35% of Americans Resolve to Lose Weight in 2012

Approximately 35% of Americans made a New Year's resolution to lose weight in the last five years, according to a results of a recent Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll.

The survey, which asked respondents their opinions and experiences with New Year's resolutions focused on weight loss and smoking, found the 52% of those who pledge weight loss were categorized as obese; 57% of those who made resolutions said they were successful at losing their weight.

Respondents who made a resolution to lose weight said most often that their goal was between 10 and 29 pounds (48%). The second most-popular weight-loss goal was 30 to 49 pounds (21%).

Heading into 2012, 51% of all respondents indicated that they will make a resolution to exercise more in the upcoming New Year. Moreover, 35% said they will make a pledge to lose weight.

“As the country re-evaluates ways to reduce runaway healthcare spending, it is time for all Americans to be resolved to take better care of themselves and others. Data demonstrates that the majority of medical costs can be traced back to poor lifestyle issues such as obesity and tobacco use," said Raymond Fabius, M.D., chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. "While we know it often takes several attempts to lose weight and quit smoking, it is encouraging that many survey participants are taking strides to improve their health in 2012. Let's celebrate and support those who have resolutions to lose weight, stop smoking, eat better and exercise. If they can meet these New Year goals they will be healthier and wealthier for it as well as helping to solve America's health care crisis."

The survey asked respondents their opinions about New Year’s resolutions that they have made, with a focus on smoking and weight loss. To establish a baseline, respondents were asked their height and weight to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) and if they smoked regularly in the last five years.