Gallup poll: Majority of Pakistanis have never tried dieting

Gallup poll reveals 21% Pakistanis have tried dieting to reduce weight and 78% have never done so.

ISLAMABAD: A majority of Pakistanis have never tried dieting to reduce weight, while a majority of those who have prefer to avoid food containing fat, revealed a recently released Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan.

In a survey, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked the following question:

Have you ever tried dieting to reduce your weight?

The results of the poll revealed that less than one-fourth Pakistanis (21%) have tried dieting to reduce weight and 78% have never done so.

In a follow-up question for those who responded positively, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked:

What method have you used for dieting?

Fifty-five percent responded by saying they avoid eating foods that contain fat, 28% decreased overall quantity of food and 17% said they try physical exercise to reduce weight.

The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2,692 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during June 26- July 2, 2011.

Error margin is estimated to be approximately ±2-3% at 95% confidence level.