Half of UK Believe They're Overweight Says New Philips Survey

LONDON, January 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

To coincide with National Obesity Week, Philips has today launched a special report revealing that 54% of UK residents consider themselves to be overweight. The Weight and Exercise Special Report, part of the Philips Health and Wellbeing Index, looking into perceptions of obesity and exercise across the UK also highlighted that 60% of women felt overweight.

At a time when many are turning their minds to ways of combating Christmas overindulgence, two thirds of those questioned claimed that they did not exercise often as they should and only 15% of those who are overweight would consider entering a diet programme.

In news that might interest the architects of David Cameron's Happiness Survey, 46% of people who consider themselves overweight are also unhappy with their general levels of wellbeing and 48% said their overall feeling of wellbeing has deteriorated over the last five years. Furthermore, a third highlighted depression as a potential threat to their health.

As the National Obesity Forum embarks on another awareness week, 58% of people are concerned about being obese. Despite this, our survey shows that over 80% do not see diseases usually associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, as a threat to their health.

The Philips Index is based on an online survey conducted in the United Kingdom among a nationally representative sample of 3,053 adults. The survey was conducted in over 20 markets worldwide.