Frequency Of Meat Consumption Research Articles

Mercury, particularly in its methylmercury form, significantly affects neurological and developmental functions. In Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea, blood mercury levels are elevated due to high fish consumption, especially shark meat. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, are at increased risk as methylmercury can cross the placenta and accumulate in breast milk. This study aimed to investigate the risks of mercury exposure from shark meat consumption among young and middle-aged women in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The data of women aged 19-55 years from the 2018 Gyeongsangbuk-do Community Health Survey were included. Survey questions focused on frequency and amount of shark meat consumption, as well as pregnancy status, recent childbirth, and breastfeeding status. The Complex Sample Analysis was used to determine the prevalence and risk of overconsumption. Weekly mercury intake was calculated for respondents who reported their body weight, and the population size exceeding Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)'s threshold was estimated. Regions where the consumption rate of shark meat exceeds the average for Gyeongsangbuk-do are found to be distributed in the southeastern part of the province. Population estimates revealed that approximately 9,895 women aged 19-55, including 255 who had breastfed in the past year, consumed shark meat exceeding the recommended intake. Based on the maximum recorded mercury concentration (8.93 μg/g), an estimated 2,645 women surpassed the JECFA's mercury exposure threshold, while 845 exceeded the MFDS's threshold. In young and middle-aged women of Gyeongsangbuk-do, approximately 7.1% exceed the single intake limit, while up to 1.9% exceed the JECFA's provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and 0.6% exceed the MFDS's PTWI, suggesting considerable risk that warrants monitoring and guidance. More stringent advisory measures regarding shark meat consumption and updated standards on mercury concentration in shark meat are essential for young and middle-aged women in the province.

Abstract Wild meat can play a crucial role in the food system of rural communities residing near tropical forests. Yet, socio‐ecological changes across tropical landscapes are impacting the patterns and sustainability of meat consumption. To understand the prevalence, frequency and drivers of wild meat, domestic meat and fish consumption in this context, we implemented structured questionnaires across 28 villages in two forested landscapes of Central Kalimantan, a region of Indonesian Borneo characterised by forest‐dependent livelihoods. Across the 632 male household heads surveyed, the primary reason for consumption at the species‐level was taste, followed by ease of access. Conversely, the main reasons for not consuming wild meat more often were cost and low availability. The frequency of wild meat consumption was relatively low, with most respondents consuming it less than once every 6 months. However, local perceptions of biodiversity change and reported difficulties in accessing wild meat suggest this modest consumption was due to declining availability. Freshwater fish was consumed daily by most respondents, serving as an important animal protein in both landscapes. However, we found a positive association between greater well‐being and higher odds of consuming wild meat more frequently. This trend likely reflects disparity in access, with individuals of higher well‐being status better positioned to obtain this declining resource. Our findings highlight the multiple environmental and anthropogenic stressors concurrently affecting both terrestrial and aquatic animal populations in Central Kalimantan, with significant implications for the sustainability of wild meat and wider food security. There were also regional differences in the frequency, diversity and types of domestic and wild species consumed, underscoring the need to consider socio‐demographic diversity when developing wildlife conservation and sustainable food initiatives. Finally, we provide recommendations to work towards sustainable wild meat in these changing rural landscapes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The burden of cardiometabolic comorbidities-such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-attributable to unhealthy dietary behaviors is increasing, particularly among working-age populations. This study aimed to investigate the complex interactions between dietary behaviors and cardiometabolic comorbidities using network analysis. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,427 corporate employees aged 18-50 years in Shanghai, China, who underwent routine health check-ups from July to December 2022. Demographic characteristics and dietary behaviors were assessed via a self-reported questionnaire, while metabolic indicators were obtained through clinical evaluations. Mixed graphical models were used to construct a network identifying associations among demographic factors, unhealthy dietary behaviors, and six cardiometabolic comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and NAFLD. Among participants, 49.5% had at least one cardiometabolic comorbidity. Network analyses revealed that interactions among demographic factors, various dietary behaviors, and cardiometabolic comorbidities formed a complex structure, with frequent meat consumption (2.03) and eating out (2.00) exhibiting high centrality in the network. Further sensitivity analyses indicated that eating before bedtime (2.01) emerged as a central node when modifiable demographic factors were included in the model. This study identifies specific unhealthy dietary behaviors that are strongly linked to early manifestations of cardiometabolic comorbidities in working-age adults. The findings suggest that these behaviors may serve as effective targets for dietary interventions and public health strategies aimed at metabolic disease prevention.

The literature suggests that consumers who purchase local foods tend to maintain more sustainable and healthier diets and are more likely to engage in fitter lifestyles. While this holds true for many local food products sold through short supply chains (such as eggs, milk, fruits, and vegetables), the role of a widely debated food like local red meat remains unclear. Specifically, it is uncertain whether health-related attitudes and justifications for meat consumption vary based on the frequency of red meat consumption among consumers of local red meat. This study aims to examine the influence of health attitudes and meat attachment on local red meat consumption among Italian consumers, differentiating between those who consume red meat within and those who exceed the World Health Organization's recommended nutritional guidelines. A stratified sample of 1135 Italian red meat consumers responsible for household food purchases was used for this analysis. To assess the data, a logistic regression model with robust standard errors was applied. The findings indicate that health attitudes drive consumer behaviour regardless of the overall quantity of meat consumed. However, only consumers with low meat consumption tend to justify their consumption of local red meat, while justifications for meat consumption decrease as meat intake increases. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the local red meat market and provides valuable insights for companies to tailor their marketing strategies and product value propositions to consumer perceptions. Additionally, the findings can inform policymakers in designing interventions aimed at reducing excessive meat consumption.

Background: Adolescent obesity is a growing public health concern globally, including in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of abdominal obesity among school-aged adolescents in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from October to December 2023 in 15 secondary schools across five communes of Kisangani. A total of 1,416 students aged 11 to 18 years were enrolled. Data were collected using structured interviews and anthropometric measurements. Abdominal obesity was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2007 pediatric criteria. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify associated factors.Results: The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity was 12.35%, with a significantly higher rate in girls (15.83%) than in boys (3.10%). Key associated factors included female sex (OR = 5.85; p < 0.0001), sedentary behavior (watching TV > 3 hours/day), use of motorized transport to school, frequent meat consumption, and having three or more meals per day. Co-occurrence of other metabolic risk factors such as elevated triglycerides, high fasting glucose, and low HDL-C was observed in up to 2.33% of adolescents, meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome.Conclusion: Abdominal obesity and its associated risk factors are prevalent among adolescents in Kisangani, especially among girls. Immediate public health interventions focused on nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle habits are essential to curb the rising trend of adolescent obesity in urban areas of the DRC.

Factors influencing the acceptance of alternative protein sources.

There are two types of dendeng: moist jerky and dried jerky. However, vegetarian dendeng remains unpopular in society due to limited exposure and availability. This study aimed to: (1) to evaluate the level of consumers’ views, preferences and willingness to buy homemade vegetarian dendeng among Klang valley residents in Selangor; (2) examine how views and preferences influence willingness to buy; and (3) compare responses across different social demographic backgrounds. More than 400 questionnaires were distributed both online and offline using convenience sampling, yielding in 223 online and 177 offline responses. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27) through descriptive, reliability, regression and correlation analyses. Findings revealed a positive consumer perception (mean=3.471; .001) and favorable preferences (mean=3.661; .025), while willingness to buy was a neutral (mean=3.321; .065). Reliability scores were 0.665 for views (0.665), 0.792 for preferences, and 0.930 for willingness to buy. Both consumers’ views and preferences significantly influenced willingness to buy. Gender and meat consumption frequency showed significant differences in consumer responses, whereas age, race, religion, income, education and occupation did not. The study concludes that while consumer willingness to purchase is moderate, positive perceptions and preferences indicate potential for vegetarian dendeng as a viable market product.

ABSTRACT Based on the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), this article investigates the recent development of meat consumption in Germany and selected socio-demographic determinants of meat-related dietary habits. In line with official data, the SOEP shows a downward trend in the frequency of meat consumption and an upward trend in self-reported vegetarianism for 2016–2022. Women, the better educated, singles, urban residents, and supporters of the Green Party eat meat less often. The effects of age and income are inconsistent. Looking at changes over time, we find that those groups that already had lower meat consumption in 2016 have continued to reduce it.

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage marked by physiological and behavioral changes that significantly influence dietary habits and long-term health outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations between socio-demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and dietary behaviors among school-aged children and adolescents in Romania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire completed by 662 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, enrolled in primary, middle, and high schools across urban and rural areas. The questionnaire evaluated nutritional intake, meal patterns, hydration habits, physical activity, screen time, and psychological factors such as fatigue, stress, and mood fluctuations. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported height and weight. Results: The analysis reveals significant gender differences in body mass index (BMI), weight-loss behaviors, and family structure. Female adolescents were more likely to be underweight (18.27%) compared to male adolescents (10.82%), while overweight prevalence was higher among male adolescents (18.66%) than female adolescents (11.68%) (χ2 = 11.457, p = 0.009). Dietary patterns varied significantly across age groups, with high-school-aged children demonstrating lower vegetable consumption and increased autonomy over food choices. Primary school children exhibited higher intake of carbonated beverages (OR = 0.185, p = 0.002 for high school; OR = 0.116, p < 0.001 for middle school), whereas teenagers showed a preference for structured meals and lower fast-food intake. Meat consumption frequency correlated with greater diversity in protein sources (χ2 = 48.77, p < 0.001), while chaotic eating behaviors were more prevalent among middle and high-school-aged children (OR = 2.291, p = 0.032 for middle school; OR = 2.225, p = 0.030 for high school). Hydration habits played an essential role in dietary quality, with school-age children consuming ≥ 3 L of water daily exhibiting healthier eating patterns (OR = 7.146, p = 0.001). Additionally, psychological factors such as fatigue and stress were significantly associated with unhealthy dietary choice. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional education, school-based interventions, and family-focused strategies to improve adolescent health behaviors.

We present representative survey data from 481 Swiss consumers. Data were collected in the German-speaking parts of Switzerland in February and March 2024. The survey includes three independent main parts.In a first part, we collected qualitative and quantitative data on participants’ perception of Swiss agriculture and farmers. Specifically, participants’ trust in crop and livestock production farmers and their perceived knowledge about production methods and their affect towards farmers was assessed.In a second part, we collected quantitative data on participants’ preference for different sustainability levies. For this, six different products were used (i.e., fresh/processed vegetables, dairy, and meat). For each of these six products, participants were shown four levy options from which they had to choose the one that they found most appealing. For vegetables, the options were: (A) reduction of risks related to plant protection products, (B) more support for local farmers, (C) support for environmental sustainability, and (D) sustainability projects in general. For the animal products, option (A) was an increase in animal welfare, whilst options (B), (C) and (D) were the same as for the vegetable products.In a third part, we collected qualitative and quantitative data on participants preferences for suboptimal or optimal potatoes. Here, a 2 × 2 experimental design (setting × information) was used. This means that participants were presented with either a supermarket or farm shop setting and with or without food waste information. Participants then chose between two potatoes: optimal potato A, suboptimal potato B, or neither. Both potatoes were equally expensive.Further, we collected personal information about participants such as gender, age, education level and how they placed themselves regarding their political orientation on a left-right scale. We further collected behavioural data including diet, that is, milk and meat consumption frequency as well as shopping behaviour, where we asked participants where they usually did their grocery shopping. At the end of the survey, we used existing and new scales to measure participants’ perception of farmers, health consciousness and environmental attitudes. Before collecting this data, ethical approval was obtained from the Agroscope ethical commission (application EK-AGS-2024-N-01).

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is commonly diagnosed by the age of three. In Pakistan, there is a lack of data regarding the nutritional status of autistic children, who often experience dietary challenges. This study is the first in Pakistan to explore the association between dietary intake—particularly omega-3 fatty acids and protein-rich foods—and behavioral symptoms in autistic children. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and protein-rich foods (eggs, cheese, milk) with hyperactivity and social interaction, as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), in children with ASD aged 3–11 years. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) completed by parents/guardians of 101 children diagnosed with ASD, enrolled at the Global Institute of Autism and the Government Shadab Institute of Special Education, Lahore. The FFQ assessed dietary intake and supplementation of omega-3 and protein-rich foods. Results: Children aged 5–6 years exhibited the highest intake of eggs (12.9%), cheese (9.9%), and milk (15.8%). Frequent consumption of meat, whole wheat chapatti, and rice (≥5 servings/week) was also prevalent. The lowest milk intake (5.0%) was noted among children aged 9–11 years. Conclusion: A notable association was observed between dietary patterns and behavioral symptoms in autistic children. These findings emphasize the potential role of diet in managing ASD-related behaviors and support the development of culturally appropriate nutritional strategies in Pakistan.

We are a family! Exploring flexitarian households' meat reduction practices.

The study aimed to determine the level of anemia in pregnant women in the first trimester and in the preconception period by conducting nationwide research. The study was designed as retrospective, cross-sectional, and multicenter research. A total of 17 centers from 13 provinces were included in the study. The study was conducted with the participation of two groups of patients who applied to the obstetrics polyclinic between 1 January 2023 and 1 July 2023, who were in the first trimester of pregnancy and who were in the preconception period planning pregnancy. In total 4,265 women were included in the study. Of these women, 3,884 (91%) were in the first trimester of their pregnancy and 381 (9%) were in the preconception period. Anemia was detected in 24.1% (n=1030) of the patients. Of these patients, 20.6% (n=877) were pregnant women in the first trimester and 3.6% (n=153) were in the preconception period. A statistically significant and positive relationship was found between anemia and meat consumption frequency, educational status, and socioeconomic status of the patients (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000). In addition, a statistically significant and negative correlation was determined between anemia and the number of pregnancies and the parity number (p=0.001, p=0.000) in both groups. Anemia is a public health problem. Anemia has been determined to be an important problem both in the preconception period and early periods of pregnancy. It is necessary to revise the programs and interventions to reduce the prevalence of anemia and redesign them in line with current conditions.

Challenge your customer: How businesses may trigger change in perceived barriers, capability, and consumption.

Increased consumer concern about environmental issues has led to a surge in green advertising, including misleading forms known as greenwashing. Definitions of greenwashing have mostly focused on companies misleading consumers about products, and existing empirical analyses of greenwashing effects have mostly used fabricated ad materials referring to fictitious products. The objective of the present paper is to use ad material from an actual ad campaign to examine joint greenwashing, by an industry organization and a national government, of consumer products and public policies. Using an actual government-subsidized video commercial for ‘Swiss meat’ as an example, the present paper examines greenwashing targeting both consumers and citizens to influence their product choices and policy opinions. Based on an online survey of an age- and gender-representative sample (n = 637), we measured aspects of consumer knowledge that would enable the consumers to put the ad’s message in perspective, perceptions of the ad, and beliefs about Swiss meat production. Furthermore, we used a two-factorial experimental design to examine how the video commercial and objective product information affected policy opinions relative to control treatments. We find that the consumers strongly overestimated the true percentage of Swiss farms that used the environmentally friendly feeding system featured in the ad. Regarding perceptions, 52% of the respondents ‘rather’ or ‘fully’ agreed with the statement ‘the ad conveys a realistic image of Swiss meat production’, and 41% ‘rather’ or ‘fully’ agreed with the statement ‘the ad shows the production of Swiss beef as it is’. Regarding beliefs, 51% of the respondents ‘partly’, ‘rather’, or ‘fully’ agreed that ‘more meat production in Switzerland is good for the environment’. The video commercial did not influence beliefs about Swiss meat but changed policy opinions in the favor of government subsidies for the advertisement of Swiss meat. The information treatment influenced policy opinions in the opposite direction but did not decrease the effect of the misleading ad. Other significant predictors of support for increased meat subsidies included frequent meat consumption, low factual knowledge, and positive product beliefs. The results of the survey indicate that the ad campaign may have unduly influenced perceptions of Swiss meat production and public opinion about agricultural policy. The findings raise concerns about the current self-regulation of the communication industry and joint private and public advertising of Swiss agricultural products and policies.

To identify trajectories of Indonesian children and adolescent's BMI-z scores between 1993 and 2014, examine whether the pattern differs by sex and assess associations with host, agent and environmental factors. Longitudinal data were from the Indonesian Family Life Survey with up to five measurements of height and weight. Group-based trajectory models investigated changes in BMI-z score across time; differences by sex were investigated using random effect (mixed) models. The association between the trajectories and host, agent and environmental factors were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Thirteen provinces in Indonesia. Indonesian children and adolescents aged 6-18 years (n 27 394 for BMI-z trajectories; n 8805 for risk factor analyses). Mean BMI-z score increased from -0·743 sd in 1993 to -0·414 sd in 2014. Four distinct trajectory groups were estimated with mean BMI-z increasing more rapidly in the most recent time periods. One group (11·7 % of participants) had a mean BMI-z entirely within the moderately underweight range; two had trajectories in the normal range and one (5·6 %) had a mean BMI-z starting in the overweight range but within the obesity range by 2014. There were differences in trajectory groups by sex (P< 0·001). Those born in 2000s, frequent consumption of meat, fast foods, soft drinks and fried snacks, and living in urban areas were associated with rapid gain weight. These trajectories highlight the double burden of malnutrition and suggest that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is likely to increase substantially unless public health interventions are implemented.

There is a growing global demand for diets to be better for the environment and for human health. To support the shift toward sustainable diets, it is crucial to understand consumer attitudes and the barriers they face. To achieve this aim, this paper addresses the questions: What are the prevailing sentiments of UK meat consumers towards meat alternatives? What barriers do UK meat consumers face in trying and sustaining the consumption of meat alternatives? Data was obtained from 1074 UK respondents. The majority of respondents (82.4%) had tried plant-based meat alternatives, whereas most had not tried edible insects (88.8%), cultured meat (96.5%) or algae (73.7%). Sentiments towards plant-based alternatives were mainly positive while views on cultured meat, insects, and algae were more mixed or negative. Motivations for accepting and eating meat alternatives were primarily personal health benefits, animal welfare and environmental reasons in order of ranking. The results show that 18% are very likely to include meat alternatives in their future diets, followed by 39% who are open to the possibility and may consider it under the right circumstances. Ordered logistic regression identified several significant predictors for incorporating meat alternatives into future diets. Positive predictors included price competitiveness, variety, environmental motivation, health benefits, past experience with plant-based meat and algae and gender. Conversely, frequent meat consumption and safety concerns were negative predictors and reduced the odds of incorporating meat alternatives into diets. Key actions which consumers opine would encourage acceptance of meat alternatives includes educational programs, financial incentives and media campaigns with strong support for coordinated stakeholder efforts.

Objective The carnivore diet is a ketogenic diet based exclusively on the consumption of food of animal origin. While the impact of various diets on the gut microbiome is extensively documented, the effects of a carnivore diet remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a pilot study on the gut microbiome of an individual following a carnivore diet and compared it with that of a subgroup of healthy individuals. Methods A stool sample was collected from a healthy 32-year-old male adhering to a carnivore diet and was sequenced using 16S DNA Amplicon Sequencing. The results were then compared to those from three control groups possessing similar anthropometric characteristics and differing in their frequency of meat consumption. Results The gut microbiome of the carnivore was dominated by the phylum Firmicutes and the genera Faecalibacterium, Blautia, unspecific Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroides, and Roseburia—bacteria known for fiber degradation. Furthermore, neither alpha- nor beta-diversity, nor the functional capacity of the gut microbiome, showed differences when compared to the control groups. Additionally, the gut microbiome of the carnivore showed the least similarities with the microbiome of the cohort consuming meat on a daily basis. Conclusion In our study, we showcase the compositional and functional characteristics of the gut microbiome in an individual on a carnivorous diet, finding no differences in comparison to a control cohort. Further research is needed to investigate the short- and long-term impacts of a carnivorous diet on gut health through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Significance statement To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the composition of the gut microbiome of a person adhering long-term to the carnivore diet.

Intersecting perspectives: Advocating for sustainable family meals across generations

Anaemia is one leading cause of morbidity among adolescent girls. Prevention, early detection, and treatment can break the intergeneration cycle of malnutrition. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of anaemia and assess its sociodemographic determinants and understand its association with the dietary pattern of rural adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 adolescent girls studying in the school of Kalgatigi Taluk, Dharwad district. The school girls were interviewed using a predesigned structured questionnaire by interview method. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary pattern. Haemoglobin levels were estimated using Sahli's method. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 19 and the Chi-square test was applied to study the significance. Rural adolescent school girls between the age group of 13-16 years were included. The prevalence of anaemia among them was found to be 47.4% and was significantly associated with the educational status of the mother, their socioeconomic status (SES), and type of diet. Vegetarian girls had a higher prevalence of anaemia. The frequency of meat and egg consumption was significantly associated with anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was higher in thin and severely thin girls based on WHO-BMI. Anaemia in rural adolescent girls is of high burden and public health importance with a prevalence of 47.4% and significant association with dietary habits, SES, and BMI.