Lack of Time is Main Culprit inCincinnati Resident’s Limited Level of Activity

Nearly half of Cincinnati residents (47 percent) say a physician has recommended they lose weight while lack of time (53 percent) and lack of motivation (46 percent) are the two most common obstacles as to why locals don’t participate in more daily activity. These findings are the result of a new survey commissioned by the America On the Move® Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities make positive changes to improve their health and quality of life.

The America On the Move survey polled residents in 10 cities across the country, including Cincinnati, between the ages of 25 and 55, and also found that:

· More than half of the Cincinnati residents surveyed (55 percent) reported having gained and retained weight in the last five years, of these
- More than two thirds (68 percent) gained 10 pounds or more
- One quarter (25 percent) gained between 5-10 pounds
Nearly half (46 percent) of Cincinnati residents polled reported worrying about the weight of their children, and nearly half (40 percent) believe that their children get too little activity each day.
Most of the Cincinnati respondents (58 percent) said they did not believe they received enough daily physical activity for good health. In fact, more than half (51 percent) admitted to exercising just once a week or less.

The America On the Move survey was conducted as part of the organization’s third annual STEPtember campaign, a national month-long celebration highlighting how easy it is to be active and eat healthy. During the month of September, America On the Move encourages Americans to try its small change approach to healthier living which features two key changes:

1. Move more – take 2,000 additional steps each day
2. Eat less – reduce your daily calorie intake by just 100 calories each day
By joining America On the Move’s STEPtember Challenge, participants can receive daily nutritional and physical activity tips, as well as track their progress online. Participants who register for the STEPtember Challenge are eligible for a chance to win a grand prize valued at $2,500. The grand prize includes a $1,000 gift card to a sporting goods store, a $500 gift card to a grocery store, and consultation with an America On the Move registered dietitian.
In the Cincinnati area, people can participate in the STEPtember Challenge online at www.AmericaOntheMove.org. Special activities are also being planned nationwide throughout the month of September to help people get On the Move.
· America On the Move Week with the YMCA. From Sept. 20 to 27, more than 1,400 YMCAs across the country will participate in America On the Move Week with the YMCA and host activities that inspire individuals and families to take small steps and get active.
· Community Involvement. In addition to widespread participation from YMCAs nationwide, existing America On the Move organizations (worksites, faith-based organizations, community groups, etc.) will host activities aimed at helping people add 2,000 more steps to their day.

To find a local STEPtember event in Cincinnati, simply visit www.AmericaOnTheMove.org and use the STEPtember event finder.

As the National Founding Sponsor of America On the Move and a national sponsor of YMCA Activate America®, PepsiCo and its Smart Spot® products are supporting this effort. Today more than 300 Smart Spot products are available, including Tropicana® juices, Aquafina® water, Gatorade® thirst quencher, Baked! Lay's® snacks, Quaker® oats and Diet Pepsi®, among others. The national sponsor for STEPtember is LEAN CUISINE® and its full range of nutritional frozen prepared meals, including SPA CUISINE™ Classics, Café Classics and Comfort Classics; CASUAL EATING™ Pizzas, Panini and Flatbread Melts; ONE DISH FAVORITES™ and DINNERTIME SELECTS™ meals.

About America On the Move Foundation Inc.
America On the Move Foundation Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that helps individuals, families and communities make positive changes to improve Americans’ health and quality of life. With more than a million participants on- and offline, America On the Move supports a small-changes approach to healthy eating and active living habits. America On the Move’s science-based programs and outreach support Americans of all ages manage their weight effectively through energy balance. For more information, please visit www.americaonthemove.org.