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Chavez-Ugalde IY, de Vocht F, Jago R, Adams J, Ong KK, Forouhi NG, Colombet Z, Ricardo LIC, van Sluijs E, Toumpakari Z. Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19. Eur J Nutr 2024:10.1007/s00394-024-03458-z. [PMID: 39014218 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents. METHODS We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09-2018/19). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification. We estimated the percentage of Total Energy Intake (%TEI) and the absolute weight (grams). Linear regression models quantified differences in UPF consumption across survey years and its association with participant's individual characteristics. This was an analysis of the repeated cross-sectional data from the UK NDNS Rolling Programme waves 1-11 (2008/09-2018/19). A total of 2991 adolescents (11-18y) with complete information on dietary intake were included. RESULTS Mean UPF consumption was 861 (SD 442) g/d and this accounted for 65.9% (SD 13.4%) of TEI. Between 2008 and 2019, mean UPF consumption decreased from 996 to 776 g/d [ - 211 (95%CI - 302; - 120)] and from 67.7% to 62.8% of TEI [ - 4.8% (95%CI - 8.1; - 1.5)]. Higher %TEI was consumed by adolescents with lower socioeconomic status; white ethnicity and living in England North. A higher weight of UPF consumption (g/d) was associated with being male, white, age 18y, having parents with routine or manual occupation, living in England North, and living with obesity. CONCLUSION Average energy intake from UPF has decreased over a decade in UK adolescents. We observed a social and regional patterning of UPF consumption, with higher consumption among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from a white ethnicity and living in England North. Our findings suggest inequalities associated with UPF intake and factors that might lie beyond individual choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irazu Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (SPHR), Newcastle, UK.
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (SPHR), Newcastle, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Russell Jago
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (SPHR), Newcastle, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (SPHR), Newcastle, UK
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Nita G Forouhi
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Zoé Colombet
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Luiza I C Ricardo
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Esther van Sluijs
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (SPHR), Newcastle, UK
| | - Zoi Toumpakari
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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2
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Buse K, Ralston J, Barquera S. Let's talk differently about obesity. BMJ 2024; 384:q537. [PMID: 38438194 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kent Buse
- Healthier Societies Program, The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon Barquera
- Nutrition and Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. President Elect, World Obesity Federation
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3
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Aguiar A, Gebremariam MK, Romanenko E, Önal F, Kopainsky B, Savona N, Brown A, Allender S, Lien N. System dynamics simulation models on overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Obes Rev 2023; 24 Suppl 2:e13632. [PMID: 37753602 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
It has increasingly been recognized that developing successful obesity prevention policies and interventions requires understanding of the complex mechanisms driving the obesity pandemic and that models could be useful tools for simulating policies. This paper reviews system dynamics simulation models of mechanisms driving childhood overweight and obesity and/or testing of preventive interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted in six databases from inception to January 2023 using terms related to overweight/obesity, children, and system dynamics. Study descriptives, mechanisms, and where to intervene (the leverage points), as well as quality assessments of the simulation models were extracted by two researchers into a predetermined template and narratively synthesized. Seventeen papers describing 15 models were included. Models describing the mechanisms ranged from only intrapersonal factors to models cutting across multiple levels of the ecological model, but mechanisms across levels were lacking. The majority of interventions tested in the simulation models were changes to existing model parameters with less emphasis on models that alter system structure. In conclusion, existing models included mechanisms driving youth obesity at multiple levels of the ecological model. This is useful for developing an integrated simulation model combining mechanisms at multiple levels and allowing for testing fundamental system changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaely Aguiar
- System Dynamics Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Furkan Önal
- System Dynamics Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Natalie Savona
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Brown
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nanna Lien
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Jindarattanaporn N, Suya I, Lorenzetti L, Kantachuvesiri S, Thamarangsi T. Nutritional Content of Popular Menu Items from Online Food Delivery Applications in Bangkok, Thailand: Are They Healthy? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3992. [PMID: 36901000 PMCID: PMC10002036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The rise in online food delivery (OFD) applications has increased access to a myriad of ready-to-eat options, which may lead to unhealthier food choices. Our objective was to assess the nutritional profile of popular menu items available through OFD applications in Bangkok, Thailand. We selected the top 40 popular menu items from three of the most commonly used OFD applications in 2021. Each menu item was collected from the top 15 restaurants in Bangkok for a total of 600 items. Nutritional contents were analysed by a professional food laboratory in Bangkok. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the nutritional content of each menu item, including energy, fat, sodium, and sugar content. We also compared nutritional content to the World Health Organization's recommended daily intake values. The majority of menu items were considered unhealthy, with 23 of the 25 ready-to-eat menu items containing more than the recommended sodium intake for adults. Eighty percent of all sweets contained approximately 1.5 times more sugar than the daily recommendation. Displaying nutrition facts in the OFD applications for menu items and providing consumers with filters for healthier options are required to reduce overconsumption and improve consumer food choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nongnuch Jindarattanaporn
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Inthira Suya
- Better Health Program (BHP) Thailand, Family Health International (FHI360), Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Lara Lorenzetti
- Global Health and Population Research, FHI 360, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Surasak Kantachuvesiri
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thai Low Salt Network, Nephrology Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
| | - Thaksaphon Thamarangsi
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
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McKevitt S, White M, Petticrew M, Summerbell C, Vasiljevic M, Boyland E, Cummins S, Laverty AA, Junghans C, Millett C, De Vocht F, Hrobonova E, Vamos EP. Typology of how 'harmful commodity industries' interact with local governments in England: a critical interpretive synthesis. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e010216. [PMID: 36690378 PMCID: PMC9872461 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Industries that produce and market potentially harmful commodities or services (eg, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, less healthy foods and beverages) are a major influence on the drivers of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The nature and impact of interactions between public bodies and 'harmful commodity industries' (HCIs) has been widely recognised and discussed at national and international levels, but to date little is known about such interactions at local or regional government levels. This study aimed to identify and characterise actual and potential interactions and proposes a typology of interactions between HCIs and English local authorities (LAs). METHODS Five electronic databases covering international literature (PubMed, EBSCO, OVID, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched up to June 2021. We also performed online searches for publicly available, web-based grey literature and documented examples of interactions in an English LA context. We conducted a critical interpretive synthesis of the published and grey literature to integrate and conceptualise the data in the context of English LAs. RESULTS We included 47 published papers to provide the frame for the typology, which was refined and contextualised for English LAs through the available grey literature. Three categories were developed, describing the medium through which interactions occur: (1) direct involvement with LAs, (2) involvement through intermediaries and (3) involvement through the local knowledge space. Within these, we grouped interactions into 10 themes defining their nature and identified illustrative examples. CONCLUSION Our typology identifies complex inter-relationships and characterises interactions between HCIs and LAs, with illustrative examples from English LAs. Drawn from well-established theories and frameworks in combination with contextual information on English LAs, this typology explores the LA perspective and could help local decision-makers to maximise population health while minimising negative impacts of HCIs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021257311.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McKevitt
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Petticrew
- PHP, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Summerbell
- Fuse - Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Milica Vasiljevic
- Fuse - Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anthony A Laverty
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Cornelia Junghans
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Millett
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Frank De Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Eszter P Vamos
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the change in availability of hyper-palatable foods (HPF) in the US foods system over 30 years (1988-2018). DESIGN Three datasets considered representative of the US food system were used in analyses to represent years 1988, 2001 and 2018. A standardised definition from Fazzino et al. (2019) that specifies combinations of nutrients was used to identify HPF. SETTING Analysis of food-item level data was conducted. Differences in the prevalence of HPF were characterised by Cochran's Q and McNemar's tests. Generalised linear mixed models with a fixed effect for time and random intercept for food item estimated change in the likelihood that a food was classified as hyper-palatable over time. PARTICIPANTS No participant data were used. RESULTS The prevalence of HPF increased 20 % from 1988 to 2018 (from 49 % to 69 %; P < 0·0001). The most prominent difference was in the availability of HPF high in fat and Na, which evidenced a 17 % higher prevalence in 2018 compared with 1988 (P < 0·0001). Compared with 1988, the same food items were >2 times more likely to be hyper-palatable in 2001, and the same food items were >4 times more likely to be classified as hyper-palatable in 2018 compared with 1988 (P values < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS The availability of HPF in the US food system increased substantially over 30 years. Existing food products in the food system may have been reformulated over time to enhance their palatability.
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Mackenbach JD, Ibouanga EL, van der Veen MH, Ziesemer KA, Pinho MGM. Relation between the food environment and oral health-systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:606-616. [PMID: 35849329 PMCID: PMC9341680 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is increasing evidence that the food environment, i.e. the availability, accessibility, price and promotion of foods and beverages, has a significant influence on oral health through food consumption. With this systematic literature review, we systematically summarize the available evidence on relations between the food environment and oral health outcomes in children and adults. Methods English-language studies were identified through a systematic literature search, executed by a medical information specialist, on OVID/Medline, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Title and abstract screening, full-text screening and quality assessment [using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool] were done independently by two authors. Results Twenty-three studies were included, of which 1 studied the consumer food environment (food labeling), 3 the community food environment (e.g. number of food stores in the community), 5 the organizational food environment (availability of healthy foods and beverages in schools), 2 the information environment (television advertisements) and 13 government and industry policies related to the food environment (e.g. implementation of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax). Almost all studies found that unhealthy food and beverage environments had adverse effects on oral health, and that policies improving the healthiness of food and beverage environments improved—or would improve in case of a modeling study—oral health. Conclusions This systematic literature review provides evidence, although of low to moderate quality and available in a low quantity only, that several aspects of the food environment, especially policies affecting the food environment, are associated with oral health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joreintje D Mackenbach
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elodie L Ibouanga
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique H van der Veen
- Departments of Preventive Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral hygiene, University for Applied Sciences Inholland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maria G M Pinho
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mc Carthy CM, de Vries R, Mackenbach JD. The influence of unhealthy food and beverage marketing through social media and advergaming on diet-related outcomes in children-A systematic review. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13441. [PMID: 35301815 PMCID: PMC9286387 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Children are increasingly exposed to food and beverage marketing, but little is known about the specific effects of marketing through media most used by children. This study aims to systematically review the influence of unhealthy food and beverage marketing through social media and advergaming on diet-related outcomes in children. Seven databases were systematically searched for English peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative scientific studies on the effects of marketing of unhealthy products through social media or advergaming on a range of diet-related outcomes in children. Risk of bias was assessed with tools specific for the different study designs. Twenty-six studies were included, of which 20 examined the effect of food and beverage marketing through advergaming and six through social media. Most studies had a high risk of bias. The results suggested that unhealthy food and beverage marketing through social media and advergaming has a significant effect on pester behaviors, food choice, and food intake of children. The studies demonstrate that unhealthy food and beverage marketing through media popular with children significantly impacts different diet-related outcomes. Combined with existing evidence on this effect in other settings, this review provides clear evidence of the need for policies targeting screen-based marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Mc Carthy
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph de Vries
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joreintje D Mackenbach
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Chavez-Ugalde Y, Toumpakari Z, White M, De Vocht F, Jago R. Using group model building to frame the commercial determinants of dietary behaviour in adolescence - proposed methods for online system mapping workshops. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:84. [PMID: 35350996 PMCID: PMC8961487 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01576-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group model building (GMB) is a participatory approach whereby diverse stakeholders can share their views about a problem to create a collective understanding of a complex system. In this article we report our methodological approach to adapt face-to-face GMB processes to an online format to explore the mechanisms by which commercial drivers influence adolescents' dietary behaviour. We use our experiences to make recommendations on how online GMB could be delivered. METHODS We planned, adapted, piloted, delivered, and evaluated a series of online GMB workshops with adolescents, policymakers and public health practitioners to create a system map of the commercial determinants of dietary behaviour in adolescence. We adapted face-to-face GMB workshops to a series of 3 online GMB workshops with 11 adolescents (16-18 years) living in the Southwest of England, and one GMB workshop with policymakers and public health practitioners. RESULTS In our experience, adapting, and delivering GMB online is feasible, engaging, cost-saving and an enjoyable experience. Participants gave positive feedback in terms of engagement and enjoyment, and it allowed them to recognise different points of view about the same problem. Participants became familiarised with system thinking and system dynamics concepts, developed a shared understanding of a complex issue and portrayed it in a system map that depicted the most important factors in a causal structure as well as their interactions at various levels. CONCLUSIONS We recommend using process mapping to understand the overall GMB process in an online environment and piloting the workshops to test the timings and flow between online platforms. For facilitation and delivery, facilitators need to ensure they can create an inviting and engaging online environment, even for participants who decide to have their cameras off. Separating GMB activities into different workshops allowed participants to reflect on the problem being discussed and bring new ideas to subsequent workshops. Evaluating the workshops enabled us to build evidence on the trade-offs between the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of online GMB workshops, and how this might be enhanced to identify leverage points and achieve systemic changes in complex issues. ETHICAL APPROVAL The research was approved by the University of Bristol's Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 99,003) and written consent was received from all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde
- NIHR School for Public Health Research, Bristol, UK. .,Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, BG3, Oakfield House, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Zoi Toumpakari
- Centre for Exercise, School for Policy Studies, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Martin White
- NIHR School for Public Health Research, Bristol, UK.,MRC Epidemiology Unit and Centre for Diet & Activity Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank De Vocht
- NIHR School for Public Health Research, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, BG3, Oakfield House, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), Bristol, UK
| | - Russell Jago
- NIHR School for Public Health Research, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, BG3, Oakfield House, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.,Centre for Exercise, School for Policy Studies, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), Bristol, UK
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10
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Hoe C, Weiger C, Minosa MKR, Alonso F, Koon AD, Cohen JE. Strategies to expand corporate autonomy by the tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage industry: a scoping review of reviews. Global Health 2022; 18:17. [PMID: 35164801 PMCID: PMC8845406 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noncommunicable diseases contribute to over 70% of global deaths each year. Efforts to address this epidemic are complicated by the presence of powerful corporate actors. Despite this, few attempts have been made to synthesize existing evidence of the strategies used to advance corporate interests across industries. Given this, our study seeks to answer the questions: 1) Is there an emergent taxonomy of strategies used by the tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) industries to expand corporate autonomy? 2) How are these strategies similar and how are they different? METHODS Under the guidance of a framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, a scoping review was carried out whereby six databases were searched in June 2021 to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature. To be included in this review, studies had to explicitly discuss the strategies used by the tobacco, alcohol, and/or sugar-sweetened beverage multinational corporations and be considered review articles aimed to synthesize existing evidence from at least one of the three industries. Eight hundred and fifty-eight articles were selected for full review and 59 articles were retained for extraction, analysis, and categorization. RESULTS Results identified six key strategies the industries used: 1) influencing government policy making and implementation, 2) challenging unfavorable science, 3) creating a positive image, 4) manipulating markets, 5) mounting legal challenges, and 6) anticipating future scenarios. Despite these similarities, there are few but important differences. Under the strategy of influencing government policy making and implementation, for example, literature showed that the alcohol and SSB industries have been "privileged with high levels of participation" within international public health organizations. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how industries resist efforts to control them is important for public health advocates working to reduce consumption of and death and diseases resulting from harmful commodities. Moreover, there is a greater need for the public health community to generate consensus about how to ethically engage or not engage with industries that produce unhealthy commodities. More studies are also needed to build the evidence base of industry tactics to resist regulation, particularly in the case of SSB, and in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Hoe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Caitlin Weiger
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marela Kay R Minosa
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Fernanda Alonso
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Adam D Koon
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joanna E Cohen
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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