Food Intake of Overweight and Obese Subjects

Purpose Dietary habits of overweight and obese subjects in Germany are poorly examined. Methods 2660 dietary records of 266 overweight and obese patients were evaluated prior to the start of obesity treatment. Results Mean daily energy intake was 1707 +/- 12 kcal and food quantity was 1088 +/- 76g. Additionally, 356 +/- 4.6 kcal were consumed by energy containing beverages. The greatest contribution to energy intake came from bread (18.8 %) followed by carbohydrates (9.9 %) such as pasta, rice and potatoes. Despite their low energy density fruit (3.9 %) and vegetables (1.8%) were on 8th and 15th position of the 32 evaluated food items, respectively. Energy intake was due to the quantity of actually consumed meals and the frequency of food consumption. Significant differences were observed in relation to age, BMI and gender. Food items with high energy density (ED >= 2.5 kcal / g) contributed most to daily energy intake while they were responsible for only 25% of daily food quantity. 60% of food quantity was due to food items with low ED (<= 1.5 kcal / g). The daily cost for consumed food was 5.60 (sic). High ED food was in relation to its quantity the most expensive component. Conclusion These data give an overview about food intake habits of obese and overweight subjects and they shed some light on the complex interaction between food quantity and meal frequency in relation to age, BMI and gender.