The Hidden Risks of Eating Out: Exploring the Link Between Dining Frequency and Obesity

German Researchers Analyze Data from 280,000 Adults Across 65 Countries

Clear Link Between Dining Out and Obesity in Lower- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries

A recent study has found that frequent dining out can increase the risk of obesity. According to the findings, one in two adults worldwide eats out at least once a week, and the more often people consume food prepared outside the home, the stronger the association with being overweight or obese.

On May 12 (local time), a joint research team from the University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University in Germany presented these results at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) held in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The frequency of dining out was closely related to the country's income level. The average number of dining out occasions per week in high-income countries was 3.7, more than three times higher than the 1.1 times in low-income countries. In the United States, 84% of adults reported dining out weekly. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The researchers analyzed the correlation between dining-out habits and body weight among 280,265 adults aged 18 or older, using national health survey data collected from 65 countries between 2009 and 2021. The analysis showed that 47% of all respondents dine out at least once a week. However, there were significant regional differences: in the Americas, 81% of respondents reported eating out weekly, while the rate was 26% in Southeast Asia and 36% in Central Europe.

The frequency of dining out was also closely related to national income levels. Adults in high-income countries dined out an average of 3.7 times per week—over three times more than the 1.1 times per week recorded in low-income countries. In the United States, 84% of adults reported dining out every week, and the average frequency reached four times per week. Differences were also observed by gender, age, and occupation. Men dined out more frequently than women, and higher rates were seen among younger people, unmarried individuals, office workers, and those with higher education levels. In lower-middle-income countries, a higher personal income was also associated with more frequent dining out.

Higher Frequency of Dining Out Among Men, Younger People, Unmarried Individuals, and Office Workers

Dining out was also linked to obesity. In low-income countries, the proportion of obese individuals who dine out was 39% higher than that of people with normal weight. Overweight individuals also dined out 28% more frequently than those with normal weight. In lower-middle-income countries, the frequency of dining out among people with obesity was 20% higher than that of people with normal weight. Mubarak Sulola, who led the research, explained, "In low- and lower-middle-income countries, dining out showed a consistent association with obesity," and added, "This appears to be influenced by a nutrition transition, with increased accessibility to large, high-calorie meals." He also noted, "In low-income countries, dining out is still considered a symbol of affluence, whereas in high-income countries, it has already become an everyday norm."

The researchers noted that externally prepared foods, especially fast food and processed foods, generally have high calorie content and are rich in salt, sugar, and saturated fats, which can contribute to weight gain. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The research team observed that foods prepared outside the home, especially fast food and processed foods, are generally high in calories and contain large amounts of salt, sugar, and saturated fat, which can contribute to weight gain. Sebastian Vollmer, a professor at the University of Göttingen, emphasized, "In today's food environment, it is not easy to avoid overeating and choose healthy foods." He continued, "As dining out becomes more widespread globally, public health policies should focus on the food service industry as a key point in obesity prevention."

However, the researchers cautioned that, as this study is a cross-sectional analysis based on data from a single point in time, it cannot be concluded that dining out directly causes obesity. They also noted limitations, such as some survey data being outdated and insufficient reflection of physical activity or energy expenditure. In addition, dietary habits were self-reported by respondents, meaning that actual consumption could have been underreported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.