Weight Loss, Exercise Top 2015 Resolutions, Poll Finds

By Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff)

If you’re like most Americans, now is the time you begin to think about making New Year’s resolutions. From weight loss to quitting smoking, the list of most popular changes we wish to make in our lives seems to stays the same year after year. But only 59 percent of us will stick to them.

According to a Marist poll, “More than four in 10 Americans expect to make a resolution, and weight loss tops the list of improvements for the New Year. Of those who made a promise going into 2014, only 59 percent kept their word, down from 72 percent the previous year. Men are slightly more likely than women to have kept their resolution.”

Here are their findings for 2015:

• Forty-four percent of Americans are very likely or somewhat likely to make a New Year’s resolution for 2015.
• Younger Americans are more likely than older Americans to resolve to change.
• Fifty-six percent of those younger than 45, compared with 33 percent of those 45 and older, plan to make a change to their lifestyle.
• Weight loss is the top resolution this year cited by 13 percent of Americans who vow to make a change in 2015.
• Exercising more follows with 10 percent.
• Nine percent want to be a better person
• Eight percent want to improve their health.
• Seven percent of Americans vow to quit smoking, save more money and/or eat healthier

So how can you stick to these goals and not fall off the proverbial bandwagon? Dr. Oz says to keep them realistic and specific, use visualization, change your environment and reward your successes.

Here’s some information from USA.gov that can help you achieve your goals in 2015:

• Lose Weight
• Volunteer to Help Others
• Quit Smoking
• Get a Better Education
• Get a Better Job
• Save Money
• Get Fit
• Eat Healthy Food
• Manage Stress
• Manage Debt
• Take a Trip
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
• Drink Less Alcohol