Obesity prevention in the UK: Generating empirical psychological and behavioural evidence to support public health policy progress
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Institute of Life and Human Sciences
Abstract
This PhD studentship will answer novel questions about the psychological and behavioural
processes that determine how and why both food marketing and the out of home food sector
contribute to overeating and obesity. In doing so, it will inform public health policy developments
and shape UK Government strategies to reduce obesity. This project will involve four main empirical research studies, two addressing the psychology of consumer behaviour in the out of home food sector and two addressing the impact of food marketing on eating and eating-related behaviours. Across the four studies we will also consider the role of inequalities by recruiting participants from across the socioeconomic (SES) spectrum.
processes that determine how and why both food marketing and the out of home food sector
contribute to overeating and obesity. In doing so, it will inform public health policy developments
and shape UK Government strategies to reduce obesity. This project will involve four main empirical research studies, two addressing the psychology of consumer behaviour in the out of home food sector and two addressing the impact of food marketing on eating and eating-related behaviours. Across the four studies we will also consider the role of inequalities by recruiting participants from across the socioeconomic (SES) spectrum.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Emma Boyland (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Amy Finlay (Student) |
Publications
Finlay A
(2022)
A scoping review of outdoor food marketing: exposure, power and impacts on eating behaviour and health.
in BMC public health
Finlay AH
(2022)
An analysis of food and beverage advertising on bus shelters in a deprived area of Northern England.
in Public health nutrition
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000665/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 2441031 | Studentship | ES/P000665/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2023 | Amy Finlay |
| Description | Scoping review of outdoor food marketing: found that globally, there is evidence of food marketing outdoors being frequent, and the majority of foods advertised are classed as less healthy, and so harmful to children. Analysis of bus shelter advertising: Found that in a deprived part of the UK, unhealthy food advertising was highly prevalent, and much of the food advertising encountered would not be allowed to be advertised on TV to children, and yes is still present outside where it can be seen by anyone, and so can have a negative influence on food choices. The highest number of advertisements were found in the most deprived areas. Persuasive, creative strategies were frequently used in the advertising to increase appeal. Further research (currently unpublished) has examined the out-of-home food environment, specifically, whether self-reported advertising exposure is associated with household food purchases; the influence of different interventions (calorie labelling and pricing strategies) on food orders through a virtual delivery app; and a two-part study looking into the effect of calorie reduction on intake. |
| Exploitation Route | It is hoped that the work discussed can help to inform policy makers of the dangers associated with the obesogenic environment. The research conducted has layed out clear gaps for future research to continue |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| Description | BFDG conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I have presented my scoping review as a poster in 2021 (ongoing review) and 2022 (completed review) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| Description | EHPS conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I presented my completed scoping review as a poster at EHPS conference in 2022 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Presenting work on food advertising at a FoodActive event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I presnted my work on food advertising to a group of local policymakers and advocacy groups |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |