Researchers at the University of Minnesota are taking a new stab at why Americans have become increasingly overweight over the last 20 years. Because social pressure and guilt
can keep survey participants from being completely truthful about how much they eat, the researchers took a closer look at the U.S. food supply sources.
Its study points to several trends that may contribute to why so many Americans overeat:
- The percentage of money spent on takeout food increased to 38% in 1992 from 20% in the 1970s.
- Fast food restaurants are growing at about 7% annually.
- Americans are spending less time preparing meals at home and supermarkets are increasing their selection of prepared foods.
- Fast food portions are increasing and more restaurants are marketing larger meals.
This study was published in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
(American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Lisa Harnack, 612/626-9398, http://www.ajcn.org)