There's some disparity between Americans' healthy intentions and their actual actions, according to a new study released by Health Dialog and commissioned by parent company Bupa.
The survey was conducted as part of Bupa Health Pulse 2011, a global study of health attitudes and behaviors of over 12,000 individuals across 12 countries.
While 64 percent of Americans say that their health is a high priority, 64 percent are overweight, over a fifth (21 percent) smoke, 1 in 6 (16 percent) drink moderately to heavily, and a quarter (25 percent) say they maintain a below average diet. The research also revealed that nearly half (45 percent) of U.S. respondents exercise less than two hours a week and 81 percent admit to eating less than the five recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the survey shows that 73 percent cite barriers to looking after their health, including a lack of motivation and time.
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Interestingly, the study shows that 82 percent of Americans believe the responsibility for one's health is mainly their own as opposed to anybody else's and many people do want to make a change for the better. In fact, 67 percent of those who are moderate to heavy drinkers would like to cut down, more than 68 percent of smokers would like to quit, and 68 percent of poor/fair eaters want to improve their diets.
"People want to be more in control of their health but they may not have the resources, information, or professional guidance to be successful," said Jan Maurer, MD, Vice President & Medical Director, Health Dialog.
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