Dieting Trends Differ Across Generations

More than a quarter of the Baby Boomer generation diets versus only 12 percent of Millennials who do the same, according to The NPD Group, further confirming the generation gap regarding consumers' health and wellness habits.

These trends are part of a long-term decline in dieting overall, according to NPD, as 19 percent of adults report being on a diet within the last year, versus 30 percent in 1991. According to Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst and author of “Eating Patterns in America,” the country is moving away from dieting as “Americans are looking for other ways to define health."

Alternative Options

Although dieting is on the decline, 57 percent of adults still report wanting to lose 20 pounds. “Dieting is not the only way to address your health these days,” Balzer said, adding that “avoiding foods with harmful substances and adding foods with beneficial ingredients remain an appealing way to deal with our health rather than just dieting.” In fact, 72 percent of adults eat reduced fat foods, nearly 45 percent of adults eat foods with whole grains on a regular basis and 24 percent include organic foods and beverages in their diet.