Changes in the American Consumer's Food Consumption Pattern

Obesity in the United States is increasingly recognized as a major health problem. According to the National Health Nutrition Survey, the proportion of obese adults has doubled from 15% in 1971 to 1974 to 34% in adults aged 20 to 74 in 2003 to 2006. In 1990, an obese adult was formed in most states in the United States and its population was less than 15%, but as of 2010, 36 states have obesity rates of more than 25%, 12 of them have more than 30% He had obesity rate (CDCP 2012).

Food consumption has an impact on children, and changing their eating habits is a challenge for the future. Intake of fast food in childhood leads to poor physical condition and deterioration of eating habits. These affect the invasion of children into adulthood, making unhealthy diet patterns challenging. Even without fast food, when a child gets used to fast food, there is a tendency to eat poor meals. This emphasizes the need to teach children to choose healthy food. Children who eat fast foods consume more high sugar drinks, but consumption of vegetables, fruits, and high fiber foods will decrease.

Changes in food consumption patterns Generally, these factors contribute to convergence of food consumption patterns in various countries and regions. These factors act directly or indirectly through relationships with income growth in the poorer countries. Increased income has a balanced effect on food consumption patterns. High-income groups are limited by natural consumption restrictions even for high-value foods.

Kubendran and Vanniarajan (2005) explains the change in consumption patterns due to changes in eating habits. As consumer income and urbanization increase, the proportion of income consumed will increase. Compared to rural consumers, urban consumers prefer brand products. The most important factors that affect purchasing decisions are acceptability, quality, normal supply, delivery and payment methods. Vincent (2006) believes that quality is an important factor for attracting consumers to brand products. Brand products are considered high quality products. Because they are worth the money people can pay an additional fee for brand products. Media is an important element to advertise and influence brands.