Trends in Dietary Patterns and Diet-related Behaviors in China.

Determination of trends in diet-related behaviors and their interactions with cardio-metabolic diseases is an important research endeavor. We analyzed food categories, weight, eating frequency, eating location, cooking methods, time of food intake, dietary knowledge, food preference, nutritional structure over time, and their interaction with cardiometabolic risks, using t tests and χ² tests, based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey packages from 1997 to 2011. Consumption of fruits, dairy products, snacks, fast food, and beverages has increased significantly, as a concomitant and marked decrease in rice consumption has occurred. Food categories, eating frequency, cooking methods, and at-home eating are gradually increasing and diversifying. Persons not only prefer to consume carbohydrate-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, but also enjoy energy-dense foods like meat, snacks, and beverages. There has been a switch from a predominantly plant-based diet to a Western style diet high in fat and animal-based foods. People have undergone significant changes in reducing the intake of energy, carbohydrates, and protein, but significantly increased their fat intake. Chinese dietary patterns and diet-related behaviors have undergone significant transition in the past few decades, trending towards diversification and modernization.