Final answer:
The typical American has a diverse diet with a high calorie intake, with trends showing an increase in the affordability and consumption of calories due to economic growth. Sugary drink consumption by nearly half of Americans and increased portion sizes have raised health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical American is known for having a diet that includes a variety of foods and often a high intake of calories. Considering that the average person eats half of a ton of food each year, it's interesting to note the changes in dietary trends and the associated impacts on health. For instance, the intake of sugary drinks remains high, with about 50% of Americans consuming them daily, which can contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Moreover, historical data shows that economic growth has significantly increased the number of calories that individuals can afford. Calories and economic growth are closely related, as evidenced by the fact that calories accessible for consumption have risen sharply from 2,500 in the 1600s to a staggering 2.4 million food calories that could be purchased per day by a worker in 2012.
Despite the abundance of food available, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines highlight challenges such as increased portion sizes, higher use of sugars, oils, fats, and sodium (SOFAS), and a sedentary lifestyle, which are not offset by physical activity. This has resulted in obesity and physical inactivity becoming prevalent issues in contemporary society.