Diets Not A Dirty Word

A third of adults who have dieted told NO ONE about it because they were ‘ashamed’, according to a study.

Results have revealed many of those who have changed their diet were worried about failing publicly, while others were embarrassed to be dieting in the first place.

For four in 10 people, the word diet is very much off limits and not a topic for discussion with their friends, colleagues or even their partner.

And yet the research of 2,000 adults, commissioned by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, found that 69 per cent of the population have been on a diet at one time or another, so there really shouldn’t be such a stigma attached.

With obesity levels on the rise, a concern from the study is the fact that the majority of people are typically giving up or losing interest in some diets after just 28 days, with more than 40 per cent after 15 days or less.

With only a third of those polled saying they would rather diet alone than do it jointly with someone else, the study highlights just how important having support is.

The ‘shame’ of dieting combined with a lack of support are the reasons healthy eating plans often don’t work out.

Mark Gilbert, Nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan said: “Diet shouldn’t be a dirty word – no one should feel ashamed of changing their food intake to achieve their desired goals, as long as the diet contains proper nutrition and their goals are appropriate for them. The fact is, most people go on a diet at some point to lose weight. So, we have to be able to discuss this word if we are to properly address the current obesity crisis. Of course, everyone is different, so it makes sense to get the proper support to choose an appropriate diet, which will have a greater chance of success.”

The research also found many of those polled are fed-up with perpetually dieting and feeling like they’re not getting anywhere.

Forty per cent said they are ‘constantly’ on a cycle of eating healthily, eating unhealthily, eating healthily and so on.

But for many a lack of appealing ‘good’ food options often puts an end to their diet – or more specifically the plentiful selection of indulgent ‘bad’ foods.

Further to this, cake, pizza, along with fish and chips are the dishes likely to cause us to quit a diet.

The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan study carried out through OnePoll found our main requirements when choosing a diet are how easy it is to follow and how well it fits with our lifestyle.

Mark Gilbert added: “When deciding whether to go on a diet or which diet to choose, it is important to select one which suits you.

“It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the many options out there and this is where a diet consultant or your GP can help.

“They can suggest changes to your lifestyle which could make a significant difference to your quality of life.”

Notes to editors

• Research carried out through OnePoll. 2,000 adults polled across the nation with a 49/51 male/female split

• The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan’s roots can be traced back to the 1960s, when biochemist Dr Alan Howard started to research the perfect diet. Since 1984, when The Cambridge Diet became commercial in the UK, millions of people from all over the world have used its help, support and products.

• In 2009 the Cambridge Diet was rebranded to Cambridge Weight Plan.

• In 2014, Cambridge Weight Plan became an employee-owned company. Today, it is a passionate and profitable group of people who provide support, flexible weight loss plans, products and business opportunities that help other people achieve their goals. Whatever those goals may be.

• In the UK, the company sells and markets The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan brand through independent Cambridge Weight Plan Consultants, who offer one-to-one support to guide slimmers through their weight loss and into weight maintenance.

• Worldwide, The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan is sold through an extensive distributor network and its products are exported to more than 30 countries.

• The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan’s meal replacement programme (MRP) uses formula food soups, shakes, bars and other foods to replace conventional foods, thus giving a lower dietary energy intake than on a conventional reducing diet. Cambridge Weight Plan MRPs are nutritionally complete, providing all protein, essential fat, vitamins and minerals needed.