Obesity Problem, Are Unlikely to Exercise

Many Americans are unaware that they are overweight or obese, according to a recently released Gallup survey. And, even if they do acknowledge their weight problems, they're often less than willing to do anything about it. The survey's findings offer yet more reasons for family physicians to talk frankly with patients about weight issues and to steer them to tools available to help them manage their weight.

As part of its annual Social Series Health and Healthcare survey, Gallup asked Americans to report their approximate weight and height, which was used to calculate their body mass index, or BMI. According to data provided by the respondents, 20 percent of Americans are obese (BMI of 30 or higher), 38 percent are overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9), 31 percent are normal (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9) and 6 percent are underweight (BMI less than 18.5).

These subjective figures gathered from respondents are at odds with objective findings released by the CDC, however. According to the latest available CDC figures, about 35 percent of Americans are overweight and 30 percent are obese. The discrepancy between the two sets of figures suggests that the average American may be underestimating his or her weight and may, therefore, be downplaying the problem of obesity, according to Gallup.

Gallup also asked respondents to report on their level of exercise. Questions were designed to ask about specific levels of exercise (vigorous and moderate) and frequency of exercise (number of days per week), with examples of activities given for each level to increase reliability. Based on overall poll results, Gallup estimates that only about 35 percent of Americans participate in moderate or vigorous exercise five or more times each week.

That finding falls well below the level suggested by the American Heart Association, or AHA, which calls for all adults to engage in moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity on most, if not all, days of the week for at least 30 minutes and at 50 percent to 75 percent of their maximum heart rate. According to the AHA, some of the benefits of daily physical activity include improved blood circulation, improved cholesterol levels, high blood pressure prevention, increased muscle strength, delay or prevention of many chronic diseases, and better weight management.

Also among findings from the Gallup survey was confirmation of a trend Gallup pollsters have noticed in the past few years -- namely, that respondents' conception of their "ideal weight" has grown at nearly the same rate as has their actual weight. On average, women report their weight as being 13 pounds greater than they did in 1990, whereas their conception of an ideal weight has increased by nine pounds in that same period. For men, the average actual weight increase since 1990 is 14 pounds, compared with a nine-pound increase in ideal weight. This translates to a majority (53 percent) of this year's poll respondents having declared that their weight was "about right," whereas 5 percent said they were underweight and 41 percent reported they were "somewhat" or "very" overweight.

The survey results also reveal another fact that may hearten FPs in their efforts to counsel patients about weight management: Since 1990, the percentage of Americans who say they are "seriously trying to lose weight" has jumped substantially -- from 18 percent to 28 percent. Family physicians can help continue that positive trend by guiding patients to available tools and lifestyle modification suggestions from health resources such as AAFP's Americans In Motion initiative or the AHA.