Summer+2011


 * Away-from-home Food Consumption and Risk for Obesity **
 * Nutrition Graduate Seminar 794A; **** June 29, 2011 **


 * Abstract **

The community food environment plays a powerful role in obesity. Very large numbers of people consume energy dense food of poor nutritional value. Food away from home (FAFH) has substantially increased. Approximately 40% of calories are consumed outside the home. In 2009, 50% of US food expenditure was spent on FAFH (1).

FAFH is associated with excessive portion sizes of energy-dense, less nutritious foods. The culprit is not just fast food: casual dining is characterized by poor nutrition, gigantic portions, and unavailable or inaccurate nutritional information. Although consumers may believe that full-service establishments are healthier than fast-food, full-service meals tend to be higher in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium than fast-food meals (2,3).

Previous studies have shown that frequent consumption of FAFH is associated with poorer diet quality and risk for obesity. This study by Ayala et al (4) examined FAFH, children’s dietary intake, and children’s and adults’ weight status in a Latino community, using various contexts of FAFH. These included different types of restaurants (fast-food, buffet, sit-down), and a novel context: homes of relatives, neighbors and friends (RNF). It was hypothesized that weekly consumption of FAFH would be associated with children’s dietary intake and child and adult BMI. FAFH ≥ 1x/wk was associated with higher BMI status in both children and adults, and poorer diet quality in children. Even food consumption at the homes of RNF was associated with obesity risk in children (although not in adults), and increased consumption of sugary beverages. No associations were seen between the type of restaurant and BMI.

Almost 50% of families eat FAFH at least weekly. However, FAFH is associated with poorer nutrition, larger portions and obesity. Moreover, many Americans lack knowledge about calories or energy expenditure. Future public health efforts should promote eating more food at home, making healthier choices when eating out, and understanding the concept of calorie/energy balance and nutrition basics. Non-traditional sites of away-from-home food consumption should also be considered, especially in the Latino population.

1. Clauson A, Leibtag E. Food CPI and Expenditures Briefing Room. Table 12. US Department of Agriculture. [|www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/CPIFoodAndExpenditures/Data/Expenditures_tables/table12.htm]. Accessed May 10, 2011.
 * References: **

2. Stewart H, Blisard N, Jolliffe D. Let’s eat out: Americans weigh taste, convenience, and nutrition. Economic Information Bulletin Number 19, [|http://www.ers.usda.gov/publication/eib19. Published October 2006]. Accessed May 16, 2011. 3. Todd JE, Mancino L. Eating Out Increases Daily Calorie Intake Amber Waves June 2010. USDA ERS. http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/June10/Findings/EatingOut.htm. Accessed May 26, 2011

4. Ayala GX, Rogers M, Arredondo EM, Campbell NR, Baquero B, Duerksen SC, Elder JP. Away-from home food intake and risk for obesity: Examining the influence of context. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008 May;16(5):1002-8.

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