Half of Americans rely on their partner to keep them accountable for living a healthy lifestyle, according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 Americans found 68 percent of Americans said they need someone to hold them accountable for making healthy choices — and for those with a partner, that job falls to them.
Respondents need a support system, as nearly six in 10 said it’s too hard to be healthier on their own.
But, because of the stay at home orders in place due to COVID-19, 76 percent of Americans surveyed felt they finally have the time to practice healthier routines and start taking better care of themselves.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Culturelle, aimed to examine how people try to encourage their family, friends and partners to stay healthy and maintain an active lifestyle.
It found 63 percent of those polled credit someone else for helping them get healthier.
Fifty-six percent of those in a relationship say their partner helped them by stepping up and cooking healthy meals.
And nearly half (46 percent) also try their best to encourage their partners to exercise.
Forty-seven percent have sought out the help of a workout buddy to keep them accountable for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while 36 percent logged their food in a food journal to meet their health goals.
Forty-two percent have reached out to friends for some healthy recipes and cooking tips.
Having someone else in your corner seems to work well because, according to the results, 59 percent worry their accountability partner will negatively judge them if they make an unhealthy choice that would hinder their progress.
While health and fitness is one way Americans sought influence from others, they’ve also drawn on others’ music tastes (36 percent), fashion (29 percent) and hobbies (24 percent), according to the survey.
In addition, 17 percent were encouraged to ask for a raise or promotion from others while 14 percent had others help them feel comfortable getting back out into the dating world.
A whopping 78 percent even say they wouldn’t be where they are today without the support and encouragement of their partners, family and friends.
“We know everyone is busy and although they want to live a healthy lifestyle it isn’t always easy,” explained Eric Bianco, Culturelle Brand Manager. “We believe simple and efficient solutions are the best way to stick to your wellness goals.”
One way to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to take supplements, which nearly a quarter (24 percent) of those polled said they always do.
But making it a habit can be difficult without the assistance of someone else. Fifty-nine percent of those studied say they need someone else to hold them accountable for taking their daily supplements otherwise they wouldn’t have the willpower to do so.
Bianco added, “Culturelle provides a line of proven and effective probiotics making it easy for the whole family to support their digestive and immune health in one easy step. One way to hold yourself accountable is to store it on your nightstand and take it first thing in the morning or before bed.”
Top five areas of life that have been improved by others
- Health/fitness: 44 percent
- Cooking style/habits: 38 percent
- Music taste: 36 percent
- Fashion sense/style: 29 percent
- Organization: 24 percent
Top five ways to keep Americans accountable for their healthy lifestyle
- Cook healthy meals for them: 41 percent
- Sending them positive encouragement/affirmations: 36 percent
- Exercise with them: 35 percent
- Give them compliments: 34 percent
- Calling and checking in on them frequently: 30 percent