Keeping Your New Year's Resolution a Secret? You're Not Alone

Survey Reveals a Majority of People Hide their Best Intentions

News provided by

American Well

Jan 10, 2014, 09:00 ET

BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a new year - and that means it's goal-setting season; a time when people decide what they would like to achieve for the upcoming year and their hopes for the country as a whole. So what do Americans care about in 2014? Not surprisingly, people's number one resolution is to lose weight, followed closely by eating better, taking care of family and quitting smoking. But the funny thing is, people are loathe to tell anyone about their resolutions. Perhaps this is why just eight percent of people actually keep their resolutions months later.

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Not telling anyone about your New Year's resolution? You're not alone. The holidays and the start of a new year often puts a large focus on goal setting and planning for the future. But, what do people really care about? And why do most people keep their resolutions secret? Telehealth leader American Well found out what matters to Americans, for themselves and for their country, and what's stopping them from achieving their goals in 2014. (PRNewsFoto/American Well) (PRNewsFoto/AMERICAN WELL)
Not telling anyone about your New Year's resolution? You're not alone. The holidays and the start of a new year often puts a large focus on goal setting and planning for the future. But, what do people really care about? And why do most people keep their resolutions secret? Telehealth leader American Well found out what matters to Americans, for themselves and for their country, and what's stopping them from achieving their goals in 2014. (PRNewsFoto/American Well) (PRNewsFoto/AMERICAN WELL)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140110/NE44022-INFO)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131008/NE93201LOGO-b )

When telehealth leader American Well surveyed 1,000 consumers using Google Consumer Surveys, losing weight took the top spot, with three out of 10 people eager to shed pounds. But over half - 56 percent of people surveyed - said they would not tell anyone about their resolution. And a third agreed that they lack the motivation to achieve their goals.  It's possible this lack of a proper support system is an important factor why most of Americans don't stick with their goals during the year. Sometimes, talking to a doctor can help.

"Many patients want to know the easiest way to get healthy," said Dr. Peter Antall, Chief Medical Officer for American Well. "I encourage them to discuss their health goals with a doctor - to work together to create an attainable plan to achieve desired results. It's also not a bad idea to include a friend or family member in the discussion; people see more success when they have a strong support network to keep them motivated."

And what about our country as a whole?  When asked what America's New Year's Resolution should be, consumers wrote in their top answers.  The results are a sign of the times: "World Peace" won the day, with "Lose Weight" and "Get Out of Debt" as the number two and three responses.

American Well provides the perfect solution for those focused on getting healthy: immediate access to a doctor or dietitian via on-demand video from a smartphone or computer to discuss health goals and concerns. The service is convenient and affordable, making it possible for anyone to see a physician without an appointment anytime 24x7x365. Whatever your health resolution, American Well can help. To get help from a doctor for a special rate of $20, download the American Well app from the iTunes or Google play stores or visit www.americanwell.com and use coupon code "2014" when prompted.

About American Well

American Well is a telehealth services company that brings healthcare into the homes and workplaces of patients. The Company's web and mobile telehealth platform connects patients and clinicians for live, clinically meaningful visits through video, secure text chat and phone. American Well is a registered trademark of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries.  All other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners.  For more information visit www.americanwell.com.

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SOURCE American Well