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Price promotions offered by quick service restaurants in Australia: analysis from an obesity prevention perspective. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:513-527. [PMID: 34247689 PMCID: PMC9991702 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the price promotions offered by major quick service restaurant (QSR) chains in Australia from an obesity prevention perspective. DESIGN Cross-sectional audit of ten of the largest QSR chains in Australia. We collected information regarding temporary price promotions and 'combination deals' offered by each chain over thirteen consecutive weeks in 2019-2020. We assessed the type of promotions, the magnitude of discount, and the energy content and healthiness of items promoted (based on Victorian Government criteria). SETTING Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Ten major QSR chains. RESULTS Temporary price promotions (n 196) and combination deals (n 537 on regular menus, n 36 on children's menus) were observed across the ten selected QSR chains. In relation to temporary price promotions, the mean magnitude of discount for main menu items (n 75) was 41·7 %. The price reductions and energy content of combination deals varied substantially the by chain, the meal size and the sides/drinks selected as part of the 'deal'. When the lowest-energy options (e.g. small chips, small sugar-free drink) were included as part of each combination deal, the mean energy content was 2935 kJ, compared to 5764 kJ when the highest-energy options (e.g. large fries, large sugar-sweetened drink) were included. Almost all available products were classified as unhealthy. CONCLUSION Price promotions are ubiquitous in major QSR chains in Australia and provide incentives to consume high levels of energy. The action to restrict price promotions on unhealthy foods and ensure lower-energy default items as part of combination deals should be included as part of efforts to improve population diets and address obesity in Australia.
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Cassidy O, Shin HW, Song E, Jiang E, Harri R, Cano C, Vedanthan R, Ogedegbe G, Bragg M. Comparing McDonald's food marketing practices on official Instagram accounts across 15 countries. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2021; 4:510-518. [PMID: 35028520 PMCID: PMC8718851 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2021-000229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media advertising by fast food companies continues to increase globally, and exposure to food advertising contributes to poor diet and negative health outcomes (eg, cardiovascular disease). McDonald's-the largest fast food company in the world-operates in 101 countries, but little is known about their marketing techniques in various regions. The objective of this study was to compare the social media advertising practices of McDonald's-the largest fast food company in the world-in 15 high-income, upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income countries. METHODS We randomly selected official McDonald's Instagram accounts for 15 high-income, upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income countries. We captured all the screenshots that McDonald's posted on those Instagram accounts from September to December 2019. We quantified the number of followers, 'likes', 'comments' and video views associated with each account in April 2020. We used content analysis to examine differences in the marketing techniques. RESULTS The 15 accounts collectively maintained 10 million followers and generated 3.9 million 'likes', 164 816 comments and 38.2 million video views. We identified 849 posts. The three lower-middle-income countries had more posts (n=324; M, SD=108.0, 38.2 posts) than the five upper-middle-income countries (n=227; M, SD=45.4, 37.5 posts) and seven high-income countries (n=298; M, SD=42.6, 28.2 posts). Approximately 12% of the posts in high-income countries included child-targeted themes compared with 22% in lower-middle-income countries. Fourteen per cent of the posts in high-income countries included price promotions and free giveaways compared with 40% in lower-middle-income countries. CONCLUSIONS Social media advertising has enabled McDonald's to reach millions of consumers in lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries with disproportionately greater child-targeted ads and price promotions in lower-middle-income countries. Such reach is concerning because of the increased risk of diet-related illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omni Cassidy
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hye Won Shin
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Edmund Song
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Everett Jiang
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ravindra Harri
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Cano
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marie Bragg
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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Fleischhacker SE, Woteki CE, Coates PM, Hubbard VS, Flaherty GE, Glickman DR, Harkin TR, Kessler D, Li WW, Loscalzo J, Parekh A, Rowe S, Stover PJ, Tagtow A, Yun AJ, Mozaffarian D. Strengthening national nutrition research: rationale and options for a new coordinated federal research effort and authority. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:721-769. [PMID: 32687145 PMCID: PMC7454258 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US faces remarkable food and nutrition challenges. A new federal effort to strengthen and coordinate nutrition research could rapidly generate the evidence base needed to address these multiple national challenges. However, the relevant characteristics of such an effort have been uncertain. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to provide an objective, informative summary of 1) the mounting diet-related health burdens facing our nation and corresponding economic, health equity, national security, and sustainability implications; 2) the current federal nutrition research landscape and existing mechanisms for its coordination; 3) the opportunities for and potential impact of new fundamental, clinical, public health, food and agricultural, and translational scientific discoveries; and 4) the various options for further strengthening and coordinating federal nutrition research, including corresponding advantages, disadvantages, and potential executive and legislative considerations. METHODS We reviewed government and other published documents on federal nutrition research; held various discussions with expert groups, advocacy organizations, and scientific societies; and held in-person or phone meetings with >50 federal staff in executive and legislative roles, as well as with a variety of other stakeholders in academic, industry, and nongovernment organizations. RESULTS Stark national nutrition challenges were identified. More Americans are sick than are healthy, largely from rising diet-related illnesses. These conditions create tremendous strains on productivity, health care costs, health disparities, government budgets, US economic competitiveness, and military readiness. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has further laid bare these strains, including food insecurity, major diet-related comorbidities for poor outcomes from COVID-19 such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and insufficient surveillance on and coordination of our food system. More than 10 federal departments and agencies currently invest in critical nutrition research, yet with relatively flat investments over several decades. Coordination also remains suboptimal, documented by multiple governmental reports over 50 years. Greater harmonization and expansion of federal investment in nutrition science, not a silo-ing or rearrangement of existing investments, has tremendous potential to generate new discoveries to improve and sustain the health of all Americans. Two identified key strategies to achieve this were as follows: 1) a new authority for robust cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-related policy and 2) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within the NIH. These strategies were found to be complementary, together catalyzing important new science, partnerships, coordination, and returns on investment. Additional complementary actions to accelerate federal nutrition research were identified at the USDA. CONCLUSIONS The need and opportunities for strengthened federal nutrition research are clear, with specific identified options to help create the new leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and investment the nation requires to address the multiple nutrition-related challenges and grasp the opportunities before us.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine E Woteki
- University of Virginia Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Paul M Coates
- Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Van S Hubbard
- Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Grace E Flaherty
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - David Kessler
- Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick J Stover
- Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Russo R, Li Y, Chong S, Siscovick D, Trinh-Shevrin C, Yi S. Dietary policies and programs in the United States: A narrative review. Prev Med Rep 2020; 19:101135. [PMID: 32551216 PMCID: PMC7289763 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
School-based and youth targeted programs and policies were most frequently studied. Research has rather neglected older adult, Asian, Native Hawaiian and American Indian populations. Despite existing research indicating effectiveness, faith-based were understudied.
Prior reviews describing approach, methodological quality and effectiveness of dietary policies and programs may be limited in use for practitioners seeking to introduce innovative programming, or academic researchers hoping to understand and address gaps in the current literature. This review is novel, assessing the “where, who, and in whom” of dietary policies and programs research in the United States over the past decade – with results intended to serve as a practical guide and foundation for innovation. This study was conducted from October 2018 to March 2019. Papers were selected through a tailored search strategy on PubMed as well as citation searches, to identify grey literature. A total of 489 papers were relevant to our research objective. The largest proportion of papers described school-based strategies (31%) or included economic incentives (19%). In papers that specified demographics, the study populations most often included children, adults and adolescents (54%, 46%, and 42% respectively); and White, Black and Hispanic populations (77%, 76% and 70%, respectively). Results highlight opportunities for future research within workplace and faith-based settings, among racial/ethnic minorities, and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rienna Russo
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yan Li
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Population Health Science and Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stella Chong
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Siscovick
- New York Academy of Medicine, Center for Health Innovation, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chau Trinh-Shevrin
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stella Yi
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, United States
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Understanding price incentives to upsize combination meals at large US fast-food restaurants. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:348-355. [PMID: 31796142 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019003410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand price incentives to upsize combination meals at fast-food restaurants by comparing the calories (i.e. kilocalories; 1 kcal = 4·184 kJ) per dollar of default combination meals (as advertised on the menu) with a higher-calorie version (created using realistic consumer additions and portion-size changes). DESIGN Combination meals (lunch/dinner: n 258, breakfast: n 68, children's: n 34) and their prices were identified from online menus; corresponding nutrition information for each menu item was obtained from a restaurant nutrition database (MenuStat). Linear models were used to examine the difference in total calories per dollar between default and higher-calorie combination meals, overall and by restaurant. SETTING Ten large fast-food chain restaurants located in the fifteen most populous US cities in 2017-2018. PARTICIPANTS None. RESULTS There were significantly more calories per dollar in higher-calorie v. default combination meals for lunch/dinner (default: 577 kJ (138 kcal)/dollar, higher-calorie: 707 kJ (169 kcal)/dollar, difference: 130 kJ (31 kcal)/dollar, P < 0·001) and breakfast (default: 536 kJ (128 kcal)/dollar, higher-calorie: 607 kJ (145 kcal)/dollar, difference: 71 kJ (17 kcal)/dollar, P = 0·009). Results for children's meals were in the same direction but were not statistically significant (default: 536 kJ (128 kcal)/dollar, higher-calorie: 741 kJ (177 kcal)/dollar, difference: 205 kJ (49 kcal)/dollar, P = 0·053). Across restaurants, the percentage change in calories per dollar for higher-calorie v. default combination meals ranged from 0·1 % (Dunkin' Donuts) to 55·0 % (Subway). CONCLUSIONS Higher-calorie combination meals in fast-food restaurants offer significantly more calories per dollar compared with default combination meals, suggesting there is a strong financial incentive for consumers to 'upsize' their orders. Future research should test price incentives for lower-calorie options to promote healthier restaurant choices.
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A Description of Advertisements for Alcohol on LinkNYC Kiosks in Manhattan, New York City: A Pilot Study. J Community Health 2018; 43:787-791. [PMID: 29484514 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-0485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Bhutani S, Schoeller DA, Walsh MC, McWilliams C. Frequency of Eating Out at Both Fast-Food and Sit-Down Restaurants Was Associated With High Body Mass Index in Non-Large Metropolitan Communities in Midwest. Am J Health Promot 2018; 32:75-83. [PMID: 27574335 PMCID: PMC5453830 DOI: 10.1177/0890117116660772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the associations between frequency of eating at fast-food, fast-casual, all-you-can-eat, and sit-down restaurants and the body mass index (BMI) in non-large metro Wisconsin communities. To inform prevention efforts, we also analyzed the socioeconomic/environmental and nutrition attitudes/behavior variables that may drive the frequent eating away from home. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of an ancillary data set from the Survey of Health of Wisconsin collected between October 2012 and February 2013. SETTING Six Wisconsin counties: 1 classified as rural, 1 as large fringe metro, and 4 as small metro. SUBJECTS Adults ≥18 years (N = 1418). MEASURES Field staff measured height and weight and administered a survey on the frequency of eating away from home, and socioeconomic and nutritional behavior variables. ANALYSIS Multivariable regression. RESULTS The BMI of respondents averaged 29.4 kg/m2 (39% obese). Every 1-meal/week increase in fast-food and sit-down restaurant consumption was associated with an increase in BMI by 0.8 and 0.6 kg/m2, respectively. Unavailability of healthy foods at shopping and eating venues and lack of cooking skills were both positively associated with consumption of fast-food and sit-down meals. Individuals who described their diet as healthy, who avoided high-fat foods, and who believed their diet was keeping their weight controlled did not visit these restaurants frequently. CONCLUSION Obesity prevention efforts in non-large metro Wisconsin communities should consider socioeconomic/environmental and nutritional attitudes/behavior of residents when designing restaurant-based or community education interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Bhutani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin,
Madison, Wisconsin, 53706,USA
| | - Dale A Schoeller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin,
Madison, Wisconsin, 53706,USA
| | - Matthew C Walsh
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin,
School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, 53726, USA
| | - Christine McWilliams
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin,
School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, 53726, USA
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Mazariegos S, Chacón V, Cole A, Barnoya J. Nutritional quality and marketing strategies of fast food children's combo meals in Guatemala. BMC OBESITY 2016; 3:52. [PMID: 27980796 PMCID: PMC5146808 DOI: 10.1186/s40608-016-0136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity prevalence in children is now on the rise in low/middle-income countries, including Guatemala. Fast food consumption is a recognized contributing factor to this rise. Fast food restaurants use health claims, toy giveaways, price incentives and fast service to promote children's combo meals. This study sought to assess the use of toy giveaways, time to delivery and price incentives as marketing strategies in fast food chain restaurants in Guatemala. In addition, we sought to compare nutritional quality of combo meals with and without health claims. METHODS We visited one restaurant from each of the 8 major fast food chains in Guatemala and purchased all children's combo meals to assess the prevalence of toy giveaways, health claims, and difference in delivery time and price between the combo meal and each meal item purchased separately. Each item was then classified as "healthy" or "less healthy" using the UK Nutrition Profile Model. Nutrition information was collected on-site, from the restaurant website, or by calling the customer service phone number. RESULTS We found 114 combo meals, 21 (18.4%) of which were children's combo meals. Five (24%) had nutrition information, all were classified by our analysis as "less healthy", and three had a health claim. On average, combo meals were US$1.93 less expensive than purchasing children's meal items individually (p = 0.01). Time to delivery was 1.44 min faster for combo meals compared to purchasing meal items individually (p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Children's fast food combo meals in Guatemala were promoted using several marketing strategies that encourage consumption, including offering toy giveaways and price incentives. In addition, nutrition information is lacking in fast food chain restaurants. Public health advocates in Guatemala should consider a comprehensive approach to encourage healthier choices within fast food restaurants including policies that require fruit and vegetable options for meal side dishes, accessible and easy to read nutrition information, and restrict the use of toy giveaways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Mazariegos
- Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of Guatemala, 6a Ave 8-71 zona 10, Clinica #3, Ala Sur, Guatemala, 01011 Guatemala
- Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Instituto de Nutrición de Centro America y Panama, Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Violeta Chacón
- Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of Guatemala, 6a Ave 8-71 zona 10, Clinica #3, Ala Sur, Guatemala, 01011 Guatemala
- Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Instituto de Nutrición de Centro America y Panama, Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Adam Cole
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Joaquin Barnoya
- Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of Guatemala, 6a Ave 8-71 zona 10, Clinica #3, Ala Sur, Guatemala, 01011 Guatemala
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark D. DeBoer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908; ,
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Lassen AD, Lehmann C, Andersen EW, Werther MN, Thorsen AV, Trolle E, Gross G, Tetens I. Gender differences in purchase intentions and reasons for meal selection among fast food customers – Opportunities for healthier and more sustainable fast food. Food Qual Prefer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Dietary Research to Reduce Children's Oral Health Disparities: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Analysis of Socioeconomic Status, Food Insecurity, and Fast-Food Consumption. J Acad Nutr Diet 2015; 115:1599-604. [PMID: 25840937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease and it disproportionately affects low-income children. The dietary risk factors associated with socioeconomic status (SES), such as food insecurity and fast-food consumption, are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To better understand how upstream social factors are related to dietary behaviors by testing the hypothesis that food insecurity mediates the SES-fast-food consumption relationship. DESIGN A 36-item survey was administered to caregivers of children younger than age 18 years (n=212). The predictor variable was SES, measured by whether the child was insured by Medicaid (no/yes). Food insecurity, the potential dietary mediator, was measured using the six-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey (food secure/food insecure without hunger/food insecure with hunger). The outcome variable was whether the household reported eating at a fast-food restaurant ≥2 times a week (no/yes). We used logistic structural equation and mediation models to test our hypothesis. RESULTS About 63% of children were classified as low SES. Thirty percent of caregivers reported food insecurity (with or without hunger) and 18.6% of households consumed fast food ≥2 times per week. Lower SES was significantly associated with food insecurity (odds ratio [OR] 3.03, 95% CI 1.51 to 6.04; P=0.002), but SES was not related to fast-food consumption (OR 1.94, 95% CI 0.86 to 4.36; P=0.11). Food insecurity was not associated with fast-food consumption (OR 1.76, 95% CI 0.86 to 3.62; P=0.12). The mediation analyses suggest food insecurity does not mediate the relationship between SES and fast-food consumption. However, there are important potential differences in fast-food consumption by SES and food insecurity status. CONCLUSIONS Future dietary research focusing on tooth decay prevention in vulnerable children may need to account for the differential effects of SES on food insecurity and dietary behaviors like fast-food consumption. Studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms linking SES, dietary behaviors, and tooth decay in children.
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Samuel L, Ethan D, Basch CH, Samuel B. A comparative study of the sodium content and calories from sugar in toddler foods sold in low- and high-income New York City supermarkets. Glob J Health Sci 2014; 6:22-9. [PMID: 25168992 PMCID: PMC4825371 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v6n5p22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Information from the nutrition facts labels of toddler foods marketed in low- and high-income New York City zip codes were analyzed for sodium content, the proportion of sugar-derived calories, and presence of sugar and/or high-fructose corn syrup as an added sweetener in the list of ingredients. Among the 272 toddler foods analyzed, more than a quarter were high in sodium, over one-third derived at least 20% their calories from sugar, and more than 41% of the foods had sugar and/or high-fructose corn syrup listed among the first five ingredients. The proportion of foods with such nutritional characteristics did not significantly differ between the low- and high-income neighborhood supermarkets. Median sodium content was highest among “side dishes” and “meals.” The proportion of calories derived from sugar was found to be highest among “snacks and yogurt blends” in both low- and high-income neighborhoods and “breakfast foods and cereals” in low-income neighborhoods. When compared to high-income neighborhoods, more than three times the proportion of total calories in “breakfast foods and cereals” sold in low-income neighborhoods were derived from sugar. Since taste preferences established during childhood can have long-lasting influence on dietary habits, it is imperative to limit the promotion of toddler foods that are high in sodium and sugar as well as educate parents to make nutritionally sound decisions at the point of purchase.
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