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Open Access Thesis

Abstract

Obesity and its psychosocial and medical consequences are costing the United States billions of dollars per year. Many factors such as lack of physical activity, changing lifestyles, and unhealthy eating behaviors contribute to the increasing prevalence of obesity. In the present study, food preferences among college-aged students were measured from two different geographical locations (Texas and Iowa). Gender (men vs. women), ethnicity (Hispanic vs. Caucasian), and Body Mass Index scores (normal vs. overweight) were utilized as dependent variables to measure food preferences. Participants were required to rate four menus, which included important nutritional information. Ratings were obtained to measure how likely participants were to select a menu, followed by how enjoyable, popular, healthy, and affordable they found the particular menu to be. Results indicated partial support in regard to gender; men rated unhealthy menus as more enjoyable and nutritious than women did. Partial support was found when comparing normal weight and overweight/obese individuals. Overweight/obese individuals were more likely to select unhealthy menus. It is concluded that it is important to explore food preferences among young individuals, who may be more receptive to changing unhealthy eating behaviors.

Year of Submission

2005

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Frank Barrios

Second Advisor

Augustine Osman

Third Advisor

Seth Brown

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Date Original

2005

Object Description

1 PDF file (103 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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