Food perceptions and preferences of obese adults: a multidimensional approach

Perceptions of nutritional aspects of common foods, as rated by obese and normal-weight subjects, were mapped using multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedures. The foods were rated for their perceived protein, fat and carbohydrate content, calories, and overall nutritional value. No differences in food perception or nutritional evaluation were observed among obese and normal-weight subjects. However, the two groups differed in their reported patterns of food preference. Normal-weight subjects generally reported liking foods that were also viewed as nutritious and low in energy content, whereas obese subjects showed more diverse preference profiles that were not linked to perceived nutrition. This variability of response suggests internal inconsistencies in attitude structure among obese individuals.