Promoting Healthy Choices: Information versus Convenience

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Year: 2010
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Pages: 164-78

Authors (3)

Jessica Wisdom (not in RePEc) Julie S. Downs (not in RePEc) George Loewenstein (Carnegie Mellon University)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Success in slowing obesity trends would benefit from policies aimed at reducing calorie consumption. In a field experiment at a fast-food sandwich chain, we address the effects of providing calorie information, mimicking recent legislation, and test an alternative approach that makes ordering healthier slightly more convenient. We find that calorie information reduces calorie intake. Providing a daily calorie target does as well, but only for non-overweight individuals. Making healthy choices convenient reduces intake when the intervention is strong. However, a milder implementation reduces sandwich calories, but does not reduce total calories due to compensatory effects on side orders and drinks. (JEL I12, I18, L81)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejapp:v:2:y:2010:i:2:p:164-78
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25