Impact of increasing the availability of healthier vs. less-healthy food on food selection: a randomised laboratory experiment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Environmental cues shape behaviour, but few studies compare the impact of targeting healthier vs. less-healthy cues. One online study suggested greater impact on selection from increasing the number of less-healthy (vs. healthier) snacks. The current study aimed to: (1) extend the previous study by using physically-present snacks for immediate consumption; (2) explore responsiveness by socio-economic position; (3) investigate possible mediators (response inhibition, food appeal) of any socio-economic differences in selection.

Methods

In a between-subjects laboratory experiment UK adults (n = 417) were randomised according to their ID number (without blinding) to one of three ranges of options: Two healthier, two less-healthy ["Equal"] (n = 136); Six healthier, two

SUBMITTER: Pechey R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7849186 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature