Diet, Healthy, Eating Behavior, Food Selection, Obesity
Conditions
Keywords
availability, socio-economic position, food choice, eating behaviour
Brief summary
This study will examine the effectiveness of a structural intervention (baseline proportion of lower energy ready meals vs increased proportion of lower energy ready meals) on calories (kcal) ordered and consumed. The study will use a within-subjects design, meaning all participants will be exposed to both conditions (baseline vs increased lower energy meal menus). The procedure will involve participants placing orders for supermarket ready meals, which are then delivered to their homes for their consumption. This study will also investigate whether the effectiveness of the intervention varies, depending on socioeconomic position (SEP). The primary hypothesis is that increasing proportion of lower energy options will decrease total kcal ordered and consumed, and that there will be no difference between higher and lower SEP. To address the limited evidence on longer term impacts of dietary interventions on daily energy intake, the present study will also examine post-meal energy consumption up to midnight on the following day. Finally, this study will explore the psychological processes that might underlie the effectiveness of the intervention among individuals with higher and lower SEP; namely, food choice motives, satiety responsiveness, plate clearing tendencies, and food waste concerns.
Detailed description
See attached protocol documents.
Interventions
OTHERManipulation of availability of lower energy meal options
Menus provided differ in % of menu options that are higher vs. lower in energy
Sponsors
University of Liverpool
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* UK (United Kingdom) residents, aged 18 or over * Fluent in English * Have access to a phone/tablet/computer device which has access to Internet and a functioning camera * Willing to consume two supermarket ready meals * Have access to a functioning microwave and oven for the preparation of the ready meals
Exclusion criteria
* Taking part more than once * Another member of the same household has participated in the study (Multiple members of the same household will not be allowed to take part) * Current or historic diagnosed eating disorders * Currently on any medication which affects appetite * Any of the following dietary restrictions, intolerances, or allergies (Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy/lactose-free, food allergy - such as milk, eggs, nut, wheat, fish, etc) * History of severe childhood allergies, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total meal energy (kcal) ordered | 20 minutes (the time frame denotes time taken to complete the initial study questionnaire and make the food choices) | Calculated as the sum of the kcal content of the main and side ordered |
| Total meal energy (kcal) consumed | Once the food has been delivered, the time frame is up to 72 hours | Calculated as the sum of the kcals consumed from the main and side combined |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post-meal intake (kcal) | Measured 24-30 hours after study meal is consumed | Calculated as total energy (kcal) consumed after the study meal until midnight on the following day (dietary recall). |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed