Low-Carbohydrate Diets Food Service Industry Ever Since

¶ … Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Food Service Industry

Ever since history has been recorded food has played a pivotal role in human interaction. An investigation into food-related topics, such as global food problems, the sociological factors in food consumption, food policy, the symbolic meaning of food, dieting and food fads, and the role of the mass media in food choices is a never-ending procedure. Food products have not only been a tool for barter but a status symbol, an aphrodisiac and even a negative reinforcement of depression (Rotenburg, 1999), or even the cause of depression (Westover, 2002). Some foods have even been used for medicinal purposes such as teas, herbs, and roots. The types and amounts of food an individual chooses to eat not only affect his or her well-being, but also have implications for society as a whole. The choices of which foods to eat, where, and when are intensely personal, influenced by not only prices and income, but also sociological factors, family structure, time constraints, medical claims, and imagery through commercialization.

No area more targeted is that of the American population who, regardless of the psychological and/or medical factors behind the obsession with foods, is becoming a cultural and sociological concern in today's society. Researchers, sociologists, psychologists, physicians, and nutritionists must put forth a combined effort not only to analyze the causal factors but also develop programs on how to effectively deal with the problem. One approach to a better understanding of why there is an increase in obesity (Karp, 1998) in the past twenty years and why certain types of foods and diets are being touted as healthy while others are not. The remainder of this paper will investigate one such diet regimen, low-carbohydrate, with respect to gaining popularity and the effect its popularity is having on the food service industry. In addition discussion will be presented with America's apparent need to embrace a fad lifestyle, albeit food, apparel, automobile, or any other stimulus product related.

Research Question. To what extent is the "low-carbohydrate" diet phenomenon a marketing ploy or a genuine concern for America's health? A secondary research question that will be addressed with respect to the "carbohydrate or non- carbohydrate" phenomenon is whether or not the low-carbohydrate diets are definitely an American mainstay.

Research Hypothesis. As the current research investigation is qualitative by design there will be no need for a testable statistical null hypothesis. Evidentiary support will be provided by way of a literature review wherein a thorough analysis will be made of existing information relative to the research project. On the basis of the qualitative investigation a determination will be made with whether or not further investigation is warranted visa via a quantitative study. More specifically the scientific method employed in the present research investigation will provide a systematic and organized series of steps that will ensure the greatest amount and objectivity and consistency in researching the aforementioned research question. As such reliability and validity of the findings will be provided with respect to patterns and interrelationships of the variables previously identified.

At this juncture measurement data gathering and statistical data analysis has not been deemed necessary and/or appropriate for the following reasons:

1. A need has yet to be established highlighting the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on the American population visa via nutritionists, physicians, health advocates, general public, or food manufacturers.

2. Government (FDA) alerts have not been issued with warnings against low carbohydrate diets.

3. Although the fad of a low carbohydrate diet seems to exist, obesity in America is also rising -- a counter interface.

Supportive Data. The effects of low-carbohydrate diets on the food service industry cannot be discussed without first discussing the concept of obesity and dietary significance in America. Without America's love affair with food, plus the fact that the obesity rate in the United States is higher than any other country, there would exist no multibillion dollar diet industry, including the low-carbohydrate one. Although not a topic for this paper it is nonetheless important to note that successful weight loss strategies and effective treatments of obesity are significantly lacking. As a direct result public interest in alternative dietary approaches to weight loss has spiraled. The most notable program being publicized as the answer to weight loss and obesity is Dr. Atkins' (1998) low-carbohydrate dietary program.