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Thai TTH, Le HND, Mihalopoulos C, Austin SB, Le LKD. Economic costs associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors among Australian adolescents. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:341-352. [PMID: 38054343 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the relationship between unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) and their associated economic costs among adolescents using the 2014-2018 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). METHODS LSAC data in Wave 6 (n = 3538 adolescents aged 14-15 years), Wave 7 n = 3089 adolescents aged 16-17 years), and Wave 8 (n = 3037 adolescents aged 18-19 years) were derived from a representative sample of Australian adolescents. UWCBs were measured using the self-reported Branched Eating Disorder Test questionnaire. UWCBs were sub-classified into having fasting behaviors, using weight loss supplements or purging behaviors. Economic costs include healthcare and productivity costs to caregivers. Healthcare costs were measured using data from the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits, which includes both medical and pharmaceutical costs. Productivity losses were measured using caregivers' lost leisure time due to UWCBs among adolescents. RESULTS The mixed effect model identified statistically significant higher economic costs (mean difference = $453, 95% CIs $154, $752), higher health care costs (mean difference = $399, 95% CIs $102, $695), and higher productivity costs (mean difference = $59, 95% CIs $29, $90) for adolescents with UWCBs compared to their peers with no UWCBs. Subgroup analysis revealed that higher costs were associated with fasting and purging behaviors. DISCUSSION UWCBs were associated with increased economic costs during adolescence. Our finding suggests there should be a policy focus on tackling UWCBs to reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system and society. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The study contributes to existing knowledge by investigating the direct healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors in Australian adolescents (14-18 years old) using a dataset that follows Australian adolescents over time. We found that engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors such as fasting, using weight loss supplements, and purging was linked to higher costs among adolescents, suggesting policies should focus on addressing these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao T H Thai
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ha N D Le
- Institute of Health Transformation, Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cathrine Mihalopoulos
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long Khanh-Dao Le
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Raffoul A, Turner SL, Salvia MG, Austin SB. Population-level policy recommendations for the prevention of disordered weight control behaviors: A scoping review. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:1463-1479. [PMID: 37096990 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this scoping review was to identify recommendations and gaps in knowledge surrounding the prevention of disordered weight control behaviors (DWCBs) through policy. METHOD A search was conducted in several databases to identify English language articles that described an active policy, recommendation, guideline, or educational curriculum that could be implemented by governments or regulatory bodies to prevent DWCBs or related constructs (e.g., weight stigma, body dissatisfaction). Two researchers independently screened articles with oversight from a third researcher. Data were extracted from the final sample (n = 65) and analyzed qualitatively across all articles and within the domains of education, public policy, public health, industry regulation, and media. RESULTS Only a single empirical evaluation of an implemented policy to reduce DWCBs was identified. Over one-third of articles proposed recommendations relating to industry regulation and media (n = 24, 36.9%), followed by education (n = 21, 32.3%), public policy (n = 19, 29.2%), and public health (n = 10, 15.4%). Recommendations included school-based changes to curricula, staff training, and anti-bullying policies; legislation to ban weight discrimination; policies informed by strategic science; collaboration with researchers from other fields; de-emphasizing weight in health communications; diversifying body sizes and limiting modified images in media; and restricting the sale of weight-loss supplements. DISCUSSION The findings of this review highlight gaps in empirically evaluated policies to reduce DWCBs but also promising policy recommendations across several domains. Although some policy recommendations were supported by empirical evidence, others were primarily based on experts' knowledge, highlighting the need for greater research on population-level DWCBs prevention through policy. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Our scoping review of the evidence on policies for the prevention of disordered weight control behaviors identified several recommendations across the domains of education, public policy, public health, and industry regulation and media. Although few empirical investigations of implemented policies have been conducted, expert recommendations for policies to prevent disordered weight control behaviors among populations are plentiful and warrant future consideration by researchers and policymakers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Raffoul
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha L Turner
- Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meg G Salvia
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Craddock N, Spotswood F, Rumsey N, Diedrichs PC. "We should educate the public that cosmetic procedures are as safe as normal medicine": Understanding corporate social responsibility from the perspective of the cosmetic procedures industry. Body Image 2022; 43:75-86. [PMID: 36063763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cosmetic procedures industry is profitable and expanding. Through its premise and promotion, the industry contributes to unrealistic societal appearance pressures considered harmful to body image. In the context of limited regulation, there is an uneasy reliance on businesses in the sector to act in a socially responsible way. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to voluntary business practices designed to benefit society, and engagement in CSR is shaped by extrinsic and intrinsic drivers. This study aimed to explore how senior UK industry professionals view CSR as it applies to their sector and to body image. Findings from 14 semi-structured interviews show that participants' understanding of CSR was limited to a myopic focus on patients. Little reflexivity was demonstrated in relation to the industry's responsibilities concerning negative body image in society. More broadly, the drivers of socially responsible practice were overwhelmingly extrinsic - oftentimes explicitly linked to bolstering or protecting company and/ or industry reputation. Participants, acknowledging a lack of intrinsic motivation for CSR across the sector, were largely in support of greater regulation. This research contributes to understandings of how the adoption of a CSR agenda might combine with regulatory efforts to curb the industry's impact on negative body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Craddock
- Centre for Appearance Research, Frenchay Campus, UWE, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Fiona Spotswood
- School of Management, University of Bristol, 4.07 Howard House, Queen's Avenue, Bristol BS8 1SD, UK
| | - Nichola Rumsey
- Centre for Appearance Research, Frenchay Campus, UWE, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
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New approaches to the prevention of eating disorders. NUTR HOSP 2022; 39:138-149. [DOI: 10.20960/nh.04189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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5
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Selensky JC, Carels RA. Weight stigma and media: An examination of the effect of advertising campaigns on weight bias, internalized weight bias, self-esteem, body image, and affect. Body Image 2021; 36:95-106. [PMID: 33217717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While some media perpetuate weight stigma and an ideal of thinness, certain advertising campaigns, such as Aerie Real and Dove Real Beauty, have attempted to promote body acceptance. The current study evaluated the influence of exposure to these campaigns on weight bias, internalized weight bias (IWB), self-esteem, body image, and affect relative to exposure to a campaign perpetuating the thin ideal and a documentary on weight stigma. 475 female participants were randomized to one of five conditions: Aerie, Dove, Victoria's Secret, an HBO documentary, or control (i.e., neutral video clip). Participants completed measures of weight bias, IWB, self-esteem, body image, and affect one week prior to and immediately after watching the assigned video clip. Results showed positive effects of the Aerie and Dove campaigns on women. While global measures of weight bias and IWB were unchanged, women who viewed the Dove and Aerie campaigns reported significantly improved self-esteem and positive affect. Further, women found the campaigns to have positive, uplifting, and empowering messages. Aerie's and Dove's acceptance-promoting advertising campaigns positively influenced self-esteem and mood, and they are potential tools for weight bias reduction. Advertisements and media have the potential to impact weight-based attitudes in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Selensky
- East Carolina University, East Fifth Street, 104 Rawl Building, Greenville, NC 27858, United States.
| | - Robert A Carels
- East Carolina University, East Fifth Street, 104 Rawl Building, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
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Ashcraft LE, Quinn DA, Brownson RC. Strategies for effective dissemination of research to United States policymakers: a systematic review. Implement Sci 2020; 15:89. [PMID: 33059748 PMCID: PMC7560305 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-020-01046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has the potential to influence US social policy; however, existing research in this area lacks a coherent message. The Model for Dissemination of Research provides a framework through which to synthesize lessons learned from research to date on the process of translating research to US policymakers. METHODS The peer-reviewed and grey literature was systematically reviewed to understand common strategies for disseminating social policy research to policymakers in the United States. We searched Academic Search Premier, PolicyFile, SocINDEX, Social Work Abstracts, and Web of Science from January 1980 through December 2019. Articles were independently reviewed and thematically analyzed by two investigators and organized using the Model for Dissemination of Research. RESULTS The search resulted in 5225 titles and abstracts for inclusion consideration. 303 full-text articles were reviewed with 27 meeting inclusion criteria. Common sources of research dissemination included government, academic researchers, the peer reviewed literature, and independent organizations. The most frequently disseminated research topics were health-related, and legislators and executive branch administrators were the most common target audience. Print materials and personal communication were the most common channels for disseminating research to policymakers. There was variation in dissemination channels by level of government (e.g., a more formal legislative process at the federal level compared with other levesl). Findings from this work suggest that dissemination is most effective when it starts early, galvanizes support, uses champions and brokers, considers contextual factors, is timely, relevant, and accessible, and knows the players and process. CONCLUSIONS Effective dissemination of research to US policymakers exists; yet, rigorous quantitative evaluation is rare. A number of cross-cutting strategies appear to enhance the translation of research evidence into policy. REGISTRATION Not registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ellen Ashcraft
- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, 2117 Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Deirdre A Quinn
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C, Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Ross C Brownson
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Yergaliyev KA, Aveling EL, Lee RM, Austin SB. Lessons for Local Policy Initiatives to Address Dietary Supplement Use Among Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholders' Perceptions. J Adolesc Health 2020; 67:550-556. [PMID: 32387096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Weight-loss and muscle-building dietary supplements can have adverse health consequences for youth. At a time, when the Food and Drug Administration is considering increasing oversight of dietary supplements, this study aimed to explore community stakeholders' perceptions about the use of and access to such supplements among adolescents and to identify challenges and opportunities to engage stakeholders with policy initiatives to curtail youth access to supplements at the local level. METHOD We conducted 32 key informant semistructured interviews in four municipalities in Massachusetts with purposefully selected participants representing three categories of community stakeholders who could contribute to policy agenda setting at the local level: policy professionals, youth service providers, and young adults aged 18-25 years who used weight-loss or muscle-building supplements as minors. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, deidentified, and analyzed using thematic analysis approach, facilitated by Dedoose software. RESULTS Community stakeholders reported wide availability and easy access to dietary supplements. Most participants were unaware of health risks. Many stakeholders did not perceive the use of these products as an issue impacting youth in their communities. The challenges identified in engaging stakeholders were competing concerns on the policy agenda, limited capacity of stakeholders, and uncertainty about who is accountable for the problem. CONCLUSION This study indicates the need for complementary, multipronged approaches at the municipal level to address the problem of weak regulation and easy access to potentially dangerous weight-loss and muscle-building supplements for youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuanysh A Yergaliyev
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; SDU Business School, Suleyman Demirel University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Emma-Louise Aveling
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebekka M Lee
- Department of Social and Behavior Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Social and Behavior Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Craddock N, Ramsey M, Spotswood F, Halliwell E, Diedrichs PC. Can big business foster positive body image? Qualitative insights from industry leaders walking the talk. Body Image 2019; 30:93-106. [PMID: 31228774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The fashion, beauty, and advertising industries have been positioned as key contributors to body dissatisfaction through the promotion of unrealistic and homogenous appearance ideals. Recently, some businesses within these industries have started to disrupt the status quo by taking actions that can be seen to be fostering positive body image (e.g., through representative and diverse imagery, body acceptance messages, and inclusive product ranges). The aim of this study was to explore the opportunities and challenges to foster positive body image from a business perspective. Participants were purposively selected based on their experience of leading business actions to foster positive body image in fashion, beauty, and/or advertising. In total, 45 individuals (82% women) took part in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and then analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) Personal motivations for championing change, (2) Industry ingrained appearance standards, (3) Business barriers to fostering positive body image, and (4) Fostering positive body image as an effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. This study provides future directions for research aimed at creating healthier body image environments in addition to considerations for businesses seeking to foster positive body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Craddock
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Fiona Spotswood
- Economics, Finance and Management, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Halliwell
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Phillippa C Diedrichs
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Ambwani S, Shippe M, Gao Z, Austin SB. Is #cleaneating a healthy or harmful dietary strategy? Perceptions of clean eating and associations with disordered eating among young adults. J Eat Disord 2019; 7:17. [PMID: 31171970 PMCID: PMC6545628 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-019-0246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although "clean eating" is widely propagated through social media and anecdotal reports in the popular press, there is almost no scientific research on this potentially risky dietary strategy. The current investigation explored definitions and perceptions of "clean eating" and its associations with indicators of disordered eating among diverse U.S.-based undergraduates. METHOD Undergraduates (N = 148, M age = 19.41 years, 70.3% women) were asked to define "clean eating" via an open-ended question and then read vignettes featuring five "clean" diets, all of which caused mild functional impairment across multiple domains. Participants rated the extent to which they believed the diet was 1) "healthy," 2) reflective of "clean eating," and 3) likely to be adopted by them. Finally, participants completed questionnaires to assess body appearance evaluation, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating disorder symptoms, and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa. RESULTS Open-ended responses indicated that participants defined "clean eating" in varied but overwhelmingly positive terms. Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that the "meal substitution" vignette was perceived as the least healthy, least "clean," and least likely to be adopted, whereas the "new" (balanced) diet vignette was rated the highest on these domains. Correlations among diet perceptions and indicators of disordered eating were positive and significant. CONCLUSIONS "Clean eating" is likely a heterogeneous phenomenon that is viewed favorably by U.S.-based college students even when it is linked with functional impairment and emotional distress. Ongoing examination of "clean eating" could clarify the potential benefits and risks posed by this dietary strategy and thus inform eating disorder prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Ambwani
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013 USA
- Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Meghan Shippe
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013 USA
| | - Ziting Gao
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013 USA
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
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Austin SB, Liu SH, Tefft N. Could a tax on unhealthy products sold for weight loss reduce consumer use? A novel estimation of potential taxation effects. Prev Med 2018; 114:39-46. [PMID: 29842920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Abuse of widely available, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements such as diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics by adolescents for weight control is well-documented, yet manufacturers and retailers can sell them to minors without restriction. The aim of our study was to estimate the effect of added taxation of OTC drugs and dietary supplements sold for weight loss on household purchases of these products. With data from 60,538 U.S. households in the 2012 waves of the Nielsen/IRi National Consumer Panel (NCP) and the Nielsen/IRi Retail Scanner (NRS) datasets, we conducted analyses in 2017 to tally annual quantities and expenditures on OTC drugs or dietary supplements making weight-loss, cleanse/detox, or diuretic claims. We estimated the percent reduction in household purchases due to a simulated 20% added tax on each category. Among the 14,151 households reporting at least one purchase in the three claims categories, a 20% higher average price of weight-loss products was associated with a 5.2% lower purchases of those products. Among households with children ages 12 to 17 years old present, purchases were 17.5% lower, and among households with a daughter present, purchases were 10.3% lower. Taxation may be an effective public health strategy to reduce purchasing of potentially dangerous OTC drugs and supplements sold for weight loss, especially for households that include children ages 12-17 years old or a daughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Selena Hua Liu
- Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Simmons College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan Tefft
- Department of Economics, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, USA
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Roberto CA, Brownell KD. Strategic science for eating disorders research and policy impact. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:312-314. [PMID: 28170107 PMCID: PMC5378607 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Scientific research often fails to have relevance and impact because scientists do not engage policy makers and influencers in the process of identifying information needs and generating high priority questions. To address this scholarship-policy gap, we have developed a model of Strategic Science. This research approach involves working with policy makers and influencers to craft research questions that will answer important and timely policy-related questions. The goal is to create tighter links between research and policy and ensure findings are communicated efficiently to change agents best positioned to apply the research to policy debates. In this article, we lay out a model for Strategic Science and describe how this approach may help advance policy research and action for eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelly D Brownell
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Rodgers RF, Ziff S, Lowy AS, Yu K, Austin SB. Results of a strategic science study to inform policies targeting extreme thinness standards in the fashion industry. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:284-292. [PMID: 28138974 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The appearance pressures experienced by fashion models have been criticized as harmful to their health, as well as increasing eating disorder risk among youth by promoting ideals of extreme thinness. Given recent legislation to protect models, we undertook a strategic science study to assess professional fashion models' perceptions of the potential impact and feasibility of seven policy proposals. A sample of 85 female fashion models, mean age = 22.7 years (SD 3.7) completed an online survey assessing unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB), perceived pressure from agencies to lose weight, as well as the perceived impact and feasibility of seven potential policy actions. Chi-squared analyses and multivariable logistic regressions compared UWCB among models who were asked to lose weight and those who were not. Friedman and Kendall's W tests were conducted to examine differences in impact and feasibility ratings across the seven policy proposals. Models reported high levels of pressure to lose weight, which was associated with higher odds of engaging in UWCB. The policy approaches rated as most impactful were those to increase worker protections, though they were rated as only moderately feasible. Requiring employers to provide food and a 30-min break for jobs longer than 6 h was rated as both impactful and feasible. Imposing restrictions on minimum BMI was rated as the least impactful. Approaches providing employment protections and healthier working conditions are most supported by professional models. These findings help to illuminate viable policy approaches from the perspective of key stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F Rodgers
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Alice S Lowy
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kimberly Yu
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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