FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy White
The Natural Marketing Institute
215.513.7300 ext. 225
Nancy.White@NMIsolutions.com

Is The War On Iraq Accelerating The War On Weight Control?

Harleysville, Pa. (March 27, 2003) -- Based on a recent survey of 1,028 Americans, conducted in March 2003 by The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), 34% of all U.S. consumers state they have gained weight during the first three months of 2003.  "These startling facts further complement the concern about the obesity epidemic in America and point toward increased demand for weight control products," states NMI president, Maryellen Molyneaux.

Furthermore, specific consumer groups are more likely to have gained weight, including an interesting geography observation, with 42% of consumers who live in the U/S/ Pacific state stating weight gain.  Whereby women are more likely than men to have gained weight, there is little difference across other demographics such as age or income.

In addition, 21% of all adult American state that they eat unhealthy foods more often than they used to, perhaps explaining, in part, some of the weight gain. These "unhealthy" eating patterns are up from a 16% level based on a similar NMI survey conducted in October 2002.  Demographically, consumers living in south central U.S. and those with incomes under $50,000 are more likely to have increased their consumption of unhealthy foods.  Middle-aged consumer (age 36-55) are less likely to have migrated to unhealthy foods more often.

Perhaps consumers are turning to "comfort foods" as global and economic situation become more sever, and eating for emotional well-being has become more relevant than health-based reasons.

"As Americans continue to struggle with healthy eating, it becomes clear that significant opportunities exist for the development of relevant and meaningful products and service to meet these compelling consumer needs, especially relating to weight management," states Molyneaux.  In addition, demographic opportunities exist to match the needs of specific segments of the population who appear to be struggling more than others.

NMI is a strategic consulting, market research, and business development company specializing in the health and wellness marketplace. For more information, contact Steve French, Managing Partner at 215-513-7300 ext 214, via email Steve@NMIsolutions.com or visit www.NMIsolutions.com.

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