It's no secret that Americans on average eat more than they should. According to the "Journal of the American Medical Association," in the years 2007 and 2008, about 68 percent of Americans were either overweight or obese. MedlinePlus notes that the average American also has a higher body fat percentage than what is considered healthy.
Background
Weight gain occurs when an individual consumes an excess of daily calories over a period of time. Consuming an extra 3,500 calories a week typically results in about 1 lb. per week weight gain. Since the majority of Americans weigh more than they should, many consume calories in excess which can lead to weight-related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Calorie Trends
The amount of food available and calories consumed by Americans has increased from 1970 to 2003. According to the USDA, the average American daily calorie intake was 2,234 in 1970 and 2,757 in 2003. This is an increase of 523 calories per day. Eating 500 extra calories each day leads to a significant weight gain if the excess calories are not burned through physical activity.
Gender Differences
On average, American men consume more calories than American women. However the "Journal of the American Medical Association" reports that in 2007 and 2008, 32.2 percent of adult American men were considered obese, while 35.5 of adult American women were obese.
Detailed Analysis
The USDA provides a detailed analysis of average American daily calorie increases. Of the 523 daily calorie increase from 1970 to 2003, 292 calories were from added fats, oils, sugars and sweeteners. Grains accounted for an increase in 188 calories each day. Compared to 1970, in 2003 Americans also consumed fewer calories from dairy products.
Recommendations
To maintain a healthy body weight, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends moderately active females consume between 1,800 and 2,200 per day while moderately active adult men require between 2,200 and 2,800 calories each day. If you're overweight, reduce your calorie intake by 500 each day to lose about 1 lb. per week to achieve a healthier body weight.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2008; Katherine Flegal, et al; December 2010
- MedlinePlus: Weight Management
- USDA: U.S. Food Consumption Up 16 Percent Since 1970
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Intake of Calories and Selected Nutrients for the U.S. Population, 1999-2000 (PDF)
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Balance Foods and Activity
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