The experience of more than 2,000 people with their weight and slimming methods

OCU has surveyed more than 2,000 people between 18 and 64 years to find out how they value their health and weight, what they do to lose weight and the cost of and satisfaction with different methods. Among other findings this study noted that 73% of women and 54% of men weigh more than they would like to. In addition, the vast majority of Spaniards have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives (94% of women and 88% of men). The OCU survey is published in the OCU Salud, the OCU Health journal, for August.

Overweight and obesity in Spain affect almost half the population. Official figures speak of 54% of adults and 28% of children; although there are other worse figures available such as the ALADINO study which puts overweight and obesity among school children between 6-9 years at 45%. Obviously this situation is extremely worrying because, as is well known, extra kilos affect health. Being overweight, especially obesity, increases the risk of cardiovascular and degenerative bone diseases, diabetes and various cancers. Furthermore, as the data from our survey shows, it is also related to a poorer level of psychological and emotional health.

OCU asked the respondents about their reasons for wanting to lose weight. The vast majority, 90% responded that it was about feeling good about themselves; 30% because of health problems or medical advice; 18% did so on the advice or insistence of a friend or relative; 17% to enhance their looks for the summer or for a special occasion; 16% in order to improve their social life; 10% on the advice or insistence of their partner and 9% to improve their career.

The methods used to achieve weight reduction were many and varied. 31% of the OCU respondents admitted that they had not dieted, but only increased their physical activity; 26% increased the number of meals per day; 14% ​​dieted and did physical activity; 13% diet-only; 11% underwent some method on a health farm; 10% did so by using dietary supplements; 0.2% underwent surgery, a method only recommended for the most severe cases of obesity.
It is surprising to note that when the chosen method is a diet, 43% follow a diet recommended by family and friends.
Regarding the cost, depending on the method used, 45% did not spend anything and the rest spent € 151 on average.

One of the negative aspects of attempting to lose weight were adverse effects and special mention should go to feeling hungry all the time, bad temper, moodiness and feeling weak. OCU also asked about the results, which at first appear to be relatively successful: more than half managed to lose 30% or more of their excess weight. However, over time, most people recover part or all of what was lost; in fact it is very common for people to have made several attempts to lose weight throughout their life, making this process somewhat cyclical.

OCU believes that safe and long-lasting weight loss can only be achieved with a permanent change of habits, that is to say, more activity and better nutrition on a continuous basis and not only at specific times:
•  If significant weight loss is needed, ideally one should place oneself in the hands of an endocrine doctor or a dietitian.
•  Slimming medications must be prescribed by a doctor and used only when the exercise and diet combination does not work.
•  Do not trust diets or products that promise miracles.
•  You should have 5 meals a day, to be eaten always at the same times, without hurry and with good humor.
•  It is important to increase physical activity; you can do many kinds of exercise for free such as walking, climbing stairs, or dancing.
For more information (media) Eva Jimenez Tel:   917 226 061