How a mere 12% of Americans eat half the nation’s beef, creating significant health and environmental impacts

A new study found that 12% of Americans eat half of the beef consumed that day, and the findings suggest that consumer groups and government agencies are aware of the negative health and environmental impacts of beef consumption. can help create educational messages about

Twelve percent of them (most likely men or people between the ages of 50 and 65) eat what researchers say is a disproportionate amount of beef on any given day, but this is a distinction based on the latest American Dietary Guidelines, suggesting 4 ounces per day. A total of meat, poultry and eggs for those consuming 2,200 calories per day.

Research published in journals nutrientsanalyzed data from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Survey, which followed the diets of more than 10,000 adults for 24 hours. The world’s food system emits 17 billion tons of greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to one third of the global greenhouse gases produced by human activity. The beef industry is a big contributor, producing 8 to 10 times more emissions than chicken and over 50 times more than beans.

“We focused on beef because of its environmental impact and its high content of saturated fat, which is unhealthy,” said Tulane University Graduate School of Medicine, corresponding and senior author of the study. Professor and Nutrition Program Director Diego Rose said. public health and tropical medicine.

Rose said the purpose of the study is to support education programs and awareness campaigns for people who eat disproportionate amounts of beef. At a time when climate change awareness is at an all-time high, honing the message on the environmental impact of beef production is crucial.

Rose said he and his fellow researchers were “surprised” that so few people were responsible for so much beef consumption, but the findings are encouraging to sustainability advocates. I don’t know yet if it will.

“On the other hand, even if only 12% make up half of all beef consumption, leveraging that 12% can be very profitable,” Rose said. “On the other hand, that 12% of him may be the most resistant to change.”

The study also found that non-disproportionate beef consumers were more likely to look into the USDA’s food guidance system, MyPlate.

“While this may indicate that exposure to dietary guidelines can be an effective tool for changing eating behavior, those who are aware of healthy or sustainable eating habits should It may also be true that they are more likely to be aware of the tools of others,” he said. Amelia Willits-Smith is the lead author of the paper and a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Almost a third of the beef consumed on any given day was beef cuts such as steaks and brisket. However, six of the top 10 sauces were mixed dishes such as burgers, burritos, tacos, meatloaf, and meat sauce spaghetti. Some of these foods present an easy opportunity for a biased beef eater to change their eating habits.

“If you’re buying a burrito, it’s just as easy to ask for chicken instead of beef,” says Willits-Smith.

People under 29 and over 66 were the least likely to eat large amounts of beef. Rhodes said this shows that younger generations may be interested in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

“Young people have hope because it’s the planet they inherit,” Rose said. “In my class, I have seen students take an interest in what they eat, how it affects the environment, and what they can do about it.”

In addition to Rose and Willits-Smith, authors on the study include Tulane Clinical Assistant Professor Keilia O’Malley, Ph.D., and Tulane Master of Public Health graduate Harmony Odinga.