The relationship between persons' relative body weights and the quality and quantity of food stored in their homes.

Abstract

This study assessed, in a non-clinical community sample, the relationship between persons' weights and the quantity and quality of foods stored in their homes. Observers visited 65 randomly selected middle class suburban homes and recorded all food out in the house or visible in food storage areas. They also measured and weighed each family member. Foods were classified by type and by caloric content per serving. A generalizability analysis indicated that the data collection system yielded relatively precise estimates of each variable. Nevertheless, there was little relationship between body weight and the quantity and quality of food stored in these families' homes. Possible differences might emerge if more deviant samples were surveyed.