Are weight control and food waste a trade-off?: A clustering of appropriate amount of food choice and plate-clearing behaviors among Japanese adult consumers

Abstract

Background/Objectives Plate-clearing behavior (PCB), in which individuals eat more food than is appropriate for them regarding excessive portion size choices, is considered to cause weight gain. However, the appropriate amount of food choice behavior (ACB) to avoid the trade-off between weight gain and food waste has been overlooked in previous studies. This study aimed to identify patterns of ACB and PCB in various meal situations and describe the demographic, anthropometric, psychological, and lifestyle-related characteristics of those who follow each pattern.Subjects/Methods In total, 1,707 Japanese participants responded to a web-based anonymous questionnaire in February 2023 and were included in this study. Cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns in the ACB and PCB. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used on clusters of participant characteristic variables.Results The median age of the participants was 40 (25th and 75th percentile: 30, 50) years (female = 865, 50.7%). Four clusters with independent predictors were identified: low ACB and high PCB, moderate ACB and high PCB, moderate ACB and low PCB, and high ACB and low PCB. The independent predictors of high ACB and low PCB were being female [1.550 (1.177–2.041), p = 0.002]; having low BMI (< 18.5) [1.735 (1.273–2.365), p < 0.001]; much interest in health [1.042 (1.018–1.066), p < 0.001], attitude toward avoiding food waste [1.133 (1.077–1.191), p < 0.001], gratitude for food [1.106 (1.060–1.154), p < 0.001], and the need for an appropriate amount of food choice [1.046 (1.014–1.080), p = 0.005].Conclusion This study identifies appropriate consumer behaviors to maintain health and develop a strategy for food-choice and PCBs.