ResearchFast-food consumption among US adults and children: Dietary and nutrient intake profile
Section snippets
Subjects and methods
The 1994-1996, 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) was conducted in a nationally representative sample of the civilian population in the United States using a stratified, multistage, area probability sample design. The details of the survey design and methods are available elsewhere (9). Briefly, the in-person interview was used to collect a wide range of sociodemographic, dietary, and health data from the survey participants. In 1994-1996, the total of 20,126 adults
Statistical analysis
The appropriate sampling weights were used in the analyses to compensate for variable probabilities of selection, differential nonresponse rates, and possible deficiencies in the sampling frame (9). The proportion of individuals who reported eating fast food on one or both survey days was calculated, and was stratified by age group, gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, and household size. The intake of selected foods and nutrients among individuals who reported eating fast food on one or
Results
Table 1 presents the sociodemographic characteristics of the adults and children who reported eating fast food on one or both survey days. The percentage of individuals who reported eating fast food was higher among those 10 to 39 years of age and declined in older individuals. Men reported more frequent use of fast food than women, as did people with high school and some college education, individuals with higher income, and households with four or more members. The reported use of fast food
Discussion
Because of time constraints, convenience, and lifestyle, fast food has become an increasingly important part of the American diet. In 1970, money spent on foods eaten away from home accounted for 25% of total food spending; by 1999 it had reached a record 47% of total food spending 11, 12. This study shows that fast food, not including other foods eaten away from home (eg, at school cafeterias), may contribute to high intake of energy, fat, sodium, carbonated soft drinks, and fried potato, and
Applications
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Fast food has become an important part of the American diet, and the increase in fast-food use in the United States is likely to continue. The excess energy intake associated with eating fast food may be avoided by choosing lower-fat items and avoiding the side items, such as french fries and soft drinks. The widespread use of fast food among children and adolescents is of concern because the high fat and energy intake may contribute to childhood and subsequent adult obesity. However,
S. Paeratakul is an instructor, C. M. Champagne is a research professor, D. H. Ryan is a professor, and G. A. Bray is the Boyd Professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
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S. Paeratakul is an instructor, C. M. Champagne is a research professor, D. H. Ryan is a professor, and G. A. Bray is the Boyd Professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
D. P. Ferdinand is a doctoral candidate at the Southern University and A&M College School of Nursing, Baton Rouge, LA.