More Than 80 Percent of American Dieters Are Dieting Their Own Way

New Mintel Report Finds Many Dieting Consumers Creating Their Own Diet PlansChicago (August 31, 2006)— In an industry that boasts many dieting options, it is surprising that many people are opting to stick with their own personal eating plans. According to a recent Mintel report, more that 80 percent of respondents utilize eating plans they have devised themselves based upon their needs. In contrast, only six percent say that they use a commercial diet plan such as Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig.“Although there are numerous plans and options, consumers are looking for a diet they feel will work for them, and are developing their own strategies for coping with dieting,” said Marcia Mogelonsky, senior analyst for Mintel. “According to our research, only one percent of the 13 percent who tried Atkins are still on the diet. Consumers cycle through diet plans with great speed because they are looking for results. If they feel a diet is not working for them, they tend to look for another alternative. For many dieters, the most successful plan is one that combines dieting methods.”