54% of the country’s women tried to lose weight, as compared with 33% of the men.

Those who rigorously attempted to trim fat lost an average of 16 pounds.

Men (27%) and women (29%) have been about equally successful in keeping off lost weight.

Those least likely to keep off lost weight are age 35 to 49.

Copyright 1992 Newsweek: not for distribution outside of Newsweek Inc.