Humans consume 600 more calories daily now than in the '70s
Humans consume 600 more calories daily now than in the '70s
Dear Thermalist Members,
Today I want to go over some sad facts, that we need to understand if we want to change the course of the obesity and stress pandemic. I think this is very important, so we can take informed decisions on our own lives and how to help others.
Despite the prevalence of diets and workout plans, the average American's weight has increased over the past few decades.
One major factor contributing to this trend is the increased daily calories consumed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services points out that the average adult now consumes around 600 more calories each day compared to the 1970s. This trend has significantly impacted the overall health and well-being of individuals in the United States.
Today, I would like to enlighten you on the contributing factors to this increase in calorie consumption and what it means for our society.
But Before that, let’s look at the historical context of caloric intake.
What is the Historical Context of Caloric Intake?
In 1970, the average American consumed approximately 2,169 calories per day. By 2008, this number had risen to 2,678 calories per day, representing a 23.5% increase. This rise in caloric intake is not unique to the United States; similar trends have been observed in other developed countries. However, the scale and impact of this increase in the U.S. are particularly noteworthy.
This rapid increase in caloric consumption can be attributed to several factors, including changes in food production and availability, increased marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages, the rise of fast-food chains, more significant portions, and decreased physical activity.
The availability of different types of food has changed significantly over the past century. According to the USDA, the total caloric availability per capita increased by 22% from 1970 to 2010 after adjusting for food loss due to spoilage and waste. The most significant increases were observed in the availability of added fats and oils, dairy fats, flour, cereals, and added sugars and sweeteners.
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The rise of fast and processed foods has increased caloric intake. Fast food is often calorie-dense and high in fats, sugars, and sodium. Its convenience and affordability have made it a staple in the American diet. Additionally, the portion sizes of fast food items have increased over the years, contributing to higher caloric intake.