Bad buffet behavior?

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Overweight people behave differently than leaner people at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Twenty-two trained observers watched 213 patrons at 11 all-you-can-eat Chinese food buffets in several cities. Diners who were overweight or obese were more likely than normal-weight diners to:

* Serve themselves immediately (rather than browse the buffet)

* Choose a large plate

* Sit facing the buffet

* Use a fork rather than chopsticks

* Sit without a napkin on their laps

What to do: If you're at an all-you-can-eat buffet and are watching your weight, watch your eating behavior. Use a small plate (so you'll take smaller portions). If you're eating Chinese, use chopsticks (to slow you down). Don't face the buffet (so the food isn't uppermost in your mind). And take your time before rushing to serve yourself. And the napkin? That's up to you.

Obesity 16: 1957, 2008.