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Title: ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF FAT MODIFIED FOODS ON DIET QUALITY IN ADULTS, 19 TO 50 YEARS OLD

Author
item KENNEDY, EILEEN - REE
item Bowman, Shanthy

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2001
Publication Date: 4/20/2001
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: USDA's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1996 data was used for this study to assess the fat reduction strategies of adults 19 to 50 years old and the role of fat modified foods in the diet. The study found that high users of fat-modified diets had a nutrient-dense diet. The Body Mass Index of those with low-fat diets were lower than that of adults with fat intakes above 30% of energy. Switching from high-fat food to low-fat substitutes requires behavior changes. A consumer may benefit by making behavior changes in small measures such as drinking non-fat milk instead of whole milk, or choosing fruits as snack instead of fried snack foods. Aside, consumers, dietitians, nutrition educators, physicians who advise patients on weight-loss techniques would find this paper informative and useful.

Technical Abstract: USDA's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1996 data was used for this study to assess the fat reduction strategies of adults 19 to 50 years old and the role of fat modified foods in the diet. At the first level of analysis, the sample was divided into two groups: those who met the dietary guidelines recommendations for total fat and those who did not meet these recommendations. At the second level of analysis, the two groups were further divided into non-, low-, and high- users of fat- modified foods. Their diet quality was evaluated. The study found that high users of fat-modified diets had a nutrient-dense diet. The Body Mass Index of those with low-fat diets were lower than that of adults with fat intakes above 30% of energy.