A whopping 6 out of 10 Americans are overweight, but only 28 percent "seriously" are attempting to lose weight, while more than one-third try to exercise, according to a poll of U.S. health habits. "Part of the gap between problem and action is simply due to the failure of many overweight Americans to acknowledge they weigh more than they should," said Lydia Saad, a Gallup analyst. The survey had weighty findings: The average man weighs 194 pounds, the average woman 155 -- up from 180 and 142 pounds in a 1990 survey. Americans cling to the weight of their dreams, however. Men said their ideal weight was 180 pounds; for women, 138 pounds. But even the dreams are gaining on them. Sixteen years ago, men reported their ideal weight was 171 pounds; women, 129 pounds. The ladies have it over the gents, however, at least in terms of trying to slim down. The survey found 32 percent of women and 24 percent of men are "seriously" attempting to diet. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity. Gallup found that two-thirds of the respondents could not meet that advice. Twelve percent said they got 20 minutes of exercise five days a week. Americans are more comfortable with something called "moderate exercise" -- walking and gardening, for example. Eighty-four percent said they occasionally managed a stroll or a little raking and weeding three times a week on average. The survey of 1,004 adults was conducted Nov. 9-12, and had a margin of error of three percentage points.
