Weekend-weekday differences in reported dietary intake: The nationwide food consumption survey, 1977–78

Abstract

The effects of day of the week on reported dietary patterns in adults aged 23 to 74 living in the United States were examined using data from USDA's 1977–78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. Contrasts were formed, independent of method of report, to compare weekend intakes to weekday intakes. There were significant differences (p<.01) between weekends and weekdays in the number of meals and snacks eaten, the distribution of energy intake throughout the day, the sources of foods eaten, the nature of foods eaten, and the nutrient intake. Fewer meals and snacks were eaten on weekends than on weekdays, yet weekend intakes for energy protein, and fat were greater. More eggs and bacon, meat, and alcoholic beverages and less cereal and desserts were eaten on weekends than on weekdays. Weekend-weekday differences were greater in women than in men and in younger adults than in older adults. Investigators studying natural populations should assess dietary patterns for both weekends and weekdays.