Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: American obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions, with two out of every three individuals being overweight or obese and frequently resulting in the need for medical treatment.Current treatments revolve around dietary changes, yet the behavioral differences between food choices and weight classes have been poorly understood.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary differences of Americans by weight status.Using a nationally representative sample of Americans, 21,183 dietary recalls and anthropometric values collected from the 2005-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to assess the daily intake of food and macronutrients.The mean aggregation of food groups per weight category was tabulated with macronutrients, food groups, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores examined.Differences in energy (kcals), macronutrients (g), and HEI 2010 scores were compared by normal weight, overweight, and obese weight status.The leading food contributor to total caloric intakes across weight statuses was mixed dishes, contributing significantly more energy for obese consumers than normal weight and overweight consumers.Protein foods also contributed more to dietary intakes for obese also with significantly more energy for consumers.For all weight categories, nonalcoholic beverages contributed nearly 20% of total dietary carbohydrates.As well, obese consumers obtained significantly more daily energy from low-calories beverages, iii coffee, and tea than others.HEI scores indicated a significantly lower total score for obese individuals than normal weight, though scores were poor across all weight categories.We can conclude that obese individuals have higher calorie choices and preparations of specific food sources and lower adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans than those of normal weight.Examining the specifics of what food intake differences exist between normal weight and obese individuals can help shed more light on specific weight-loss practice recommendations for medical professionals. List of Definitions Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association):organization of food and nutrition professionals who promote health improvement through the dietetic profession Body Mass Index: an indicator of body fatness calculated using an individual's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters Carbohydrate: dietary source of energy and growth required by the body consisting of organic compounds including sugar, starch, and fiber Dietary Guidelines: government recommended eating patterns for Americans designed for health care professionals Fat: dietary source of energy and growth required by the body consisting of fatty acids and nutrients Mobile Examination Center: used in NHANES testing as a location to obtain health measurements NHANES: program of various studies designed to assess the health and nutritional status of American adults and children with the use of interviews and physical examinations Normal Weight: having a BMI within the range of 18.5 to <25Obese: having a BMI within the range of 25.0 to <30 Overweight: having a BMI within the range of 30.0 or higher Protein: dietary source of energy and growth required by the body consisting of amino acids obese consumers obtained significantly more daily energy from low-calories beverages, coffee, and tea than others.HEI scores indicated a significantly lower total score for obese individuals than normal weight, though scores were poor across all weight categories.We can conclude that obese individuals have higher calorie choices and preparations of specific food sources and lower adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans than those of normal weight.Examining the specifics of what food intake differences exist between normal weight and obese individuals can help shed more light on specific weight-loss practice recommendations for medical professionals.
Author: Catherine E Mealer
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2896099541