The effects of social setting, perceived weight category, and gender on eating behavior

Four hundred and sixteen male and 233 female subjects were observed in a university cafeteria at lunch time. They were categorized according to five perceived weight groups with category one being underweight and category five being overweight. The number of calories in the food bought for lunch by each subject was calculated and recorded. Males bought food containing more calories than females but for males the amount of calories did not differ by perceived weight category. Females purchased food with fewer calories than males but the heavier females bought food with higher caloric content.