Why eat at fast-food restaurants: reported reasons among frequent consumers.
A convenience sample of adolescents and adults who regularly eat at fast-food restaurants were recruited to participate in an experimental trial to examine the effect of nutrition labeling on meal choices. As part of this study, participants were asked to indicate how strongly they agreed or disagreed with 11 statements to assess reasons for eating at fast-food restaurants. Logistic regression was conducted to examine whether responses differed by demographic factors. The most frequently reported reasons for eating at fast-food restaurants were: fast food is quick (92%), restaurants are easy to get to (80%), and food tastes good (69%). The least frequently reported reasons were: eating fast food is a way of socializing with family and friends (33%), restaurants have nutritious foods to offer (21%), and restaurants are fun and entertaining (12%). Some differences were found with respect to the demographic factors examined. It appears that in order to reduce fast-food consumption, food and nutrition professionals need to identify alternative quick and convenient food sources. As motivation for eating at fast-food restaurants appears to differ somewhat by age, sex, education, employment status, and household size, tailored interventions could be considered.
Rydell
Sarah A
SA
University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. rydel004@umn.edu
Harnack
Lisa J
LJ
Oakes
J Michael
JM
Story
Mary
M
Jeffery
Robert W
RW
French
Simone A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D003710:Demography; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D012147:Restaurants / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D004041:Dietary Fats