Obese Women Have Lots of Fruits and Veggies at Home

The results of a recent study found that overweight and obese women kept their kitchens stocked with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, in addition to high-fat and unhealthy snacks.

The study, published in the May 2014 issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, examined the home food environments of overweight and obese women who lived with at least 1 other person in rural Georgia. Researchers from Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health and the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia documented food inventories, food placement, grocery shopping, food preparation, and meal serving practices.

On average, the women reported having 14 types of fruits and vegetables in their homes, 4.6 unhealthy foods, and 1.8 unhealthy beverages. Although fruits and vegetables were available, the number of unhealthy foods in the home and unhealthy food preparation methods were associated with the percentage of calories from fat the women consumed. In addition, the women reported dining out 2.6 days per week, most often eating fast food or takeout. Eating family meals in front of the television was also common.

“Home food environments may be effective intervention targets for nutrition programs designed for overweight and obese women,” the study authors conclude.