Only 12 percent of Americans had scores on the Healthy Eating Index that were 80 or above. The average scores for the 2 years studied were similar at 63.8 and 63.9. One-third or less of the people surveyed consumed the suggested number of servings from the 5 major food groups. People were most likely to underconsume in the fruit, vegetable and grain groups. In addition, variety in the diet was limited and intakes of total fat and saturated fat were above recommended levels for more than 80 percent of the individuals studied.
Some individuals are more likely than others to consume a poor diet.
Although the average Healthy Eating Index score for most people needs improvement, some individuals are at a higher risk of a low Index. Persons from low-income households, individuals with less education, and persons in the 15 to 39 year age category were most likely to have lower average scores on the Healthy Eating Index. The Index provides a standard for assessing overall dietary quality. Based on the most current scientific information available, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by USDA and DHHS, and the Food Guide Pyramid , the Index was developed to provide a single summary measure of dietary quality. The Index is based on the five major food groups from the Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines .