Originally published December 7 2005
New Zealand study reveals many still have misconceptions about nutrition and dieting
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Research company ACNielsen studied 600 young women and mothers of school-aged children in New Zealand, and the research revealed that many popular misconceptions about eating, such as skipping meals to lose weight, still hold sway.
Many women mistakenly believe that skipping meals is a good way to lose weight, an international study has found.
The finding from the study of about 600 young women and mothers of school-aged children in New Zealand and overseas suggests the message about the importance of regular meals, especially breakfast, is not getting through, at least to these groups.
Research company ACNielsen is conducting a study on attitudes to food and obesity in more than 20 countries and has presented findings to food manufacturers and public health groups, including Obesity Action.
In New Zealand, more than half of adults and a third of children are overweight or obese and the rates are rising.
Obesity is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, which can put people at risk of heart disease, blindness and limb amputation.
Treating diabetes and its complications costs an estimated $340 million a year and is predicted to rise to $1 billion by 2021.
The Government is deeply concerned about obesity and is trying to encourage people to eat more healthily and be more physically active.
An interim report on the study says the research arose out of the links between obesity and the rising trend of people buying food at fast-food outlets, restaurants and convenience stores.
"I know a woman that's huge, but she could run circles around me.
Ms Murphy questioned the value of the research for New Zealand because it concentrated only on women at two life stages and involved only about 20 New Zealanders.
"I don't know whether they were asked whether they were influenced by the marketing of food."
The report says fast-food consumption is vulnerable to people's concerns about obesity.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml