Eating behaviors, obesity, and litigation: should casual-food restaurant operators heed the warnings to their fast-food counterparts?

摘要

McDonald's has weathered attacks over its alleged contribution to the obesity epidemic. Similar concerns may be at hand for casual restaurant operators. Students (N = 605) from a 2-yr college and a 4-yr university were surveyed to compare eating behaviours and menu selections in fast-food versus casual restaurants. Actual mean calorie consumption was significantly higher in casual restaurant meals than fast-food restaurant meals (t = 2.703, p = 0.019). In fact, in casual restaurants, students consumed between 47.5 and 61.8% of the recommended daily caloric intake in a single meal. It is suggested that restaurant managers and corporate officers must take a proactive stance to ensure healthy menu selections and avoid potential litigation.