Fifth Of Consumers Trying To Lose Weight Are Concerned About Disease

Widespread media coverage of the high and growing prevalence of overweight or obese individuals globally has heightened awareness of weight management. As a result, more than one fifth of consumers trying to lose weight are concerned about related diseases and conditions such as high or low blood pressure, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The company’s latest report, ‘TrendSights Analysis: Weight Management’, reveals that the two main drivers of weight management are an image-conscious visual culture that is fueling the desire to have an attractive body shape, and health concerns as more consumers become aware of the negative health implications of obesity and being overweight.

Nidhi Chauhan, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Consumers generally believe in the notion of an ‘ideal weight’, and they aspire to attain that weight using different methods of lifestyle management, including exercise. GlobalData’s research confirms that around 88 percent of consumers exercise to look or feel good.”

Ensuring better health in later life makes consumers more conscious of their current physical condition and personal image, which is associated with success, opportunity and wellbeing. People of all ages are more proactively addressing their health by curbing excessive indulgences (e.g. alcohol and smoking), improving their diets and undertaking physical activity.

Consumers are also seeking products and services that help them reduce the risk factors for disease and manage or improve health conditions that they already suffer from. Digital lifestyles are enabling consumers to more confidently embrace informational tools and make more health-driven choices.

Chauhan added: “With an increasing consumer focus on health and growing obesity among young children in particular, brands can play a vital role in creating more healthy choices for consumers by exploring the use of healthier ingredients while at the same time, maintaining a product’s taste profile.