Although a majority of Americans are becoming concerned with their weight and are making changes in the food that they eat, a huge number are also becoming unconcerned about the quantity of food they take in. In fact, this number is even greater compared to a few years back.

The numbers are so contradictory that even health care groups and food manufacturers are trying hard to understand America’s eating patterns. It is a fact that most Americans are becoming interested in eating healthy and nutritious food. However, a majority of the population in America also still do not care about nutritional quality in their food.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), most Americans do not eat sufficient fresh produce (fruits and vegetables). Although consumption of dairy products like milk and eggs have been reduced, the demand for cheese has grown. Poultry, fish and meat consumption continues to increase and the total fat content in the diet of an average American still remains the same.

This can be attributed to Americans’ love for snacks. In fact, according to the United States FDA, nearly 20 percent of the daily calorie requirement of Americans come from snack foods. Fifty percent of young adults skip breakfast and lunch, and home-cooked meals are becoming a rarity. These unhealthy eating habits and the increasing popularity of pre-packed foods is contributing significantly to the malnutrition of most children and adults. This has lead to an obesity concern, especially in children.

Despite the positive lifestyle changes America is making, it is apparent that the changes are not enough to combat obesity in the country. More people still need to be aware and recognize the fact that education of food nutritional value is important in achieving a healthy diet and reducing obesity.