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According to the first-ever Shape of Minnesota polling research, released today, just 30 percent of Minnesotans admit to being overweight -- 6 percent said "significantly" overweight, 12 percent said "somewhat" overweight, and 12 percent said "slightly" overweight.
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Reality holds that one-third of the respondents dramatically understated their weight problems.
All poll respondents were asked to provide their current height and weight measurements, which pollsters used to calculate each adult's Body Mass Index (BMI) estimate. The results put 61 percent into the overweight (31 percent) or obese (30 percent) categories.
And, though 66 percent of adults believe they are within a few pounds of their ideal weight, just 37 percent register a BMI reading that would put them in a healthy weight range.
The Shape of Minnesota poll interviewed 500 Minnesota adults between April 20-22, 2010. It was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research, nationally-known Washington, D.C.-area polling companies whose joint clients include the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll.
The poll was commissioned by the Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota, a coalition of major local employers who seek healthier lifestyles for all Minnesotans. The coalition includes Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Capella University, Cargill, General Mills, HealthPartners, Medtronic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and the Statewide Health Improvement Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Results were published in a book, also released today. It is available online at www.mnalliance.org and for purchase through Amazon.com.
In other results:
Income and family equate with perceived physical health and happiness
Minnesotans and healthy activities
Weight loss and dieting
Obesity is a nationwide epidemic, according to Minnesotans
Minnesota's children
Workplace wellness
Stress
In addition to the Shape of Minnesota project, The Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota sponsored "Too Much to Lose, A Minnesota Story," a documentary about obesity in Minnesota. The documentary aired on all local NBC stations in Minnesota on Saturday, May 8 at 8 p.m., and is available online at http://mnalliance.org/our-stories#Documentary
At the end of this month, the Alliance will also be sponsoring The Biggest Loser Summer Challenge. This Summer Challenge is the first in a series of competitive health and wellness competitions designed to promote weight loss, nutrition and physical activity in Minnesota. It will pit the employees of Alliance companies in a friendly battle focused on health. During the Summer Challenge, which runs May 27 through September 2, 2010, employees can earn points for healthy behaviors, like dropping extra pounds, hitting the gym and eating low-fat foods. At the competition's end, a corporate champion will be named, and a charitable donation will be made in their name to Second Harvest Heartland here in Minnesota. To see the current standings of the Biggest Loser Summer Challenge, go to www.competeforhealth.org.
The Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota is run by the i.e. network, a public affairs firm founded by Rick Kupchella and Tom Mason.
About the Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota
The Alliance is an organization dedicated to making Minnesota healthier by harnessing the power and influence of Minnesota's employers to inform, entertain and engage our communities. Its growing membership includes Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Capella University, Cargill, General Mills, HealthPartners, Medtronic, Target, and UnitedHealth Group. For more information, go to www.MNAlliance.org.
About i.e. network
The i.e. network was founded by marketing, media and public affairs professionals with specialized yet complementary skills, a history of achievement and civic involvement, and a shared commitment to marshaling their talents to advance the public good. It is their mission to improve the health and wellness of all Minnesotans through strategic coalitions, partnerships and research-based initiatives. For more information, go to www.theienetwork.com.
-- 91 percent of parents and 88 percent of married respondents considered themselves to be in excellent or good physical health. -- Satisfaction levels fall to 77 percent among non-parents and 74 percent among non-married respondents. -- While 64 percent of respondents earning an annual $20,000 or less reported being satisfied with their lives, satisfaction climbs with each income bracket, rising to 92 percent among respondents earning more than $100,000 per year.
SOURCE i.e. network
