2007/09/07 by Pierre Chandon, Brian Wansink · 1 voice · 59 citations
Medicine · #Advertising #Agricultural economics #Biology #Business #Caloric intake #Caloric theory #Calorie #Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling #Consumption (sociology) #Economics #Environmental health #Food choice #Food consumption #Food science #Marketing #Medicine #Nutritional Studies and Diet #Obesity #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet #Sociology
paper · open access · doi:10.1086/519499
published in Journal of Consumer Research 34(3), 301-314 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 2007/09/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Why is America a land of low-calorie food claims yet high-calorie food intake? Four studies show that people are more likely to underestimate the caloric content of main dishes and to choose higher-calorie side dishes, drinks, or desserts when fast-food restaurants claim to be healthy (e.g., Subway) compared to when they do not (e.g., McDonald's). We also find that the effect of these health halos can be eliminated by simply asking people to consider whether the opposite of such health claims may be true. These studies help explain why the success of fast-food restaurants serving lower-calorie foods has not led to the expected reduction in total calorie intake and in obesity rates. They also suggest innovative strategies for consumers, marketers, and policy makers searching for ways to fight obesity.