The Food Pyramid: Established 30 years ago by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food Pyramid led directly to the increased consumption of refined carbohydrates — a leading cause of obesity, say nutritional scientists. Wrongly accused, dietary fat was placed at the tiny tip of the pyramid, which pointed Americans toward eating more carbohydrates; a recommended seven daily servings of cereal, bread, pasta and the like sat at the base of the pyramid. Though the government has modified its stance and today promotes the My Plate guidelines, with far fewer carbohydrates, the die was cast, and the trouble began.