Unlike people in many nations in the world, most Americans do not have to worry about getting enough food to eat. Rather, they need to worry about eating too much. With obesity reaching a level now described as "epidemic," and an aging population that will drive up the rates of various diseases and chronic health conditions, diet and exercise are more important than ever to the nation's health. Rising healthcare costs are also becoming a major public policy issue and this is likely to spur more efforts to improve the health of the nation's citizens.

In its exclusive consumer research, Mintel examines eating habits, exercise habits, and time pressures that can make it difficult for even well-intentioned, health-conscious adults to pay proper attention to their diet and level of physical activity.

This section draws on Mintel research conducted by ICR, May 4-8, 2001 among a nationally representative sample (weighted against the total population for estimation) of 1,014 adults aged 18 and over.

Mintel has also analyzed data from the Simmons National Consumer Survey. This survey was carried out from April 2000 - March 2001 among a sample base of over 25,030 American adults, with results weighted to represent the U.S. population.