Overweight/obesity is associated with food choices related to rice and beans, colors of salads, and portion size among consumers at a restaurant serving buffet-by-weight in Brazil

The present study investigated the prevalence of overweight/obesity and its relationship with behavioral and food choice characteristics among consumers at a restaurant serving buffet-by-weight in the city of Florianopolis, southern Brazil, during lunch time. An analytical cross-sectional survey of 675 consumers aged 16-81 years was conducted. The measures included anthropometric, socio-demographic, and behavioral characteristics, as well as portion size and a photographic record of the plate chosen by the consumer. The results indicated a prevalence of overweight/obesity in the sample of 33.8%. Overall, after an adjustment for other variables (sex, age, schooling, marital status, and food choice variables), overweight/obesity was positively associated with not choosing rice and beans (PR = 1.11) and larger portion sizes (PR = 1.08 for a portion size of 347–462 g and PR = 1.16 for a portion size of 463 g or more). Moreover, choosing 1–2 colors of salads showed a positive association when compared with choosing 3 or more colors of salads (PR = 1.06). Efforts in helping consumers make healthier food choices when eating out and thereby possibly reduce weight gain should address those aspects along with socio-demographic factors.

• Food choices in a restaurant serving buffet-by-weight. • Not choosing rice and beans when eating out is associated with overweight/obesity. • Choosing 1–2 colors of salads compared to ⩾3 is associated with overweight/obesity. • Larger portion sizes when eating out is associated with overweight/obesity. • Information is needed about healthier food choices when eating out.