Among many moth-eaten perceptions about the American diet is one that links the disproportionate consumption of fast food to low-income families.

Back in 2011, a national study by a team at UC Davis concluded that as American salaries grow into the upper echelons of middle income, so does fast-food intake. “Low prices, convenience and free toys target the middle class — especially budget-conscious, hurried parents — very well,” wrote professor J. Paul Leigh, the senior author of the study. He adds that fast food is most popular among the people who are less likely to be obese.

But could that possibly be true?

Read the article “The Myth That Links Poor Families to Fast Food” on theatlantic.com.