Majority of Low-Carb Dieters are in 'Calorie Denial'

		SLIM-FAST FOODS SURVEY SAYS DIETERS IN STATE OF 'CALORIE DENIAL' According to two new surveys, one of consumers and one of doctors, the majority of low carb dieters are in a state of "calorie denial." The results of the two surveys reveal a startling disconnect between doctors and low carb dieters on the key to weight loss success. The findings point to a need for more consumer education on the importance of essential nutrition and calorie control in achieving healthy, long-term weight loss. (PRNewsFoto)[RV] WEST PALM BEACH, FL USA

- Two New Surveys Reveal Startling But Surmountable Disconnect Between Doctors and Low Carb Dieters on Key to Weight Loss Success - WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-two percent (52%) of Americans trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake see no need for counting calories, believing they can lose weight and keep it off by cutting carbs alone, according to a national survey of 1,000 consumers commissioned by Slim-Fast Foods Company. The results show most low-carb dieters are in a state of "calorie denial." According to the majority of doctors (76%) interviewed in a separate survey, this attitude can hurt chances for long-term weight loss success. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040506/NYTHFNS2 ) Experts reviewing the data are concerned by the attitudinal disconnect given the FDA's announcement in mid-March of its "Calories Count" approach, which underscores the need to control calories when managing weight. The report issued by the FDA's Obesity Working Group includes recommendations calling for more accurate food labeling, consumer education on healthy eating and weight management, and for restaurants to provide calorie and nutrition information. The FDA report and the physician survey point to the critical role doctors can play in combating obesity by helping consumers identify weight loss strategies that make it easier to control calories. "Americans are under tremendous pressure to lose weight," said behavioral psychologist Dr. John Foreyt of Baylor College of Medicine. "As a result, people are willing to believe what defies science -- the notion that cutting carbs without cutting calories will generate lasting weight loss. The reality is, it is still important to control calories when following a low carb diet or any other type of diet." Slim-Fast Foods Company is committed to helping educate consumers about the efficacy of calorie control, based on the company's 25 years of extensive research, including over 20 clinical studies on its weight loss plan. To provide low carb dieters with an effective strategy for losing weight and keeping it off, the company is in the midst of rolling out a whole new line of great-tasting Slim-Fast Meals and Snacks for use as part of a low carb diet. The new line offers low carb dieters the same calorie controlled, nutritious, variety that has helped millions achieve long-term success by following its clinically proven plan. Leading health experts, such as Dr. George L. Blackburn, MD, PhD, are also encouraged by the FDA's renewed "Calories Count" approach and commitment to consumer education. "Consumers don't always know which low carb foods will benefit a weight control diet unless they can count the calories," underscores Blackburn, Director of the Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Associate Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. "People on low carb diets first need to count calories to lose weight and thus follow the FDA's advice." While Slim-Fast found the results of the two surveys startling, the company believes the disconnect between consumers and doctors is surmountable and is committed to helping consumers achieve a clear understanding of the importance of calorie control in achieving long-term weight loss success. Additional Survey Findings Do calories matter when you are going low carb? * Consumers Say: Almost half (46%) of low carb dieters trying to reduce their carbs are confident they can lose weight by just cutting carbs without cutting calories. * Doctors Say: 86% of doctors say it is important to reduce calories on a low-carb diet. And 63% of doctors are concerned that their patients following a low carb diet are not reducing their calories. Can you lose weight and keep it off without cutting calories? * Consumers Say: Over half (52%) of those on a low carb diet believe that they can lose weight and keep it off long-term by cutting carbs, but not cutting calories. * Doctors Say: The vast majority of doctors (76%) say that a diet that cuts carbs without also cutting calories will not be successful long term. Does portion control matter when you are going low carb? * Consumers Say: One-third (34%) of low carb dieters believe that they do not need to control portion size. * Doctors Say: 83% of doctors say it is extremely or very important to control portion sizes while on a low carb diet. 61% of doctors are concerned that their patients following a low carb diet are not controlling their portion sizes as well. Should people following a low carb diet worry about getting all of the essential nutrients their body needs? * Consumers Say: Over half (55%) of those trying to reduce their carbs do not worry about getting all the essential nutrients they need in their diets. * Doctors Say: 95% of doctors say it is important to get essential nutrients when following a low carb diet. 45% of doctors are extremely concerned that their patients following a low carb diet are not getting the essential nutrients they need. Survey Background RoperASW conducted 1,000 telephone interviews with a random sample of adults, 18 years of age and older, living in the U.S. PKS Research Partners conducted a total of 200 online surveys with primary care physicians across the United States. The surveys were conducted between February 13th and 20th, 2004. The Company Slim-Fast Foods Company, headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL, is committed to the development of wholesome and balanced nutritional products to aid in weight loss and weight maintenance, which can result in improved health. The Slim-Fast product line includes an affordable range of shakes, powders, bars, soups, pastas, ice cream snacks and snacks bars that are available in retail outlets nationwide. Free weight loss advice and support are available at slimfast.com or through 1-800-SLIM-FAST.