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Americans Lose Love for Dieting

More people accept their extra weight, focus on eating better-quality food

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 21, 2008 4:39 PM CDT

(Newser) – Americans are obsessed with dieting, right? Well, not anymore. A new survey indicates that only 26% of US women and 16% of men are on diets, the Boston Globe reports—the lowest numbers in 2 decades. And there are plenty of reasons why.

Diets rarely work long-term and can be costly, and more people are focusing on simply eating well, rather than losing weight. Not to mention that it takes a lot of effort: "It's much easier to change your attitude," said one researcher. Plus, there’s just no hot diet book on the shelves right now to talk about around the watercooler.

One reason diets are on the wane may be that more people are focusing on eating well, rather than losing weight.
One reason diets are on the wane may be that more people are focusing on eating well, rather than losing weight.   (KRT Photos)
Sometimes, dieting can get a bit out of hand.
Sometimes, dieting can get a bit out of hand.   ((c) Ligadier Truffaut)
26% of American women diet, but that's down from 39% in 1990.
26% of American women diet, but that's down from 39% in 1990.   (Shutterstock)
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