Body weight status reflects the attitudes and behaviors related to vegetable consumption among Kentucky adults (640.3)

Abstract

Vegetables are good sources of many important nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and numerous phytochemicals. A diet rich in vegetables is low in energy density. Thus, vegetable consumption can play an important role in reducing incidence of overweight and obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the attitudes and behaviors related to vegetable consumption and body weight status of adults in Kentucky. A total of 280 visitors to the 2008 Kentucky State Fair were recruited to fill out a questionnaire before they were given a free analysis of their body composition (body fat %) with a Tanita TBF‐521 body composition analyzer. Frequency of vegetable consumption was negatively correlated with current body mass index and body fat percent of the subjects. The proportion of people within the normal weight range was higher among people who grew up eating vegetables and those who considered vegetables taste good. People who thought vegetables were expensive and troublesome to prepare, or only eat lettuce raw with dressings were more likely to be overweight or obese. Our results suggest that effective educational programs are needed to improve people's attitudes toward vegetables so they may increase their vegetable consumption to reduce the risk of obesity.