Atkins Schmatkins: U.S. Eating More Carbs

Americans' calorie count up because of carb craving

Feb. 5, 2004 -- Atkins schmatkins: Americans are eating more carbs than ever.

The U.S. CDC reports that Americans are eating more than ever before. And most of this increase in calorie consumption comes from carbs.

• Confused about carbs? Ask the Dietitian
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The report, in the Feb. 6 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, paints a picture of excess. In 1999-2000, American calorie consumption was significantly greater than in 1971-1974:

• American men increased their total calories from 2,450 to 2,618 per day.
• American women increased their total calories from 1,542 to 1,877 per day.
• Carbs made up 49% of men's total calories and 51.6% of women's calories.
• The percentage of calories from fat went down.

"The increase in energy intake is attributable primarily to an increase in carbohydrate intake, with a 62.4-gram increase among women and a 67.7-gram increase among men," the CDC report notes.

Where are we getting all these carbs? The CDC says we get them:

• From eating out
• From eating more salty snacks
• From drinking more soft drinks
• From eating more pizza
• From eating larger portions

Meanwhile, a second MMWR report shows that one in four American's gets zero leisure time exercise. This number is actually an improvement: In 1989, one in three of us were couch potatoes.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD.

SOURCE: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Feb. 7, 2004; vol 53: pp 80-82 and 82-86.

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