Throughout this report, Mintel explores the actions that consumers might take to lose weight and their general attitudes towards weight loss diets, drawing on the results of an exclusive consumer survey. Also discussed are general attitudes towards health, diet and personal appearance, as well an analysis of the retail market for reduced fat/reduced calorie (RFRC) foods and slimming foods.

This is the first time that Mintel's Market Intelligence journal has devoted a title specifically to dieting, reflecting an increasingly acute focus on the nation’s weight. As the incidence of obesity rises and more consumers are becoming more overweight or clinically obese, this has become of particular concern among children. Doctors and medical experts are urging that immediate remedial action is necessary if the trend towards obesity and being overweight is to be halted. Indeed, it was reported in January 2004 that some leading medical experts warn that in excess of one in three adults, one in five boys and one in three girls will be obese by 2020 if current trends continue.

Against this backdrop, Mintel’s provides a vital overview for anyone attempting to understand consumer’s dieting mindsets, investigating key market topics such as:

Do consumers believe that they should take responsibility for their own health and the need to diet?

The growing problem of obesity in the UK

Expenditure on food, reduced fat/reduced calorie food and slimming food

Demand for reduced fat/reduced calorie foods

Market penetration of slimming foods

The popularity of diet plans and clubs

The popularity of regular exercise as part of a weight loss regime

Consumer vanity as a driver behind weightless