Food choices of obese and non-obese persons

An observational study of food choices of patrons of a campus cafeteria was conducted to ascertain whether obese and non-obese individuals had the same eating patterns. Subjects were unaware of the monitoring of their food choices. Patrons were categorized by visual appraisal into forty-eight cross-classified groups according to sex (male, female), body build (slender, sturdy, stocky, obese), height (tall, average, short), and age (less than and more than thirty years of age). Servings of food were estimated visually as it was not possible to determine exact amounts. Foods were classified as either protective foods with good contributions of nutrients in proportion to calories (Group B) or as high-calorie, low-nutrient foods (Group A). Significant findings were the tendency for those in the obese category to select more servings of food and more foods from the high-calorie, low-nutrient Group A foods, when compared with selections of persons in the other body-build groups. A more controlled study is suggested for more definitive results. Also pointed out was the importance of recognizing that excessive food intake may be one possibility among many in cases of refractory obesity.