47 per cent Indians rely on internet for diet and healthy eating plans

Fifty-four per cent Indian respondents have issues with their weight. According to
Nielsen's Global Online Consumer Survey that periodically tracks global trends and regional preferences, 44 per cent think they are overweight and 10 per cent think that they are underweight. 46 per cent Indian respondents think that they are about the right weight.

When asked about their intention to lose weight, 48 per cent respondents said that they are currently trying to lose weight. India ranks tenth globally amongst countries that think they are underweight. The survey, conducted in 52 countries, indicate that there is a global appetite for improving health through better diet and exercise.

''Indians obsess with weight loss, the number of fitness organisations that have cropped up in the past couple of years are testimony to that. Moreover, eating habits and sedentary lifestyles have led to weight problems for a lot of Indians,'' said Vatsala Pant, associate director, The Nielsen Company.

Indians are adopting various methods to reduce their weight. 79 per cent respondents plan to exercise more, the second highest percentage for a country globally after New Zealand (86), that is planning to exercise more to lose weight. 69 per cent of Indians are changing their diet plans to lose weight. Four per cent are taking diet pills/ bars/ shakes and two per cent are even taking medicines prescribed by their doctor.

After exercise, changing ones diet seems to be the most preferred option by Indians to lose weight. They are adopting all kinds of measures from cutting down on fats (84 per cent), to cutting down on chocolates, sugar, etc (71 per cent).

61 per cent Indians are eating more natural fresh foods, 40 per cent believe in eating the same food but cutting down on the portions, and 36 per cent of Indian respondents are eating less processed foods. Some are also following various diet plans, the Atkins Diet (low carbohydrate, high fat diet) being a favourite for 12 per cent of Indian respondents. Six per cent of Indians use Weight Watchers or other slimming programmes.