A Quarter of Americans Still Carrying Weight from Last Holiday Season
New Research Reveals Weight Gain and Lack of Healthy Habits
A quarter of Americans are still carrying weight they gained during last year’s holiday season, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that 24% are still carrying pounds from the end of 2023; on average, this is almost 10 pounds.
Expecting to Gain Weight
They’re also expecting to gain weight as we approach the end of 2024: respondents think they’ll gain an average of six additional pounds before changing their calendars to January.
Lack of Healthy Habits
Half of Americans surveyed said they’re less healthy than usual as the end of the year approaches — and 43% said they use the end of the year as an excuse to postpone eating healthily. This varied by generation, too: 64% of Gen Z respondents admitted to using this as an excuse, compared to 43% of Gen Xers surveyed.
Breaking Diets
Regardless of age, the results also found that 53% have broken a diet at the end of the year — with 36% admitting it was due to the temptation of holiday food. Many respondents are pausing their healthy habits so they can best enjoy the holiday season. Sixty-two percent of respondents said the end of the year is more enjoyable if they’re not worried about healthy habits and their weight.
Conclusion
Embracing the holiday season means celebrating with loved ones, and it’s possible to enjoy it while keeping your health in focus. Enjoy those festive treats but consider balancing them with nutritious options and staying active. It’s all about making mindful choices that let you savor the joy of the season while still feeling great. With a little planning, you can celebrate and maintain your healthy habits.
FAQs
Q: How many Americans are still carrying weight from last year’s holiday season?
A: A quarter of Americans are still carrying weight they gained during last year’s holiday season.
Q: How much weight are Americans expecting to gain before the end of the year?
A: Respondents think they’ll gain an average of six additional pounds before changing their calendars to January.
Q: Why are Americans less healthy than usual as the end of the year approaches?
A: Half of Americans surveyed said they’re less healthy than usual as the end of the year approaches — and 43% said they use the end of the year as an excuse to postpone eating healthily.
Q: What are Americans planning to do differently in the new year?
A: Two-thirds (65%) plan to have healthy habits in the new year — estimating it’ll take just under 18 days before they’re back on track with these habits (or to start new ones).
