A study of restaurateurs' attitudes and practices in relation to obesity

The dramatic increase in the rate of obesity in the United States is raising new public health concerns. Each year, obesity-related problems cause at least 300,000 deaths and cost around 100 billion dollars. Obesity prevention methods are being researched and implemented in U.S. schools, and the populace as a whole, however, little research has been done to assess restaurateur's attitudes and practices in regard to healthful food offerings, cooking processes, and the effect these offerings have on their bottom-lines. Additionally, few educational and outreach products are available for educating future restaurant chefs, owners, and operating managers. This study developed content validity of a survey instrument that will be useable to assess restaurateurs' attitudes, practices and responsibilities toward helping consumers make healthful food choices when eating away from home; and the perceived economic impact on the restaurant business.;The current study developed an instrument to use in support a collaborative USDA Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) grant proposal in Human Nutrition and Obesity. It is recommended that this future study involve cooperation between dietetic and restaurant researchers, nutrition outreach specialists, dietetic and restaurant management educators, and industry stakeholders.;Several key findings from industry focus groups and subject matter expert Delphi processes assisted in the development of the final survey instrument. The survey was designed to: 1) assist in evaluating restaurant owners' and managers' attitudes and practices in relation to obesity, 2) allow restaurant managers and owners to reflect on how they perceive consumers feel about restaurant food offerings, 3) show the value restaurateurs' can offer on their menus by determining whether or not they provide food dollars that can stretch further and 4) examining where the underlying issue of obesity falls in regards to the restaurant industry. The key findings in this future survey will allow for future awareness of the obesity concern in the dining away from home atmosphere. Parties interested in pursuing the AFRI grant should contact the author for rights to proceed with the research.