Many in Minnesota underestimate weight

MINNEAPOLIS, May 28 (UPI) -- Shape of Minnesota polling research indicates one-third of the respondents dramatically understate their weight, researchers say.

The poll was commissioned by the Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota -- a coalition of major employers including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Capella University, Cargill, General Mills, HealthPartners, Medtronic, Target, UnitedHealth Group and the Statewide Health Improvement Program.

All poll respondents were asked to provide their current height and weight measurements, which were used to calculate a Body Mass Index estimate.

The survey found 61 percent were either overweight or obese, but just 30 percent of Minnesotans admit being overweight. The poll found 84 percent of Minnesotans reported engaging in exercise at least a few times per week, while 38 percent say they exercise daily.

Fifty-two percent said they often keep track of the fruits and vegetables they eat. One-quarter of Minnesotans -- mainly women -- say they have gone on a diet in the last couple of years, but 80 percent say they gained the weight back.

The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research, interviewed 500 Minnesota adults April 20 to 22. The results are published in a book available at www.mnalliance.org and through Amazon.com.

No margin of error was provided.