While previous studies have found that self-rated health is a strong predictor of mortality, there isn’t much research on whether self-rated diet quality is predictive of the actual quality of diet. So, researchers wanted to determine whether a single question could be used as a screening tool for nutrition studies. If it was able to, it would replace a detailed dietary questionnaire that is commonly used in nutrition research.
For the study, data was used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults conducted every two years. All participants were required to complete 24-hour detailed dietary questionnaires and rate their diet as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor.
Researchers used the questionnaires to score each participant’s diet quality. Foods ranked as healthier included fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lower-fat dairy products, seafood and plant proteins. Foods considered less healthy included refined grains and foods high in sodium, added sugars, or saturated fats.
Significant disconnects were found between the calculated scores and how participants ranked their own diet. Almost 99% overrated the healthfulness of their diet.
“It’s difficult for us to say whether U.S. adults lack an accurate understanding of the components of a healthful versus unhealthful diet or whether adults perceive the healthfulness of their diet as they wish it to be — that is, higher in quality than it actually is,” said lead author Jessica Thomson. “Until we have a better understanding of what individuals consider when assessing the healthfulness of their diet, it will be difficult to determine what knowledge and skills are necessary to improve self-assessment or perception of one’s diet quality.”
Food Facts
No matter the reason for the disconnect between how most U.S. adults think they are eating and how unhealthy their diet truly is, steps need to be taken to improve their diet. This study adds to mounting evidence that shows how people need to be educated on food facts and how diet can affect our general health.
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