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    Weight-loss survey on Mayo Clinic Diet polled more than 200,000 people in the U.S.

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ROCHESTER, Minn. — The New Mayo Clinic Diet, the official dietary program developed by Mayo Clinic, released key findings this week from its Diet Mindset Assessment. This survey of over 200,000 consumers in the U.S. provided insights into their mindsets when beginning a new diet program. Survey information was compiled and reviewed by Digital Wellness, a world-leading digital health platform that powers the world's most renowned and trusted weight-loss brands.

Key findings of the survey include:

  • Health is a key motivator. Approximately 83% of participants valued health above all other aspirations. This follows a global trend of health and wellness self-care, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Health surpassed physical appearance as an aspiration by more than fivefold — a finding that is consistent within the survey. Respondents reported they are more intrinsically motivated to achieve a healthy weight rather than by external factors.
  • Over 55% of participants had dieted at least six times, indicating that people in the U.S. are seeking sustainable and sensible solutions to healthy weight management.

"It's rather a unique survey because of its large scale, and that it explores the psychology of a dieter's mindset," says Donald Hensrud, M.D., medical editor of "The Mayo Clinic Diet." "We wanted to learn more about the motivations and aspirations around weight loss, and if a stage of readiness or sense of identity played a role in a diet program's results."

A total of 209,269 people completed the mindset questionnaire. Most were females (86%) who were 31 to 70 years old. The average age was 52. The average body mass index of people who completed the questionnaire was 32.3, with 30% being classified as overweight and 56% as obese. In this sample, 40% had dieted one to five times and 22% had dieted six to 10 times. The survey was commissioned by Digital Wellness in collaboration with Mayo Clinic Press.

"The survey indicates that people are ready for a lifestyle change for good reasons — mainly to improve their health. That's good news," says Dr. Hensrud. "It means a lifestyle-changing dietary program — like the New Mayo Clinic Diet — will be a good fit for them and is more likely to have positive results that will last for a long time."

As a healthy lifestyle change program, the New Mayo Clinic Diet reflects the latest advances in dietary research and provides new tools that make following its simple steps easier than ever. Members can choose from flexible meal plans that include vegetarian, Mediterranean, high protein and a new healthy keto program.

The program is built on an all-new digital platform from Digital Wellness, which has tools and trackers to help members lose three times more weight. Exclusive tools, such as a Habit Optimizer, help members make lasting meaningful changes in their behavior. The program also includes unlimited access to a private Facebook group that helps members connect and support each other. It also can be used in conjunction with other resources, such as Mayo Clinic Press's "Cook Smart, Eat Well" cookbook, where members can prepare their meals more efficiently by using simple, healthier ingredients.

The New Mayo Clinic Diet is based on the No. 1 New York Times bestselling book series and online program that consistently ranks as a U.S. News & World Report "Best Diet."

Learn more about the New Mayo Clinic Diet and sign up for the program.

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About The New Mayo Clinic Diet
The New Mayo Clinic Diet is the only weight-loss program that features a comprehensive, whole-health menu program developed and approved by Mayo Clinic. It features flexible meal plans that fit into any lifestyle and easy-to-prepare recipes. The New Mayo Clinic Diet has been designed to help participants make lasting, meaningful changes to their behavior so they can lead a healthier life.

About Digital Wellness
For over 15 years, the accredited professional health care experts at Digital Wellness have delivered exceptional outcomes to both consumers and enterprise, establishing Digital Wellness as one of the most published, respected and empowering health platforms in the world.

Founded by Scott Penn — and reinforced by partnerships that include one with the Mayo Clinic — Digital Wellness has a strong history of investing in health and wellness research and innovations. In addition to powering the New Mayo Clinic Diet, Digital Wellness works with pharmaceutical companies, corporations and the government to provide chronic disease management programs.

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

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