Differences exist in the eating habits of university men and women at fast-food restaurants

Abstract

Fast-food restaurant eating habits of a group of college students at a large Midwestern land-grant university were determined and evaluated by sex. A 2-page questionnaire was developed, which assessed the subjects' frequency of eating meals and snacks at fast-food restaurants, the predominate types of fast-food restaurants patronized, and the factors influencing food choices at fast-food restaurants. Questionnaires were completed by 113 men and 113 women. A significantly higher percentage of men (84%) than women (58%) reported typically eating fast foods for lunch at least once weekly. A significantly higher percentage of men (70%) than women (63%) reported typically eating at American burger/fries establishments at least once weekly. A significantly larger percentage of men (41%) than women (21%) typically ordered carbonated soda, whereas the reverse was reported for carbonated diet soda (14% vs 31%). A significantly larger percentage of women (34%) than men (13%) gave eating with family/friends as 1 of 2 main reasons for eating at fast-food restaurants. More men (44%) reported typically eating everything ordered at fast-food restaurants, whereas more women (40%) typically ate until satisfied. Fifty percent of men reported not typically considering portion sizes, and 53% of women reported typically considering small portion sizes when ordering. Thirty-seven percent of men and 51% of women reported sometimes choosing menu options they considered healthier at fast-food restaurants. Many differences were observed by sex in the fast-food restaurant eating behaviors of this group of college students.