One third of French adults on a diet
study, with almost a third constantly trying to lose weight. They
are also the biggest eaters of 'light' foods and most likely to
check labels for lower calories, fat or sugar.
The Mintel survey on four of Europe's biggest markets - Germany, UK, France and Spain - reveals that close to one French adult in three (32 per cent) admits to trying to lose weight most of the time. This is three times more than in Germany, the people least likely to want to lose weight.
This trend is borne out in body sizes, it seems."The French pay more attention to their weight and their diet, which explains why levels of obesity have not reached the worrying proportions seen in other west European countries," says Mintel market analyst Jenny Catlin.
The study also shows that only one in nine adults skips a meal to prevent weight gain, less than any of the four countries surveyed. Instead the French prefer to take a healthier approach - half avoid fatty foods and two out of five avoid sugar, going further than other Europeans.
They are also most likely to be counting calories (29 per cent), much higher than in Germany (20 per cent), Spain (21 per cent) and Great Britian (19 per cent). The French area also the biggest eaters of light foods (28 per cent).
Traditions have played a significant factor in this. Most French families still try to eat two cooked meals a day at home, school or work, and aim to include a variety of foods in their diet. The French are also able to stick to a balanced, healthy diet and are not as prone to giving into the temptation of sweets and chocolate.
Like other markets, women are almost twice as likely as men to be losing weight, or two women in five (42 per cent), against less than one in four men.
But it is those over the age of 55 who tend to be dieting, and eating lighter meals with less fat and sugar. Young people are more likely to skip meals however.
"This looks surprising as it is usually young people who are more concerned about their figures. But it shows that the older generations are more willing to adapt their diets to maintain health over the long-term," said Catlin.
Young people on the other hand tend to want quick results and are more likely to go to extremes.
The French also appear the most concerned by food safety, additives and GM foods. Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) say they are careful to avoid safety risks compared to only 55 per cent of Spanish and 52 per cent of Germans. Only two in five British have a similar attitude.
About half say they would never buy GM foods and are prepared to pay more for foods without additives. A similar number (51 per cent) say they often read about the ingredients on food labels.
"Agriculture is still an important part of French life and many French are ready to support farmers by buying local produce. Most still buy fresh products locally so it is not really surprising that the majority do not trust products manufactured industrially or using GM technology," adds Catlin.
