Fitness Trainers and Nutritionists Viewed as Best Source for Weight Loss; Pharmacists Get High Marks for 'Accessibility and Knowledge'
An overwhelming 79 percent of adults surveyed nationwide said they would be
interested in a free, confidential measuring device to test blood pressure, body
fat or cholesterol while waiting for a prescription in a pharmacy. More than one
third (36 percent) said a device that monitors the number of calories burned
each day would be the most helpful tool for managing their weight. This choice
was even more popular among adults 25-to-34 (42 percent), 35-to-44 (38 percent)
and 45-to-54 (40 percent).
These findings were revealed in the latest AmerisourceBergen Index(C), which
surveyed 1017 adults nationwide on a range of topics including how they view
their local pharmacists, how often they seek advice from them, and their efforts
to lose weight.
The quarterly survey was conducted October 4-7, 2002 by Opinion Research
Corporation on behalf of AmerisourceBergen, the largest pharmaceutical services
company in the United States dedicated solely to the pharmaceutical supply
chain. The margin of error is plus or minus three percent.
The Struggle Over Weight Loss
Sixty-five percent of survey respondents described themselves as being anywhere
from five to more than 30 pounds overweight. These findings virtually mirrored
those of the National Health and Nutrition Examination, which found the
percentage of overweight American adults is now at 64.5 percent, having
increased steadily since the 1970s.
Nearly half (44 percent) the respondents to the AmerisourceBergen Index admitted
to a chronic failure to lose weight. Twenty-seven percent said they continued to
lose and regain the same pounds; 11 percent said they had tried and failed to
lose weight many times; 6 percent said they had given up on trying to lose
weight. Yet almost all respondents (96 percent) indicated they were aware of the
impact that weight has on a person's overall health.
Where do people want to turn for help in the fight against excess weight?
Fitness trainers and nutritionists. Each of these specialists was selected by 32
percent of respondents, resulting in a tie for first place. Twenty-two percent
picked physicians, with adults 45-to-65-plus even more likely to do so. Four
percent selected an interactive kiosk capable of measuring lean body mass, and 2
percent chose pharmacists.
Consumers Evaluate Their Pharmacists
Survey respondents were also asked what they thought of their local pharmacists.
More than three quarters (78 percent) expressed favorable opinions. Forty-one
percent described their pharmacists as "accessible and helpful." This was even
higher among senior citizens 65 and over, with 47 percent in this age group
making this assessment. Twenty six percent of respondents said their pharmacists
were "patient and knowledgeable," while 11 percent chose "attentive and
reassuring" to describe them. Thirteen percent said their pharmacists were "busy
and hurried," but only 2 percent selected "inaccessible" as the key
characteristic.
On the subject of medical advice and pharmacists, 69 percent of respondents said
they go to their pharmacists with questions about medications or health issues.
Thirty percent said they did so with every new prescription, while an equal
number said they never asked questions. Twenty-six percent reported questioning
the pharmacist a few times a year, 8 percent said they did so at every visit,
and 3 percent said they did so monthly.
Additional Pharmacy Services
Respondents were also asked what additional services they would most like to see
at their local pharmacies. Free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings came
in first at 30 percent. This scored even higher among 45-to-54 year olds (34
percent) and those 65 and older (41 percent). A free computer connection to
access health information came in next at 20 percent overall. This choice was
even more popular among adults 18-to-44 (24 percent). An easy-to-use, free
device to help people monitor their health tied for third place. This option
came in higher among adults under 35, with 15 percent of 18-to-24 year olds and
18 percent of 25-to-34 year olds making this their top choice. Also in third
place overall were free diet and nutrition classes (11 percent). This scored
even higher among 18-to-24 year olds (21 percent), 25-to-34 year olds (15
percent) and women (15 percent). Free lectures on health care came in last at 6
percent.
About the AmerisourceBergen Index
The AmerisourceBergen Index is a quarterly survey of trends, purchasing
behaviors and opinions about pharmacists and their customers. The first survey
was conducted in May 2001.
About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen (NYSE: ABC) is the largest pharmaceutical services company in
the United States dedicated solely to the pharmaceutical supply chain. It is the
leading distributor of pharmaceutical products and services to the hospital
systems/acute care market, alternate care and mail order facilities, independent
community pharmacies, and regional chain pharmacies. The Company is also a
leader in the institutional pharmacy marketplace. With more than $40 billion in
annualized operating revenue, AmerisourceBergen is headquartered in Valley
Forge, PA, and employs more than 13,000 people serving over 25,000 customers.
SOURCE AmerisourceBergen
CONTACT: Michael N. Kilpatric of AmerisourceBergen, +1-610-727-7118, or
mkilpatric@amerisource.com; or Iris Raylesberg of Kapnek Communications,
+1-215-830-9890, or iris@kapnek.com, for AmerisourceBergen
(ABC)