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Full-Text Articles in Food Science
Point-Of-Selection Nutrition Information Influences Choice Of Portion Size In An All-You-Can-Eat University Dining Hall, Marjorie Freedman
Point-Of-Selection Nutrition Information Influences Choice Of Portion Size In An All-You-Can-Eat University Dining Hall, Marjorie Freedman
Faculty Publications
There is limited information about point-of-selection nutrition information on food choices in all-you-can-eat university dining halls, where food cost is controlled. This pilot study examined effects of point-of-selection nutrition information (pictures of different portion sizes with corresponding nutrition information) on students' choice of French fries and salad dressing and portion size of French fries. Point-of-selection nutrition information significantly decreased percentage consuming “large” portions of French fries (p < 0.05) but had a limited effect on salad dressing choice. Surveys indicated that >99% of respondents (n = 359) recalled point-of-selection nutrition information; more females used point-of-selection nutrition information to determine portion size. Additional studies are needed to support these promising results.
Obesity And Food Choices Among Faculty And Staff At A Large Urban University, Marjorie Freedman, Rebecca Rubinstein
Obesity And Food Choices Among Faculty And Staff At A Large Urban University, Marjorie Freedman, Rebecca Rubinstein
Faculty Publications
Objective: In order to address increasing health care costs associated with obesity, this study sought to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine eating behaviors, food choices, health beliefs, and attitudes of university employees. Participants and Methods: An online survey was distributed to > 3,800 faculty and staff at a large public metropolitan university in Winter 2008. Results: Almost half (48%) of 806 respondents were classified as overweight or obese. Compared to those with normal weights, overweight and obese respondents consumed fewer fruits and vegetables (p < .05), were less confident in making healthful food choices (p < .001), and were more influenced by food choices available in on-campus dining facilities (p < .05). Conclusions: Obesity among university employees warrants attention. Because these employees have less self-efficacy and consume less healthful diets than their normal weight colleagues, universities need to improve on-campus access to healthful foods.