Trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in 16 US states: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1990-1996

OBJECTIVES: This study examined trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in 16 US states. METHODS: Data from telephone surveys were used to stratify respondents by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. RESULTS: The proportion of adults who consumed fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily was 19%, 22%, and 23% in 1990, 1994, and 1996, respectively. While the proportion increased among those with active leisure-time physical activities and normal weight, it remained almost the same among inactive people and dropped among the obese. CONCLUSIONS: Progress in fruit and vegetable intake from 1990 to 1994 was encouraging, but it changed little between 1994 and 1996.