Eating Behaviors and the Number of Buffet Trips

Abstract

Obesity has been linked to large portions and high-calorie food, both of which can be found in lunch and dinner offerings at the growing number of all-you-can-eat restaurants and buffets. 1 Nicklas T.A. Baranowski T. Cullen K.W. Berenson G. Eating patterns, dietary quality and obesity. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001; 20: 599-608 Crossref PubMed Scopus (354) Google Scholar Previous research revealed six behaviors that are associated with higher BMI among diners in such restaurants: (1) how quickly patrons served themselves; (2) what size plate they chose; (3) where they sat in the restaurant; (4) whether they faced the buffet; (5) what eating utensils they used; and (6) where they placed their napkin. 2 Wansink B. Payne C.R. Eating behavior and obesity at Chinese buffets. Obesity. 2008; 16: 1957-1960 Crossref PubMed Scopus (49) Google Scholar Serving themselves immediately, using larger plates, and sitting facing the buffet are considered to be the contextual factors that increase food intake 3 Wansink B. Environmental factors that increase the food intake and consumption volume of unknowing consumers. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004; 24: 455-479 Crossref PubMed Scopus (692) Google Scholar because deliberative thinking is essential for healthy food choices, 4 Bublitz M.G. Peracchio L.A. Block L.G. Why did I eat that? Perspectives on food decision making and dietary restraint. J Consum Psychol. 2010; 20: 239-258 Crossref Scopus (113) Google Scholar and larger portion size and higher salience of foods are both associated with increased intake. 5 Wansink B. van Ittersum K. Painter J.E. Ice cream illusions Bowls, spoons, and self-served portion sizes. Am J Prev Med. 2006; 31: 240-243 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (211) Google Scholar , 6 Wansink B. Painter J.E. Lee Y.K. The office candy dish: proximity's influence on estimated and actual consumption. Intl J Obes. 2006; 30: 871-875 Crossref PubMed Scopus (146) Google Scholar The current research investigated which of these behaviors best predict how many trips diners will make to a buffet, which may be correlated with how much food they eat.