American Women Speak Out About Weight Loss and Their Thoughts on Healthy Eating

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Jan. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On average, more than a third of American women think about their weight at least three times per day, and many think that achieving their weight loss goals or maintaining an 'ideal' weight requires overly strict and drastic lifestyle changes, according to a recent survey conducted by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, the marketer of SPLENDA® Sweetener Products, with the support of SHAPE Magazine. Eighty-one percent of women surveyed do not think they are at their ideal weight; still, almost half are optimistic they will achieve their ideal weight in 2011. The survey, which polled women across the country ages 25-54, returned thoughtful feedback on the state of weight loss in America today and the things women are doing to stay healthy.

The survey revealed that when it comes to achieving or maintaining their ideal weight, most women are ill-informed on the most effective and/or healthy ways to do so. For example, 91 percent of women were unaware of the amount of calories one needs to burn in order to lose a pound of fat (3,500 calories). Women surveyed cited stresses, demands on their time, family obligations and financial problems as the reasons their weight loss efforts have been difficult. With so many other factors on their minds, the survey also found that women tend to overlook nutritional value in their food purchases, ranking price, taste and quality higher. Only 17 percent of women ranked nutritional value as the most important factor when purchasing food.

"We found that many women are implementing major lifestyle changes to lose weight.  Oftentimes it's small, simple changes that are not only crucial to the weight loss process, but are also healthy and effective in the long run," said SHAPE magazine senior health and nutrition editor Sharon Liao. "We want to spread the message that it doesn't need to be really difficult to make a difference and get on the right track."

The survey went on to reveal some detailed information on the steps women believe are necessary to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. Many women surveyed believe that in order for an average woman to lose 20 pounds in one year, she would need to cut something like sweets or snacks out of her diet entirely (35 percent) or reduce her caloric intake to fewer than 1,000 calories per day (39 percent). In reality, an average woman can successfully lose weight if she follows a calorically-appropriate diet and stays active. The survey revealed that 70 percent of women currently add sugar to foods and beverages, most often adding it to their coffee (48 percent). By making smart substitutions with their food choices and by watching their portion sizes, women can continue to enjoy the foods they love with fewer calories from added sugars.

"If women have unrealistic ideas of what it takes to reduce calories and eat healthfully, they are more likely to become derailed in their weight loss efforts," said Fred Tewell, group product director for SPLENDA® Sweetener Products. "We want to educate women who are trying to manage their weight and let them know that a good place to start is by simply incorporating healthier habits into their daily routines, such as using SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener in place of sugar. If you replace 3 tablespoons of sugar each day with SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, you'll save 100 calories. It's important for women to know that they can carry out their goals in simple, delicious ways that won't disrupt their daily lives."

For more information, please visit www.SPLENDA.com.

About SPLENDA® Sweetener Products

SPLENDA® Sweetener Products contain sucralose (SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener), the no-calorie sweetener that starts with sugar, tastes like sugar, but is not sugar. SPLENDA® Sweetener Products have been safely enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide, including pregnant or nursing women, children and individuals with diabetes. SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener is the nation's #1 selling branded sweetener and can be used almost anywhere sugar is used, including in cooking and baking. The complete line of products includes SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener in packet and granulated forms, SPLENDA® Sugar Blend, SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend, SPLENDA® Flavors for Coffee, SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Minis and SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber.

SPLENDA® Sweetener Products are marketed by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC. For more information on SPLENDA® Sweetener Products or to obtain recipes and tips on cooking and baking with the Brand, visit www.SPLENDA.com or call 1-800-7-SPLENDA (1-800-777-5363).

About McNeil Nutritionals, LLC

McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is a global marketer of innovative nutritional products. The company's mission is to give people the ability to actively manage their own health. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, markets SPLENDA® Sweetener Products, VIACTIV® Dietary Supplements, LACTAID® Milk and Dietary Supplements and BENECOL® Products. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are based on current expectations of future events.  If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, and/or Johnson & Johnson's expectations and projections.  Risks and uncertainties include general industry conditions and competition; economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign health care reforms and governmental laws and regulations; and trends toward health care cost containment.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Exhibit 99 of Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010.  Copies of this Form 10-K, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson.  Neither McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, nor Johnson & Johnson undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

SOURCE McNeil Nutritionals, LLC