Decrease in US calorie intake: are we on the right track?

February 6th, 2014

According to prof. Barry Popkin and his team (University North Carolina), a reduction of energy intakes and a levelling of obesity rates is taking place in the US. Based on the large datasets of NHANES (24.000 persons) and the Nielsen Homescan Panel (166.00 households), the study shows that particularly children have decreased their calorie intake. This shift is driven more by declines in calorie purchases from beverages than from food. Popkin, who is also a member of the Choices International Scientific Committee, concludes that since 2003 the dietary and health behaviour of US consumers has changed irrespective of the economic depression in 2009-11 and irrespective of food prices. This could be an indication that both private and public health efforts could have contributed to this trend.

Source: Ng SW, Slining MM & Popkin B.M. (2014) Turning point for US diets? Recessionary effects or behavioral shifts in foods purchased and consumed. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ajcn.072892