‘FOMO’ Stops Kiwis Getting Healthy

‘FOMO’ Stops Kiwis Getting Healthy
- Weight Watchers Just Start research reveals the real reasons we put off healthy lifestyle changes -

11 April 2013: New Zealand’s largest and most successful weight-loss organisation, Weight Watchers, today reveals the real reasons Kiwis put off embarking on healthy lifestyle changes, with more than a third (33%) of the nation concerned about ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) on their favourite food treats.

The Weight Watchers study asked 500 Kiwis about their motivations towards weight-loss and lifestyle changes for the next 12 months and uncovered that just under half of us (43%) admit to simply being too lazy to make healthy changes.

Weight Watchers Just Start key findings:
• More than seven in ten (72%) Kiwis set losing weight as an important goal this year with Kiwis’ top two lifestyle goals being to get fit (93%) and eat better (93%);
• Plans to pay off debt (78%), further careers (64%), be a better parent (62%) and go on overseas holidays (61%) rate well below health and wellness ambitions;
• 43% of survey respondents admit getting started, followed by not having the time (35%), lack of will power (34%) and losing motivation (30%) are the most common barriers preventing them from starting on their goals;
• Nearly 2 in 5 Kiwis admit that getting started is the hardest part of losing weight, with 41% rating this more difficult than sticking to the challenge

Following the Easter break and with school holidays on the horizon, the fear of missing out plays a factor in surveyed Kiwis’ motivation towards weight-loss:
• Almost 1 in 4 want to still be able to enjoy their favourite meal;
• 1 in 5 want to still be able to dine at restaurants / go on dates;
• With 24% of us worry about missing out on socialising with friends and family over meals

Constructive criticism from a number of people can further motivate Kiwis to make a positive change to their lifestyles:
• Half of Kiwis are likely to make a positive change after receiving criticism from their partner;
• 1 in 3 Kiwi respondents are likely to make a change after receiving criticism from their children;
• An embarrassing comment from a stranger will motivate more than 1 in 4 Kiwis

Having lost 17.2kg with Weight Watchers since October last year, Mahalia Barnes, the singer/songwriter who captivated audiences of The Voice, reflects that the biggest challenge she faced was making the decision to start her weight loss journey:

“This time last year, I was at my heaviest and I was tired all the time. I knew I needed to lose weight, but I kept putting it off. Next to music, food is one of my great passions, I put off getting started with my weight loss because I was scared of missing out at family dinners and going out to restaurants.

“I realise now that I can still enjoy all the socialising I used to enjoy. And, for that reason, it’s been much easier than I thought. Since starting Weight Watchers my life has changed for the better; I feel great and I have more energy, I can run around in the park with my daughter Ruby, without feeling out of breath. I only wish I’d started sooner.”
Recognising the increasing weight-loss goals of the nation and how difficult the first steps towards a positive change can be, Weight Watchers is now offering 2 weeks free membership to Kiwis who sign-up to the program in April.

Joseph Saad, Weight Watchers Australasia Managing Director commented: “We’re thrilled to see the nation ranking their health, fitness and general wellbeing as key priorities for the next 12 months, and as a leader in weight management feel it is our duty to help the country achieve these goals.”

“By offering two weeks free membership, we hope to help and celebrate with Kiwis as they overcome the first hurdle towards a happier and healthier lifestyle.”

ends
Weight Watchers is Australasia’s largest and most effective weight management support system, with thousands of New Zealand and Australian women and men having taken part in the program since its introduction over 40 years ago. The programme’s success is based on its flexible approach to weight loss and lifestyle change.

Members can follow the programme in a multitude of convenient ways including community meetings, online, one-on-one consultations, at work or at home. The system also includes Weight Watchers extensive supermarket foods range and monthly magazine.

Recent recognition of Weight Watchers efficacy includes ranking #1 program for ‘Best Weight-Loss Diet’, ‘Easiest Diet to Follow’ and ‘Best Commercial Diet Plan’ in the 2012 ‘Best Diet’ ranking by US News & World Report. Medical journal recognition includes The Lancet, following a trial whereby overweight and obese adults referred to Weight Watchers by their GP lost more than twice as much weight as those who followed a standard care program run by their GP. Additionally, a trial published in the British Medical Journal found that overweight and obese adults referred to Weight Watchers achieved significantly greater weight loss one year after the trial than those in a control group.

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