March 20, 2006
Low carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins Diet, appear to be on the wane, as some studies suggest they can be an effective way to control weight while others warn they are unhealthy. As a result, a new study suggests consumers are still largely confused about the role that carbs should play in their diet.
On the other hand, the study shows consumers are responding to public health advice to consume more fiber and whole grains.
The online survey was commissioned by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation and was designed to develop a comprehensive picture of Americans' perceptions and behaviors regarding key health related issues including diet, physical activity, and weight. Responses were gathered from 1,060 Americans age 18 or older in November 2005.
Key Findings
Among the more dramatic conclusions: nearly half of those surveyed (42 percent) say nutrition information is contradictory.
Also:
• One out of five (20 percent) consumers still think the calories contained in carbohydrates (as opposed to calories in and of themselves) are most likely to cause weight gain.
• A large majority (75 percent) of consumers said they are trying to consume more fiber and whole grains.
• Although a majority say they're trying to consume less sugars (69 percent) and refined carbohydrates (56 percent), only around one in six consumers say they've actually reduced consumption of sugar.
Glycemic Index Confusion
Given the widespread publicity around the glycemic index (GI), including its inclusion in some recent fad diet books, the IFIC Foundation surveyed consumers on their understanding of the GI as a tool for weight management.
In fact, only around one in three consumers is even aware of the term glycemic index; and only about 5 percent say they use the GI most of the time or almost always in an attempt to manage weight. This finding echoes the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report that stated, "Current evidence suggests that the glycemic index and/or glycemic load are of little utility for providing dietary guidance for Americans."
"Our research suggests that consumers, for all the publicity concerning carbohydrates and health, are still confused about weight management and how to include carbohydrates in a healthful diet," said Susan T. Borra, president of the IFIC Foundation and past president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). "Fads and quick fixes, though attractive, are not effective tools for getting to a healthful diet."
