Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Food Additives and Obesity

Obesity is a chronic health problem that affects the health and wellbeing of its population. The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to examine whether there is a relationship between individuals’ knowledge regarding food additives and obesity. The research questions concerned knowledge participants had regarding food additives and obesity. The theoretical foundation for this study was the social learning theory. The participants for this study were recruited from a religious organization in central Florida via announcements in the church bulletin. The method of study was a survey using Survey Monkey online website and the data analysis method was using SPSS software program. According to study results, on average, the level of knowledge regarding food additives and obesity was a score of 5 out of 7, and there was no difference in knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs among the study participants based on age, income, gender, education, or racial group. The linear regression model indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between associate degree and knowledge; however, assumption testing revealed that there were issues of heteroscedasticity indicating that the results should be treated with caution. Social change implications based on the findings of this study include a need for additional education regarding the relationship between food additives and obesity, particularly among individuals with lower levels of education.

Author(s):

Lorna Ingram*

Abstract | PDF

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