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Supermarket discounts of low‐energy density foods: Effects on purchasing, food intake, and body weight
Author(s) -
Geliebter Allan,
Ang Ian Yi Han,
BernalesKorins Maria,
Hernandez Dominica,
Ochner Christopher N.,
Ungredda Tatiana,
Miller Rachel,
Kolbe Laura
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.20484
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , purchasing , body weight , obesity , zoology , weight loss , randomized controlled trial , demography , biology , operations management , economics , sociology
Objective To assess the effects of a 50% discount on low‐energy density (ED) fruits and vegetables (F&V), bottled water, and diet sodas on shoppers' purchasing, food intake, and body weight. Design and Methods A randomized, controlled trial was conducted at two Manhattan supermarkets, in which a 4‐week baseline period (no discounts) preceded an 8‐week intervention period (50% discount), and a 4‐week follow‐up period (no discounts). Twenty‐four hour dietary recall, as well as body weight and body composition measures were obtained every 4 weeks. Participants ( n = 47, 33f; 14m) were overweight and obese (BMI ≥ 25) shoppers. Results Purchasing of F&V during intervention was greater in the discount group than in the control group ( P < 0.0001). Purchasing of these items by the discount group relative to the control group during follow‐up was reduced from intervention ( P = 0.002), but still remained higher than during baseline ( P = 0.01), indicating a partially sustained effect. Intake of F&V increased from baseline to intervention in the discount group relative to the control group ( P = 0.037) and was sustained during follow‐up. Body weight change did not differ significantly between groups, although post hoc analysis indicated a change within the discount group (−1.1 kg, P = 0.006) but not within the control group. Conclusions Discounts of low‐ED F&V led to increased purchasing and intake of those foods.