A Comparison of Food Motivations in Germany and the United States

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a growing global problem and prevention has been a challenging task. Motivation could be key to understanding human food choices. The environment can have an influence on eating motivation. A comparison of two nationalities’ eating motivation could verify whether those variances are significant for healthpromoting interventions. Method: This study used The Eating Motivation Scale to explore differences in food attitudes between Germany and the United States of America. A combination of other instruments was used to briefly assess other factors influencing motivation such as health motivation, health responsibility, locus of control, influence of important others, body satisfaction, diet behavior, and diet quality. Results: The most important motives for food choice overall are Liking, Need and Hunger, and Health. 6 out of 15 motives are significantly different across nationalities. USAmericans are less motivated by Liking and Natural Concerns, but more motivated by Convenience, Social Norms, Social Image, and Affect Regulation than Germans. US-Americans are easier influenced by their social environment and exhibit less internal control. USAmericans are highly health-oriented but more likely to be obese. Results suggest a correlation between weight loss and emotional eating. Conclusion: Some differences in motivation for food choice exist between Germany and USA. The motives are influenced by other behavioral factors.