Social Perception of Caloric Value

Abstract

Studies on obesity and overweight measure the actual caloric amount in the foods selected or consumed. However, the food choices of individuals partly depend, if weight is a concern, on their social perception of caloric values of various foods. The study concerned the accuracy of 53 males and 82 females of various weight categories in their perception of the caloric content of various types of food. The more females weigh the more calories they perceive in food while the more males weigh the less calories they perceive in food. Both males and females overestimate the caloric content of desserts, particularly in comparison to main dishes like meat and potatoes.