U.S. poll shows Dieting is out, healthy is in

Dieting has fallen out of favor while eating healthier is in, a consumer marketing research firm that tracks what Americans consume said on Friday.

Twenty-nine percent of women and 19 percent of men are on diets based on the responses of 26,000 American adults, compared to 10 years ago when 35 percent of women and 23 percent of men said they were dieting, according to Port Washington, New York-based NPD Group Inc.

“The problem with diets is most people feel deprived, or they’re disappointed with the results. Of course, results will come if you stick with it,” NPD Vice President Harry Balzer said in a telephone interview. “But people see dieting as not a long-term healthful way to live.”

Improving overall health was the prime motivation for 68 percent of those on a diet, the survey found.