A recent study carried out by the University of North Carolina has found that the calorie intake of Americans has risen in the past few years. The study has also revealed that the main contributor to the sharp rise in calorie intake was found to be the number of snacks and meals people eat per day.

Barry Popkin, Ph. D., a Professor of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said that the frequency of eating is another major issue in the country. Professor Popkin said that sugar-loaded drinks have also contributed to the average daily calorie intake.

Study has found that an average American eats 570 more calories a day than in 1977. The calorie intake of people has increased sharply. Researchers have found that the number of meals and snacks consumed each day rose from 3.8 in 1977 to 4.8 in 2006.

Unhealthy lifestyle and diet plan is the major reason behind the rise which can lead to overweight or obesity.

People are advised to cut down their calorie intake to avoid major health complication which could arise from obesity.