The findings from a recent study reveal that 1 in 6 Americans follow specialized diets, with weight loss plans leading the way. A nutrition expert has unveiled the figures showing which diets Americans choose most and the reasons behind their dietary decisions.
Gabriel Ettenson, MSPT, Chief Medical Officer of Hypervibe, analyzed CDC figures revealing that 17.1% of American adults stick to a specialized diet on any given day, with distinct patterns across different groups of people.
Percentage of adults aged 20+ on most common special diets on a given day by age
National Health and Nutrition data gathered between 2015-2018 puts weight loss plans at the top spot with 9.3% of adults, diabetic diets follow at 2.3%, low carbohydrate diets at 2.0%, and low-fat or low-cholesterol approaches are at 1.8%.
“Weight loss diets sit at the top position among all specialized eating plans,” Ettenson said. “Roughly one in ten adults go for this approach, which makes it far more common than any other option, such as long-term lifestyle changes.”
CDC numbers confirm that weight loss diets dominate every age group. This remains consistent from those aged 20 all the way up to those aged 60 and beyond.
“Women choose to follow special diets more often than men,” noted Ettenson. “The statistics show 19.0% of women follow specific food regimens compared with just 15.1% of men.”
This gender gap widens significantly in younger age brackets. Among adults 20-39, women choose special diets at 15.8% while men fall behind at a mere 10.8%.
“Americans under 40 choose to diet much less often,” Ettenson explained. “Just 13.3% of this younger group stick to specialized eating patterns.”
Percentage of adults aged 20+ on any special diet on a given day, by sex and age in the U.S.
By stark contrast, 19.2% of adults aged 40-59 and 19.3% of those 60 and older report following specialized diets. This trend remains steady across both genders with minimal variation.
“As we get older it becomes harder to manage our weight effectively. A slower metabolism and the emergence of health issues mean that dieting often becomes a requirement in some form. Of course, heavier individuals turn to specialized diets more often,” said Ettenson.
CDC data shows 8.3% of normal or underweight Americans follow specialized diets, versus 17.1% of overweight people and 23.1% of those with obesity.
“College education links to greater diet plan adoption,” Ettenson observed. “College graduates use special diets at 18.6%, compared with 14.1% for those without a high school diploma.”
Several factors likely drive this pattern. Nutritional knowledge, food access, and economic means all shape what people eat day to day. There is also a social aspect to dieting, as young people break from their parents’ habits and start forming their own.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges Americans to maintain healthy eating habits throughout life to manage weight, meet nutrient needs, and cut disease risk.
“Every specialized diet must deliver basic nutritional requirements,” Ettenson said. “The right approach matches your personal health situation while providing balanced nutrients.”
CDC figures show specialized diet adoption increased from 14.3% in 2007-2008 to 17.4% in 2017-2018. During this decade, low-carbohydrate diets doubled in popularity as low-fat approaches declined steadily.
Nearly half of American adults now live with diet-related chronic diseases. Heart conditions, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes push many to adopt specialized eating plans as management strategies.
Ettenson advises speaking with healthcare professionals before starting any specialized diet. This step proves especially vital for people with existing health conditions that might be affected by dietary changes.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using information provided by Anna Ryan on behalf of Hypervibe, committed to creating the highest quality products available at an affordable price, to support you in accomplishing your health and wellness goals.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
