'Weight loss tops 2018 New Year's resolutions'

The survey of 1,074 adults aged 18 and above was conducted by The Marist Poll.

Among Americans who planned to make a resolution, 12 per cent reported that they want to be a better person, and the same proportion (12 per cent) said they want to lose weight. Exercising more, eating healthier, and getting a better job each garnered nine per cent while seven per cent want to improve their overall health, the poll found.

Six per cent of US residents resolving to make a change want to kick the smoking habit, and another six per cent plan to spend less and save more money. 30 per cent mentioned another resolution altogether, the poll found.

Last year, being a better person (16 per cent) edged out weight loss (10 per cent) and exercising more (10 per cent) to take the number-one slot.

The proportion of resolution makers who plan to look for a better job has nearly doubled from five per cent last year to nine per cent currently, according to the poll. "With weight loss tying for the number-one resolution and exercise and healthy eating making the top five, health is top of mind," said Lee M Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion in US.