The world of nutrition is known for its ever-changing attitudes and opinions, so educating clients and helping consumers make the best nutrition choices can be a challenge. Nutrition presents an interesting challenge, because the media plays a huge role, as does public opinion, and the science and experts’ advice often takes a back seat. As dietitians, it is imperative that we have our finger on the pulse of consumer trends and attitudes: In order to be effective, we need to understand what our clients are thinking and doing, and where they seek
answers. The American Dietetic Association’s
Trends survey provides some of this information for the practitioner.
Nutrition and You: Trends 2008
This survey was spearheaded by the ADA in an effort to assess the general public’s attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors about food and to identify trends over time. The findings are released from the 2008 survey in October at the Food Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Chicago, IL. There are 10 sections in the survey; here’s a
Survey Says from the 2008 responses, and some things dietitians can glean from the results (you can find a more comprehensive overview of results on
www.eatright.org).
I. Achieving a Healthy, Nutritious Diet: Evolution of Attitudes
Survey says, regarding overall attitude towards eating well and exercising:
- 43% say, “I’m already doing it.”
- 38% say, “I know I should.”
- 19% say, “Don’t bother me.”
Dietitian glean: There are still a fair number of current and potential clients that know they should care more about their diet and exercise, but are not taking action — and too many that still feel that it’s just not important. Not to be pessimistic here, but the 43% of those that report that they are already eating well and exercising means they may be less receptive to our interventions.
II. Importance of Diet, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
Survey says, about the importance of nutrition and exercise:
- 67% say that diet and nutrition are very important
- 61% say that exercise and physical activity are very important
- Younger adults are less likely than older adults to consider diet and nutrition very important, but everyone considers exercise important
Dietitian glean: According to these results, our message should not be falling on deaf ears. According to this survey, 3 out of 5 of our current and potential clients feel that diet, nutrition, and exercise is very important. Our aim is to appeal to the younger folks and continue to work with the older adults.
III. People Like What They Eat — And Eat What They Like
Survey says, the reasons that people are
not doing more to achieve balanced nutrition and a healthy diet are:
- 79% are satisfied with the way they eat
- 73% don’t want to give up their favorite foods
- 54% say it takes too much time to keep track of their diet
- 52% need more practical tips to help them eat right
- 41% don’t know or understand the guidelines
Dietitian glean: This one provides some real direction:
- Messages that focus on cutting, rather than adding, food are undesirable. Focus attention on the foods and changes in a positive way, and steer clear of “don’t-eat-this” lists.
- If we focus on actual foods and simplify with grocery lists, we may help clients who feel it is too much trouble to keep track. Avoid tracking and start cooking!
- Provide clients with easy-to-follow, lifestyle-friendly tips to help them make choices.
- Educating with a heavy emphasis on guidelines may not be the answer if we are trying to simplify and help clients incorporate healthy behaviors.
IV. Agree or Disagree?
Survey says, about agreeing or disagreeing with food and nutrition statements:
- 54% say that there are foods they should never eat
- 45% say that healthy weight is an indicator of good heath
- 40% are seeking health and nutrition information
- 38% say they hear more about what not to eat than what to eat
Dietitian glean: The more interesting result here may be the percentage on the flipside: On the negative side, 60% are not seeking health and nutrition information. On the positive side, 55% understand that body weight isn’t necessarily an indicator of good health. Again, it’s best to show clients how foods can be added to the diet, rather than just eliminating those that are “bad.”
V. Knowledge and Consumption of Health-Related Foods and Nutrients
Survey says, they’ve heard about possible health-related effects of foods and nutrients:
- 78% have heard about low-fat foods
- 72% have heard about trans fat
- 48% are increasing intake of low-fat foods
- 38% are increasing intake of omega 3
- 36% are increasing intake of garlic
- 34% are increasing low-sugar foods
- 32% are increasing low-sodium foods
- 56% are lowering trans fat intake
Dietitian glean: The standout here is that only 32% are looking for low-sodium choices. Even for the athlete, sodium intake should be moderate, and we know that Americans are consuming double what is recommended by the USDA Dietary Guidelines.
VI. Consumption of Specific Foods
Survey says, reported consumption of specific foods has increased, decreased, or stayed the same:
- 56% have increased whole-grain intake
- 50% have increased fruits
- 48% have increased vegetables
- 23% have cut back on dairy
- 54% have reduced pork intake
- 49% have decreased beef intake
Dietitian glean: While it’s great to hear that the intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables has reportedly increased, it is curious that dairy, pork, and beef have declined. The question is why? Reducing pork and beef may reflect a movement towards lowering saturated fat intake, but reducing dairy overall reduces calcium and vitamin D consumption in the American diet.
VII. Organically Grown and Whole-Grain Products
Survey says, about organic and whole-grain foods:
- 54% say that organic is healthier
- 38% report no difference when it comes to organic
- 94% said that whole-grain is healthier than white (flour)
Dietitian glean: Organic is beneficial in many ways, but “healthier” is not one that has been scientifically proven.
VIII. Sources of Food and Nutrition Information: Popularity and Credibility
Survey says, where Americans get their nutrition information:
- 63% on TV
- 45% from magazines
- 4% on the internet
- 19% from newspapers
Survey says, who’s the most credible (not all categories included)?
- 78% say it’s the RD
- 61% say doctors
- 57% say nurses
- 46% say the USDA/MyPyramid
- 43% say references/books
- 39% say schools
- 39% say a personal trainer
- 14% say TV
- 9% say food manufacturers
Dietitian glean: We are the most credible, but TV is most often tapped for nutrition advice. We need to be on TV. Food manufacturers’ credibility is basically a vote of no confidence, but interestingly, many of the large food manufacturers have a staff of RDs. We know consumers trust our credentials, so we just need to fill the gap between where they go and who they trust.
IX. Registered Dietitians: Public Awareness
Survey says, have you heard of an RD?
- 86% have heard of RDs
- 43% would be interested in a diet and nutrition consultation with an RD
- 61% would see an RD if it was covered by insurance
Dietitian glean: Support efforts to achieve insurance coverage, as well as to educate individuals and employers on the cost savings of having an RD.
X. Consumer Awareness of the ADA and Its Website
Survey says, about the credibility of the ADA and its website:
- 62% have heard of the ADA
- 56% feel that it is a credible organization
- 55% feel that the ADA’s website is a source of credible information
Dietitian glean: The ADA’s consumer reputation is fair, but our professional organization still needs support.
Take-to-the-Office
As with any trends survey, there are unanswered questions and insufficiently addressed issues; but overall, the information that dietitians can take away from it is that our job is not finished after we get the right food and nutrition advice out there. Our current and future clients crave dietary instruction. People want to eat well, some feel they already do, and slowly, but surely, messages about foods and nutrients for health are reaching them. We definitely need to stay the course.
Reference:
Nutrition and You: Trends 2008 Survey. The American Dietetic Association.
Rights of Usage Policy