Diet Use & Growth Statistics: How Many People Are on a Diet In 2024?

Determining the exact number of people currently on a diet in the United States is challenging due to the variability in dieting methods, goals, and definitions. However, several diet statistics provide insight into dieting trends and behaviors:

1. 1. Dieting and Weight Loss Efforts: A significant portion of the U.S. population attempts to lose weight each year. For instance, weight loss trends suggest a large number of women and men try to lose weight annually, with a notable percentage of young adults aged 20-39 and middle-aged adults aged 40-59 also participating in weight loss efforts.

1. 1. Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss: A considerable percentage of American dieters use dietary supplements to aid in weight loss, with a higher usage among women compared to men. The use of these supplements varies by weight status, with individuals with obesity being the most likely to use weight loss supplements.

1. 1. Spending on Weight Loss Products: Americans spend a substantial amount annually on weight loss products, indicating a significant engagement with dieting and weight management efforts. This spending covers a wide range of products and services designed to aid in weight loss.

1. 1. Dietary Preferences and Motivations: Surveys reveal that a percentage of U.S. respondents follow specific eating patterns or diets, such as low-carb/no carb diets. Motivations for adopting new eating patterns or diets include desires to protect long-term health or prevent future health conditions, as well as to prevent weight gain.

These statistics indicate that dieting is a prevalent activity in the United States, with a significant portion of the population engaging in various dieting practices and spending considerable amounts on weight loss products and supplements. The motivations behind dieting and the methods used can vary widely, reflecting the diverse approaches to weight management and health improvement among Americans.

The Human Nutrition Market

The human nutrition market is projected to reach significant growth levels by 2025, with a diverse range of products and applications driving this expansion. The market encompasses various product types, including vitamins, probiotics, proteins & amino acids, carbohydrates, fats & fatty acids, and minerals, catering to a wide array of applications from dietary supplements to functional nutrients and medical nutrition.

In terms of geographical distribution, North America held the largest market share in 2020, attributed to factors like increased consumer awareness regarding personal health and wellbeing, as well as a well-developed distribution channel and the presence of key manufacturers.

However, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by a rising consumer base in countries including India, China, and South Korea, along with an increase in per capita income.

Vitamins dominated the market in terms of product type due to a growing demand for fortified foods and a rising trend in health awareness among consumers in developed nations.

The dietary supplements segment commanded the largest share of the market by application, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and a rising awareness of the benefits of nutrient consumption.

Technological advancements in the human nutrition market, expanding product portfolios, and innovations in packaging and distribution channels are key drivers of growth. At the same time, challenges such as supply chain disruptions, regulatory compliance, and fluctuating raw material prices pose constraints to the market.

Yet, overarching trends in the industry, such as the exponential growth of plant-based alternatives and the adoption of online platforms for purchases, are reshaping consumer engagement and distribution channels.

Overall, the human nutrition market is on a trajectory of robust growth, propelled by technological innovations, a shift towards healthier and more sustainable diets, and a growing awareness of personal health and wellness.

Most Frequently Searched Diets

The most frequently searched diets globally, according to Google Trends data analyzed up until 2019, include veganism, vegetarianism, and gluten-free diets. These diets attracted the highest public interest, with veganism being the most searched diet type in 23 countries, followed by vegetarianism and the ketogenic diet. This interest demonstrates a significant global move towards plant-based and gluten-free eating patterns.

Moreover, specific foods associated with popular diets have also seen high search volumes, indicating interest in weight loss and health-oriented eating habits. Foods such as apples, berries, salmon, brussels sprouts, and cabbage were among the top-searched, reflecting their role in popular diets like the Mediterranean, Pescatarian, and Paleo diets. This trend underscores a preference for whole, nutritious foods that support overall well-being and weight management goals.

These insights reveal a diverse interest in diet and nutrition, highlighting the evolving preferences of health-conscious individuals around the world.

5 Best Diets 2024

Based on 43 expert opinions on diets, the U.S. News Survey ranked the best 30 diets for 2024. Among them, the following are the first five:

Number 1: Mediterranean Diet (85.1%)

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisines of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It’s not a strict diet plan but rather a pattern of eating that emphasizes:

• • High consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, and seeds

• • Olive oil as the primary source of fat

• • Moderate consumption of fish and poultry

• • Low to moderate intake of dairy products (mostly cheese and yogurt)

• • Limited consumption of red meat

• • Eggs in moderation

• • Wine in moderate amounts, usually with meals

The diet is also characterized by a high intake of fiber; a moderate to high intake of fish; a low intake of saturated fats; and a low to moderate intake of dairy products, mostly in the form of cheese and yogurt. It places a lower emphasis on meat and meat products.

The Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It’s also linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and better cognitive health in older age. The emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats makes it a balanced and sustainable way of eating for many people.

Number 2: DASH Diet (75.4%)

The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a dietary plan designed to help prevent and control hypertension (high blood pressure). The DASH diet emphasizes:

• • Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• • Including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils in the diet

• • Limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils (such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils)

• • Restricting sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets

On the DASH diet, you’re encouraged to reduce sodium intake to help lower blood pressure. The standard DASH diet advises limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams a day, while the lower sodium version recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams a day.

The diet also focuses on increasing intake of nutrients that are thought to help lower blood pressure, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. By following the DASH diet, individuals can lower their blood pressure in a natural way, which may reduce their need for blood pressure-lowering medications.

The DASH diet is not only beneficial for lowering blood pressure but also supports overall heart health and can aid in weight loss and diabetes management. It’s recognized as a balanced eating plan that can be adopted for a lifetime of healthy eating.

Number 3: MIND Diet (60.7%)

The MIND diet stands for the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It’s a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, specifically designed to reduce the risk of dementia and the decline in brain health that often occurs with age. The MIND diet focuses on eating foods that have been scientifically proven to be beneficial for brain health.

Key components of the MIND diet include:

• • Green leafy vegetables: Aim for six or more servings per week.

• • Other vegetables: At least one serving per day of non-starchy vegetables.

• • Berries: Two or more servings per week.

• • Nuts: Five or more servings per week.

• • Olive oil: Use as the primary cooking oil.

• • Whole grains: Three or more servings per day.

• • Fish: At least one serving per week.

• • Beans: More than three servings per week.

• • Poultry: Two servings per week.

• • Wine: One glass per day (optional).

The MIND diet also recommends limiting the following:

• • Red meats

• • Butter and stick margarine

• • Cheese

• • Pastries and sweets

• • Fried or fast food

While the MIND diet shares many similarities with the Mediterranean and DASH diets, it places a greater emphasis on foods that are specifically beneficial for brain health, such as berries and green leafy vegetables. Initial research suggests that adhering to the MIND diet may lower an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. However, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and mechanisms.

Number 4: Mayo Clinic Diet (55.3%)

The Mayo Clinic Diet is a lifestyle approach to weight loss developed by the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit organization and medical research group based in the United States. This diet is designed to help individuals lose weight, adopt healthy eating habits, and maintain these healthy habits for life. It’s not just a short-term diet but rather a comprehensive overhaul of dietary habits to promote long-term health and weight management.

The Mayo Clinic Diet emphasizes:

• • Eating Whole Foods: It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods form the foundation of the diet.

• • Portion Control: Understanding and controlling portion sizes is a key aspect, helping to reduce calorie intake without the need for calorie counting.

• • Healthy Habits: The diet encourages the adoption of healthy eating and lifestyle habits, such as eating breakfast, exercising regularly, and limiting the intake of sweets and fats.

• • The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid: This tool helps users visualize the types and quantities of foods they should eat. Fruits and vegetables take up the largest portion of the pyramid, indicating they should make up a significant part of one’s diet, followed by carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with sweets being consumed sparingly.

• • Two Phases: The diet consists of two main phases. The “Lose It!” phase is designed to kick-start weight loss and help dieters lose 6 to 10 pounds in the first two weeks by adopting healthy habits. The “Live It!” phase focuses on continuing weight loss at a steady and sustainable rate until the target weight is achieved, promoting lifelong healthy eating.

The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to be adaptable, sustainable, and suitable for long-term health improvement rather than offering a quick fix for weight loss. It encourages physical activity alongside dietary changes and focuses on making healthier food choices rather than strict calorie restriction.

Number 5: Flexitarian Diet (53.6%)

The flexitarian diet is a plant-based eating plan that allows for occasional meat and animal products consumption. The term “flexitarian” is a blend of the words “flexible” and “vegetarian,” signifying the diet’s adaptable nature. It encourages primarily vegetarian foods without completely eliminating meat, making it a more flexible approach to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Key principles of the flexitarian diet include:

• • Predominantly Plant-Based: The focus is on fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains as the main components of meals.

• • Protein from Plants: Instead of getting protein from meat, it emphasizes plant-based sources like beans, lentils, peas, nuts, and seeds.

• • Flexible Meat Consumption: While the diet is mostly vegetarian, it allows for moderate consumption of meat and animal products based on personal preference and nutritional needs. This flexibility can make it easier for people to adopt and maintain compared to strict vegetarianism or veganism.

• • Minimize Processed Foods: Encourages eating whole and minimally processed foods for optimal health.

• • Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasizes the importance of whole foods over refined and processed options, aligning with general health and wellness advice.

The benefits of the flexitarian diet can include improved heart health, weight loss, and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, among others, due to its emphasis on plants and whole foods. This diet can also have a lower environmental impact than diets high in animal products, as plant-based food production generally requires fewer resources and results in less greenhouse gas emissions.

The flexitarian diet is very approachable and sustainable over the long term because it offers flexibility and doesn’t require strict dietary restrictions, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to improve their health and reduce their meat consumption without fully committing to vegetarianism or veganism.

Last Trends on Dieting

The diet trends for 2024 emphasize a variety of health-conscious directions, showcasing an industry poised for significant growth while acknowledging individual nutritional needs and environmental concerns.

1. 1. Industry Growth: The human nutrition market is expected to grow by 6.6%, reaching $465.4 billion by 2025. The personalized nutrition sector is particularly notable, projected to double from $8.2 billion to $16.4 billion between 2020 and 2025, reflecting an annual growth rate of 15%.

1. 1. Food and Mood: There’s a growing interest in the connection between diet and mental health, with a focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole foods. Such diets are linked to a 25-35% reduced risk of depression compared to diets high in processed foods.

1. 1. Balanced Eating: The trend away from restrictive diets like keto towards more balanced, flexible eating patterns is gaining traction. The Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits, is becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a broader shift towards nutrition that emphasizes variety and balance.

1. 1. Personalized Nutrition: The “one size fits all” approach to dieting is becoming obsolete. Emerging trends include the use of technology, such as Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), to offer more personalized nutritional advice based on individual health data.

1. 1. Focus on Nutrients: Choline is gaining recognition for its essential roles in brain and nervous system function, mood regulation, and memory. It’s particularly important during pregnancy for brain and spinal cord development.

1. 1. Gut Health: The importance of gut health continues to rise, with a focus on both probiotics and prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome. These elements are crucial for digestive health, brain health, mood, sleep, and reducing disease risk.

1. 1. Natural Sweeteners: As concerns over artificial sweeteners and sugar grow, there’s a shift towards natural sweeteners and flavors that offer less health risk. The market is moving towards bold, bitter, savory, and sour tastes as alternatives.

1. 1. Spicy and Multicultural Meals: An appetite for bold, spicy flavors and multicultural dishes is on the rise. Consumers are seeking new experiences, with a mix of techniques from various cuisines to create “third culture cuisine”.

These trends reflect a complex interplay between health consciousness, technological advancements in nutrition, and a growing desire for dietary patterns that support long-term well-being and environmental sustainability.