Associations Between Eating Occasion Characteristics and Age, Gender, Presence of Children and BMI Among U.S. Adults

This study explored how eating occasions differ by age, gender, presence of children, and BMI among U.S. adults. Using data from 2,702 respondents reporting 6,689 eating or drinking events, researchers found that age had the strongest influence on eating patterns. Older adults were more likely to plan meals and eat breakfast, with habit and nutrition cited as key motivations. Parents reported more social connection goals at dinner, while women emphasized taste and hunger at lunch more than men. BMI had some associations with eating behaviors, but age emerged as the most consistent factor. These insights can inform targeted nutrition guidance across demographic groups.

Reicks M, Degeneffe D, Rendahl A, Smith Edge M, Burns K, O’Meara B, Blevins G. Associations between eating occasion characteristics and age, gender, presence of children and BMI among U.S. adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2014;33(4):315-327. doi:10.1080/07315724.2014.887485.