Food items, energy intake, food quantity and energy density during main meals and snacks of overweight and obese subjects.

BACKGROUND Eating habits of overweight and obese patients in Germany with regard to food intake during main meals and snacks are largely unknown. METHODS 2.800 dietary records of 280 overweight and obese patients were analyzed prior to the start of obesity treatment. RESULTS The greatest intake of food quantity and energy was observed during lunch and dinner. During breakfast food quantity and energy intake were significantly lower while energy density (ED) was higher compared to the other 2 main meals. The 3 snack meals had a high ED between 1.7-2.9 kcal / g. Food items with high ED (≥ 2.5 kcal / g) were responsible for the greatest part of energy intake during breakfast, dinner and the snacks in the afternoon and evening, respectively. The food groups contributing most to energy intake during the respective meals were during breakfast bread in combination with butter, sausages, marmelade and honey and cake. During lunch and dinner meat and carbohydrate accompaniments or bread together with cheese and sausages were the major energy sources. During snacks chocolate, nuts, cake, fruit and bread had the greatest relevance for energy intake. CONCLUSION These data provide insight into the eating habits of overweight and obese subjects during the different daily meals. Changes of eating habits should consider individual preferences in relation to the respective meals.