Frequent Fast Food Research Articles

Prevelence of obesity among teachers of different universities of punjab , pakistan

BACK GROUND : In 2013 a study was conducted by Maham javed et al. Concluded that prevelence of obesity was quite high (36.6%) among senior teachers of college of Medicine and Dentistry lahore.so we decided to know the prevelence of obesity among teachers of different universities of punjab , pakistan. OBJECTIVE : To determine the prevelence of obesity among teachers of different universities of punjab , pakistan. METHODOLOGY : Research Design: It is an observational study and Survey through questionnaire approved by the University of Sargodha, Department of Physical therapy. Sample size: 872 Sampling Technique: Convenient Random sampling Time Schedule: July 2016- Dec 2016 RESULTS : : out of 872 teachers 586 are males and 286 are females, professors are 84, associate professors 46, assistant 265 and lecturers are 477. Females are 18.8% overweight and males are 53.9 % overweight. Fast food frequency was 92.7%.out of 286 females 267 eat fast food and 19 female teachers don’t eat fast food. Exercise frequency was too high 62.8% overall and according to gender, 65.9% males and 56.8% females do exercise. CONCLUSION : Overweight prevalence was 39.2%. High fast food intake 92.7 % is the leading cause of obesity that is 35.4%. Sedentary life style teachers are the second highest 16.1%. Key words: obesity, teachers, BMI.

Relationship between nutritional habits and school performance among primary school students in Asser Region.

Background:Healthy nutrition is a necessary for people mental health, because of that nutritional habits effect on school performance. So, a high sugar intake, fat, and fast food meals have a strong relationship with low academic performance and lot of diseases like metabolic disease in other researches of pediatric age group.Aim:To assess nutritional habits and its relation with school performance among primary school students in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in targeting parents of primary school children in Aseer region. Data were collected using pre-structured online questionnaire. Questionnaire was available online using social media programs to be answered by students' mothers. Residence was initial question to confirm residency at Aseer region.Results:A total sample of 357 respondents with their children ages ranged from 6- to 18-year-old and 62.7% of their children were females. Exact 81% of the students had 3 meals daily and 88% had their breakfast before going to school. About 75% of the sampled mothers reported excellent grade for their student school performance. Also, significant association of school performance with breakfast intake and fast food was recorded.Conclusions:In conclusion, the study revealed that the students had an averaged eating habits regarding meals number specially breakfast and contents. Fast food was recorded among two thirds of the students which is negative finding. Also, school performance was very good and significantly associated with eating habits specially breakfast intake and fast food frequency.

Relationship between diet and acculturation among South Asian children living in Canada

IntroductionDiet and South Asian ethnicity are both associated with early onset of cardiovascular risk factors. Among youth of South Asian origin, little is known about the role of culture in determining healthy dietary patterns. We aimed to assess dietary patterns and their relationships with acculturation to Western and traditional lifestyles among South Asian youth in Canada. MethodsThe Research in Cardiovascular Health - Lifestyles, Environments and Genetic Attributes in Children and Youth (RICH LEGACY) study targeted South Asian children and adolescents aged 7–8 and 14–15 years in two Canadian cities. In this cross-sectional study, acculturation questionnaires and food frequency questionnaires were administered to assess the correlations between Western and traditional culture scores, immigration status (generation and length of residency) in Canada and intake frequency of various foods. ResultsAmong 759 youth, those who ate fruits and vegetables more often consumed dairy and whole grains more often (all r = 0.17–0.22, all p < 0.001), while those who ate fast food more often consumed meat, sweets and sugared drinks more often (all r 0.24–0.38, all p < 0.001). Traditional culture scores were weakly positively correlated with whole grain intake frequency (r = 0.12, p = 0.001), and negatively with meat intake frequency (r = −0.14, p < 0.001). Western culture scores positively correlated with high intake frequency of meat (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), fast food (r = 0.14, p < 0.001) and sweets (r = 0.14, p < 0.001). DiscussionChildren who are more acculturated with Western lifestyle consumed foods associated with increased metabolic risk. However, whether this eating pattern translates into increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases needs to be further explored.

Prevalence of obesity, overweight and associated factors in female students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Obesity is an unwanted result of varying behaviors and lifestyle. It is moreover the alterable factor for the growth of numerous enervate diseases. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence rate of obesity, overweight and associated factors in female students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 200 subjects (females) with respective age 18-24 years study in The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (Located in Southern Punjab, Pakistan). All subjects divided into two age groups. Group-I (18-21), Group-II (≥22). Subjects were screened through a questionnaire, which consists of questions about intake of breakfast, fruits, vegetables, red meat, fast food, meal regularity and frequency. The results of the present study reveal that the prevalence rates of obesity and overweight were 7.5% and 9% respectively. The results reveal that there is the significant difference between taking in breakfast, red meat, fast food and meal frequency. But taking in fruits and vegetables does not show the significant difference. Meal irregularities and intake of unhealthy food were found as the major factors lead to obesity. Little sustained modifications’ in dietary habits and lifestyle can help to combat obesity. Keywords: Body Mass Index; Obesity; Prevalence http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80115

Concomitant Associations between Lifestyle Characteristics and Physical Activity Status in Children and Adolescents.

To examine the concomitant associations between physical activities (PA) and lifestyle factors in a representative sample of children and adolescents. Cross-sectional, observational study. Population data were derived from a school-based health survey carried out in 2015 on 177,091 (51% boys) Greek children aged 8 to 17 yr old. PA, sedentary activities and sleeping habits were assessed through self-completed questionnaires. Dietary habits were evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents. Anthropometric and physical fitness measurements were obtained by trained investigators. Logistic regression models were estimated and adjusted for relevant covariates. More boys as compared to girls (65.1% vs. 50.7%, P<0.001) and children than adolescents (59.8% vs. 52.8%, P<0.001) met the recommendations for PA. Frequent fast food consumption and skipping breakfast were associated with inadequate PA levels. In the whole population, sufficient dietary habits, sufficient (&gt;8-9 h/d) sleeping and accepted screen time increased the participant's odds of adequate PA levels by 38% (95% CI: 1.32, 1.44), 5% (95% CI: 1.01, 1.09) and 21% (95% CI: 1.16, 1.26), respectively, while, overweight/obese and central obesity decreased the odds of adequate PA levels by 7% and 5%, respectively, after adjusting for several covariates. Participants with combination of healthy aerobic fitness/dietary habits/screen time had 60% increased odds for adequate PA levels than those with unhealthy choices. Healthy aerobic fitness, dietary habits and screen time were strongly associated with PA status among children. The results support the development of interventions to help children adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Food, Health, & Choices: Curriculum and Wellness Interventions to Decrease Childhood Obesity in Fifth-Graders

ObjectiveTo evaluate Food, Health, & Choices, two 10-month interventions. DesignCluster-randomized, controlled study with 4 groups: curriculum, wellness, curriculum plus wellness, and control. SettingTwenty elementary schools (5/group) in New York City. ParticipantsFifth-grade students (n = 1,159). At baseline, 44.6% were at the ≥85th body mass index (BMI) percentile for age and 86% qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. InterventionCurriculum was 23 science lessons based on social cognitive and self-determination theories, replacing 2 mandated units. Wellness was classroom food policy and physical activity bouts of Dance Breaks. Main Outcome MeasuresFor obesity, age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles were used (anthropometric measures). The researchers also employed 6 energy balance-related behaviors and 8 theory-based determinants of behavior change (by questionnaire). AnalysisPairwise adjusted odds in hierarchical logistic regression models were determined for >85th BMI percentile. Behaviors and theory-based determinants were examined in a 2-level hierarchical linear model with a 2 × 2 design for intervention effects and interactions. ResultsObesity showed no change. For behaviors, there was a negative curriculum intervention change in physical activity (P = .04). The wellness intervention resulted in positive changes for sweetened beverages frequency (P = .05) and size (P = .006); processed packaged snacks size (P = .01); candy frequency (P = .04); baked good frequency (P = .05); and fast food frequency (P = .003), size (P = .01), and combo meals (P = .002). Theory-based determinants demonstrated no change. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe findings of the lack of a decrease in obesity, behavior changes only for the wellness intervention, and no changes in theory-based determinants warrant further research.

Trends in Fast-food Consumption among Kuwaiti Youth.

Background:We assessed fast-food consumption including frequency, type, and reasons among college students from the Kuwait University, and whether there were any key sex differences.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January–March 2016 with 421 students (297 women, mean age = 20.99 ± 3.14 years). Students completed self-administered fast-food questionnaires and weight and height measurements were obtained.Results:Most (81.4%) consumed fast food more than twice per week and more men than women were overweight or obese (54.8% vs. 38.7%, respectively; P = 0.002); however, there were no differences in the fast-food frequency per body mass index or sex. Taste was the most reported motivator to consume fast food (46.7%) and women were significantly more likely to value taste as compared to men (49.8% vs. 38.9%, respectively; P = 0.005).Conclusions:Fast food is a key part of college students’ diet in Kuwait; therefore, students should be educated on the negative effects of frequent fast-food consumption. University health promotional activities should include nutrition education on healthier fast-food options and how to prepare easy-to-cook meals at home.

PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Depression among medical students may promote development of physical and mental problems. Few studies investigated its prevalence among medical students in Egypt. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and to identify some related risk factors among Al-Azhar University medical students, Cairo, Egypt. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine (Boys and Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. A cluster sample was taken and included students from all study years. A self-administered questionnaire was completed to 1254 students from January to March 2017. Data concerning socio-demographic and lifestyle and sleeping related factors were collected using a valid self-administered structured questionnaire including PQ-2 instrument for depression screening. The prevalence of depression was estimated, and appropriate statistical analyses were performed to compare the prevalence of depression by the studied students' factors. Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 42.9%. The prevalence was significantly high among females (46.4%), early study years (48.4%), and those living away from family. Students reported frequent fast food intake, watching TV and use social media, not in touch with their friends, and those eating one meal per day also showed significant high prevalence. Sleeping related factors appeared to influence the prevalence of depression among the studied students where prevalence was high among those reported less sleeping hours, use of sleeping medications and those spent > 2 hours in bed before sleeping. Conclusion: A high prevalence of depression among the studied medical students was detected. The study suggested a variety of risk factors and the need of psychiatric counseling and support services available to vulnerable students.

Relationship of body perception and stress with obesity, food consumption and eating disorders among working women

The influence of body perception and stress on the rising trend of obesity among working women was studied. Body perception, food frequency, stress and anthropometric parameters and body fat were assessed in female teachers aged 30-59 years from five colleges of Jalandhar, Punjab. Body satisfaction perceived as lesser concern with body shape was positively and significantly (p?0.01) correlated with BMI, body weight, waist circumference and body fat. Body dissatisfaction in terms of higher concern with body shape was significantly correlated with lesser consumption frequency of traditional sweets (p?0.05). Body satisfaction was found to be significantly (p?0.01) correlated with uncontrolled eating and emotional eating. Stress level showed a positive and significant (p?0.01) correlation with the consumption of traditional savoury snacks, western fast food and higher frequency of eating out. The stress level was also significantly (p?0.05) correlated with emotional eating. The study concluded that adiposity, eating behaviours and food choices were influenced by stress and a lesser concern about body shape among working women.

Overweight or obesity and related lifestyle and psychosocial factors among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam.

This study aimed to assess overweight and obesity and associated factors in school-going adolescents in Brunei Darussalam. The sample included 2599 school-going adolescents that responded to the Global School-based Student Health Survey (mean age 14.7 years, SD = 1.4). Body weight status was assessed based on self-reported height and weight and the international child body mass index standards. The relationship between lifestyle factors, including physical activity and dietary behaviour, and overweight or obesity were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Results indicate a prevalence of overweight or obesity of 35.1% and obesity of 17.3%. In multivariable regression analysis, bullying victimisation was positively and frequent fast food consumption, having experienced hunger and meeting physical activity recommendations were negatively associated with overweight or obesity. High prevalence rates of overweight or obesity were found and several risk factors identified, which can assist in guiding interventions.

P47 - Parent Perspectives on the Interference of Organized Youth Activities with Family Meals

Background (Background, Rationale, Prior Research, and/or Theory): Research has related frequent family meals to several indicators of better child and parent health, but involvement in youth activities may be a common barrier to eating together. Objective: This study examines the extent to which parents perceive child participation in organized activities (e.g. sports) to interfere with family meals and how this perception is related to aspects of household food and activity environments. Study Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention: Attitudes and behaviors of parents (n = 573, 67% female, mean age = 31 years) were assessed along with household characteristics in 2015–2016 as part of the fourth wave of the Project EAT study. The analytic sample included respondents who reported living with one or more child (2 + years) for the majority of the past year; the median age of the oldest child was 6 years. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Parents reported separately on the extent (not at all, slightly, somewhat, or a lot) that their children's participation in youth sports and other organized activities (e.g. scouts) interferes with having family meals. Additionally, parents reported on family functioning, family meal frequency, meal attitudes, restaurant food purchasing, and time spent supporting children's physical activity. Models included a dichotomous indicator of the perception that either form of activity interfered somewhat or a lot with having family meals. Results: Approximately two-thirds of parents (n = 389) reported their child(ren) were involved in an organized activity. Among the subgroup reporting involvement, the perception of interference was more common among parents having at least one preadolescent or adolescent child versus only younger children (26% versus 13%, P = .01), but was not related to parent age, gender, household composition (one or more adults), employment, or education. Perceived interference was also associated with a lower family meal frequency, greater difficulty scheduling family meals, more frequent parental fast food intake, and more time spent helping child(ren) to be physically active (all P < .01). Conclusions and Implications: Research is needed to identify strategies that help parents manage family mealtimes when children are involved in organized activities. Funding: NIH.

Yoga\u2019s potential for promoting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among young adults: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundA regular yoga practice may have benefits for young adult health, however, there is limited evidence available to guide yoga interventions targeting weight-related health. The present study explored the relationship between participation in yoga, healthy eating behaviors and physical activity among young adults.MethodsThe present mixed-methods study used data collected as part of wave 4 of Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), a population-based cohort study in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Young adults (n = 1820) completed the Project EAT survey and a food frequency questionnaire, and a subset who reported practicing yoga additionally participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 46). Analyses of survey data were used to examine cross-sectional associations between the frequency of yoga practice, dietary behaviors (servings of fruits and vegetables (FV), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and snack foods and frequency of fast food consumption), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Thematic analysis of interview discussions further explored yoga’s perceived influence on eating and activity behaviors among interview participants.ResultsRegular yoga practice was associated with more servings of FV, fewer servings of SSBs and snack foods, less frequent fast food consumption, and more hours of MVPA. Interviews revealed that yoga supported healthy eating through motivation to eat healthfully, greater mindfulness, management of emotional eating, more healthy food cravings, and the influence of the yoga community. Yoga supported physical activity through activity as part of yoga practice, motivation to do other forms of activity, increased capacity to be active, and by complementing an active lifestyle.ConclusionsYoung adult yoga practitioners reported healthier eating behaviors and higher levels of physical activity than non-practitioners. Yoga should be investigated as an intervention for young adult health promotion and healthy weight management.

Fast Food 2016/17

The aim of the Fast Food project was to determine not only the salt content but also total fat and trans-fatty acids (TFA) content of a selected range of products available in fast food chains all over the Czech Republic. The results show that regular consumption of products from fast food chains may contribute to an increase in the intake of fat and salt, whose excess is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other negative effects on consumers' health. The knowledge obtained can be helpful in the creation of prevention programmes targeted at specific groups of frequent fast food restaurant goers (students, children, etc.).

Self-Perceived Cooking Skills in Emerging Adulthood Predict Better Dietary Behaviors and Intake 10 Years Later: A Longitudinal Study

ObjectiveTo determine whether perceived cooking skills in emerging adulthood predicts better nutrition a decade later. MethodsData were collected as part of the Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults longitudinal study. Participants reported on adequacy of cooking skills in 2002–2003 (age 18–23 years) and subsequently reported on nutrition-related outcomes in 2015–2016 (age 30–35 years) (n = 1,158). Separate regression models were used to examine associations between cooking skills at age 18–23 years and each subsequent outcome. ResultsOne fourth of participants described their cooking skills as very adequate at 18–23 years, with no statistically significant differences by sociodemographic characteristics. Reports of very adequate cooking skills at age 18–23 years predicted better nutrition-related outcomes 10 years later, such as more frequent preparation of meals including vegetables (P < .001) and less frequent fast food consumption (P < .001). Conclusions and ImplicationsDeveloping adequate cooking skills by emerging adulthood may have long-term benefits for nutrition over a decade later. Ongoing and new interventions to enhance cooking skills during adolescence and emerging adulthood are warranted but require strong evaluation designs that observe young people over a number of years.

A study on dietary intake among school going adolescent girls in rural and urban area of Jamnagar District, Gujarat

Background: During adolescent period, rapid changes in physical growth and psychosocial development have placed these young adults in nutritionally vulnerable groups with poor eating habits that fail to meet essential dietary requirements. Health of adolescent girls has intergenerational effect. Objectives: (1) To assess the dietary intake of various food items and (2) to see the variation in dietary intake of girls from rural and urban area. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 670 school going adolescent girls of Jamnagar District of Gujarat, with the help of a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Information were collected regarding sociodemographic features and dietary pattern, intake of nutritious, and non-nutritious food items from 9th to 12th std. girls who were willing to participate. Analysis was done using percentages and χ2 test to see rural-urban differences. Results: Most of the girls (90%) in both rural and urban area were pure vegetarian and had regular meal. 83.1% of girls had habit of snacks 1–2 times a day. Only 1.5% of rural and 9% of urban area girls consume pulses daily. 59.6% of study adolescents were taking green leafy vegetables 1–3 times a week. Two-third (67%) of study participants had intake of fruits 1–3 times a week. Only 17.5% had daily intake of milk. 16.7% of girls had habit of daily consumption of tea/coffee. Frequency of intake fast food and sweets/ice cream/pastries was 1–3 times a week in two-third of adolescents. Statistically significant difference was observed in intake of various nutritious and non-nutritious food items (except for milk and fast food) in rural and urban area girls (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Majority of the adolescents had regular enough number of meals and snacks, but intake of nutritious food such as milk, protein-rich food, green leafy vegetables, and fruits was not enough according to ICMR standards. On the other hand, intake of non-nutritious food such as tea/coffee, fast food, sweets, ice cream, and pastries was observed in girls. On comparison, intake of nutritious food items was less in rural area, whereas non-nutritious food items were more in urban area.

Health Status of Adolescents Reporting Experiences of Adversity.

This study examines relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adolescent health indicators among a sample of 8th, 9th, and 11th graders participating in the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey. Logistic regression was used to determine whether 10 types of ACEs were associated with health indicators that may link to health in adulthood, including self-rated health, body mass index (BMI), sleep duration, and dietary and physical activity participation after adjustment for demographic covariates. Individual and cumulative ACEs measures were significantly associated with adverse health indicators, including poorer self-rated health, increased odds of BMI ≥85% and frequent fast food intake, and reduced odds of adequate sleep duration, daily fruit intake, and physical activity participation on most days of the week. Findings advocate screening for ACEs as a means to inform anticipatory guidance strategies and to support development of care models that are relevant and responsive to youth and family needs.

Diet quality of US adolescents during the transition to adulthood: changes and predictors ,

Background: Influences on diet quality during the transition from adolescence to adulthood are understudied.Objective: This study examined association of 3 diet-quality indicators-Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI), Whole Plant Foods Density (WPF), and Empty Calories (EC; the percentage of calories from discretionary solid fat, added sugar and alcohol)-with lifestyle behaviors, baseline weight status, and sociodemographic characteristics in US emerging adults.Design: Data come from the first 4 waves (annual assessments) of the NEXT Plus Study, a population-based cohort of 10th graders enrolled in 2010 (n = 566). At each assessment, participants completed 3 nonconsecutive 24-h diet recalls, wore accelerometers for 7 d, and self-reported meal practices and sedentary behaviors. Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics were ascertained at baseline. Generalized estimating equations examined associations of time-varying diet quality with baseline weight status and sociodemographic characteristics and time-varying lifestyle behaviors.Results: Diet quality improved modestly from baseline (mean ± SE: HEI, 44.07 ± 0.53; WPF, 1.24 ± 0.04; and EC, 35.66 ± 0.55) to wave 4 for WPF (1.44 ± 0.05, P < 0.001) and EC (33.47 ± 0.52, P < 0.001), but not HEI (45.22 ± 0.60). In longitudinal analyses, higher HEI and lower EC scores were observed in Hispanic compared with white participants. Better diet quality was associated with greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, more frequent breakfast and family meals, less frequent fast food and meals during television viewing, and shorter durations of television viewing, gaming, and online social networking. Diet-quality indicators were not consistently associated with time-varying physical inactivity, baseline weight status, or sociodemographic characteristics.Conclusions: Diet quality of emerging adults in the US remained suboptimal, but some aspects improved marginally over the 4-y study period. Meal contexts and sedentary behaviors may represent important intervention targets. There is substantial room for improvement in diet quality in all sociodemographic subgroups. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01031160.

Get Healthy after Breast Cancer - examining the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of referring breast cancer survivors to a general population telephone-delivered program targeting physical activity, healthy diet and weight loss.

This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of referring breast cancer survivors to the 'Get Healthy Service' (GHS), a state health-funded 6-month telephone-delivered lifestyle program. Pre-post study with eligible and consenting women following treatment for stages I-III breast cancer referred by nurses in a cancer treatment centre to the GHS. Feasibility was assessed via GHS uptake and completion; acceptability was assessed via patient satisfaction and nurse feedback. Changes in weight, physical activity, diet, quality of life (QoL) and fatigue from baseline to 6months were examined. Fifty-three women (mean±SD body mass index, 31.0±5.5kg/m2; age, 57.3±10.0years; 14.0±7.1months post-diagnosis; 43.4% born outside Australia, 49% high school or less education, 32.1% English as a second language) took up the GHS, with 62% completing the program. Almost all (92%) completers had high satisfaction ratings and breast nurses provided positive feedback. Findings from GHS completers (n=33) show a statistically significant effect from baseline to 6months for weight loss (mean±SE; -2.4±0.7kg; p=0.002) and total physical activity minutes per week (55±18min/week; p=0.006). No significant changes in fruit or vegetable servings per day or takeaways and fast food frequency per week were observed. A significant improvement in mental QoL was observed (3.5±1.6; p=0.041), but not for physical QoL or fatigue. GHS referral appeared feasible, acceptable and effective for a diverse group of women following completion of treatment for breast cancer, yet more remains to be done to fully integrate GHS screening and referral into usual care.

Is frequency of fast food and sit-down restaurant eating occasions differentially associated with less healthful eating habits?

Studies have shown that frequency of fast food restaurant eating and sit-down restaurant eating is differentially associated with nutrient intakes and biometric outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine whether frequency of fast food and sit-down restaurant eating occasions was differentially associated with less healthful eating habits, independent of demographic characteristics. Data were collected from participants in 2015 enrolled in a worksite nutrition intervention trial (n = 388) in North Carolina who completed self-administered questionnaires at baseline. We used multiple logistic regressions to estimate associations between frequency of restaurant eating occasions and four less healthful eating habits, controlling for age, sex, race, education, marital status, and worksite. On average, participants in the highest tertile of fast food restaurant eating (vs. lowest tertile) had increased odds of usual intake of processed meat (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.71, 5.28), red meat (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.33, 4.00), refined grain bread (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.23, 4.10), and sweet baked goods and candy (OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 2.00, 6.12). No associations were found between frequency of sit-down restaurant eating and less healthful eating habits. We conclude that greater frequency of fast food restaurant eating is associated with less healthful eating habits. Our findings suggest that taste preferences or other factors, independent of demographic characteristics, might explain the decision to eat at fast food or sit-down restaurants.

Economic preferences and fast food consumption in US adults: Insights from behavioral economics

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between economic time preferences and frequency of fast food and full-service restaurant consumption among U.S. adults. MethodsParticipants included 5871U.S. adults who responded to a survey conducted in 2011 pertaining to the lifestyle behaviors of families and the social context of these behaviors. The primary independent variable was a measure of time preferences, an intertemporal choice assessing delay discounting. This was elicited via responses to preferences for an immediate dollar amount or a larger sum in 30 (30-day time horizon) or 60days (60-day time horizon). Outcomes were the frequency of fast food and full-service restaurant consumption. Ordered logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between time preferences and food consumption while adjusting for covariates (e.g. socio-demographics). ResultsMultivariable analysis revealed that higher future time preferences were significantly related to less frequent fast food intake for both the 30- and 60-day time horizon variables (P for linear trend <0.05; both). Notably, participants with the highest future time preference were significantly less likely to consume fast food than those with very low future time preferences (30-day: OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.62–0.89; and 60-day: OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.74–1.00). In comparison, higher future time preferences were not significantly associated with full-service restaurant intake (30-day: p for linear trend=0.73; 60-day: p for linear trend=0.83). ConclusionsHigher future time preferences were related to a lower frequency of fast food consumption. Utilizing concepts from behavioral economics (e.g. pre-commitment contracts) to facilitate more healthful eating is warranted using experimental studies.