Work

Epidemic obesity in the United States: are fast foods and television viewing contributing?

Year: 1998

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between TV viewing, fast food eating, and body mass index. METHODS: Associations between hours of TV viewing, frequency of eating at fast food restaurants, body mass index, and behaviors were assessed cross sectionally and longitudinally over 1 year in 1059 men and women. RESULTS: Fast food meals and TV viewing hours were positively associated with energy intake and body mass index in women but not in men. TV viewing predicted weight gain in high-income women. CONCLUSIONS: Secular increases in fast food availability and access to televised entertainment may contribute to increasing obesity rates in the United States.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.88.2.277

Authors: R W Jeffery, S A French

Institution: University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases