A new study has found that frequently eating out is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The findings of the study appeared in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, published by Elsevier.
Investigators analysed data from responses to questionnaires administered during face-to-face interviews from 35,084 adults aged 20 years or older. Respondents reported their dietary habits including the frequency of eating meals prepared away from home.
According to researchers, restaurant meals tend to be higher in energy density, fat and sodium but lower in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protective nutrients such as dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Future studies are still needed to look more closely at the association of eating out with death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and other chronic diseases.