20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
College Students' Knowledge of the Caloric Content of Fast Food Menu Items
Cassandra J. Morrow* and Jennifer L. Salmon
Prof. Liz Jorn, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to investigate college students' knowledge of the caloric content of fast food menu items. Females (n=64, age=18.75±0.8yr, weight=148.4±28.9lbs) and males (n=23, age=19.1±1.2yr, weight=170.3±41.4lbs) were asked to estimate the caloric content of nine items as part of a required lifetime health class at a small, Midwestern university. On average students overestimated the caloric content by 22.4%±41.9. A t-test indicated that there was no significant difference (t=-.297, p>0.05) between the estimates for students with a BMI of <25 or >25. While not significant, the students with a BMI >25 tended to overestimate caloric content of foods more than students with a BMI of <25. There is much discussion about the “supersizing” of portions in American restaurants which could be contributing to the increasing prevalence of overweight. This study will be of interest to health educators who are working with the college population.
Keywords: Calories, Fast Food, Portion Control, Obesity, Overweight
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 53-1
Location: VH 1000
Time: 2:45 pm