CHICAGO(PRNewswire) — Whether it's a suggestion from the physician or a need to slim down, almost everybody experiences the desire to exercise more or eat healthier at some point in their lives.


According to the latest research from Mintel, more black adults who are watching their diet are doing so for health reasons, not to lose weight.

In fact, the research shows, 56 percent of black adults are dieting to lose weight, compared to 63 percent of white adults, 57 percent of Asian adults and 54 percent of Hispanic adults.

Also, 70 percent of black adults who limit the amount and/or kind of food eaten say they're doing so for general wellness and 46 percent say they're watching their diet to maintain their current weight. Fifty-two percent are eating healthier to prevent or control high blood pressure.

“Black adults are concerned with controlling cholesterol, blood sugar levels, hypertension, salt intake and other health-related issues,” said Leylha Ahuile, senior multicultural analyst.

“This demographic needs effective, targeted solutions that can help them reach their weight-loss goals rather than information that focuses on appearance, which may not speak to their concerns, as dieting simply to be thinner isn't as important,” Ahuile said.

Twenty-six percent of respondents who are cutting back on the amount or kind of food they eat said boredom with the “good” food they are eating make it difficult to curb their eating habits. Additionally, 35 percent reported that the challenge to find healthy options at restaurants is to blame and 26 percent said hunger pangs test their willpower to eat better.

“Marketers should emphasize elements of delicious taste to make healthier products more appealing to black consumers,” Ahuile said. “For example, emphasizing the 'creamy taste' of a low-fat item or the fact that it's 'less greasy' compared to a full-fat item may help black consumers focus on attributes other than delicious taste and create interest in trying a low-in item.”

Forty-two percent of black adults who limit the amount and/or kind of food they eat believe that most diets don't work and nearly half (49 percent) said they have a hard time sticking to a diet. Meanwhile, 60 percent said they would like to eat more healthy foods but it's just too expensive.