Healthy Eating Research has written a number of research briefs on topics related to funding areas of interest. Introductions and links to the research briefs are provided below.
Food Insecurity and Risk for Obesity Among Children and Families: Is There a Relationship? (April 2010)
In the United States, nearly 15 percent of households are food insecure; they have limited or uncertain access to food. This research synthesis reviews studies that examine the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in the United States, particularly involving children and families. Because of the policy implications inherent in examining this issue, the authors also assess the role that nutrition assistance programs may play in the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in the United States. Read the synthesis.
The Negative Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Children's Health (November 2009)
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by adolescents and children in the United States has been linked to less healthy diets, excessive caloric intake and weight gain, increased obesity rates, and associated adverse health effects, including increased rates of type 2 diabetes in adults. This research synthesis reviews evidence regarding the health effects of SSB consumption, outlines conclusions on the basis of these investigations and suggests areas for additional research. Read the synthesis.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes and Public Health (July 2009)
This research brief examines the latest information on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and food pricing strategies. The brief concludes that taxes resulting in substantially higher prices of SSBs could be a powerful policy tool for curbing obesity rates by leading people to reduce consumption. Read the brief.
Menu Labeling: Does Point of Purchase Nutrition Information Affect Consumer Behavior? (June 2009)
This research synthesis reviews studies that have examined the use of menu labeling in away-from-home food establishments, such as restaurants and cafeterias, and the potential impact of labeling on consumers' food and beverage selections. Read the synthesis.
Local School Wellness Policies: How Are Schools Implementing the Congressional Mandate? (June 2009)
The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 mandated that school districts participating in any federally reimbursed school meal programs develop a local school wellness policy by the beginning of the 2006-07 school year. This brief, published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, summarizes key results from early research on the implementation of these policies.Read the brief.
Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Adolescents (October 2008)
This brief examines how foods and beverages are marketed to children and adolescents, how food and beverage companies encourage younger individuals to buy their products and whether limiting youth's exposure to food and beverage marketing could have benefits in preventing childhood obesity. Read the brief.
Restaurant Realities: Inequalities in Access to Healthy Restaurant Choices (July 2008)
In 2008, Americans were expected to spend $558 billion eating at restaurants. This research brief explores how access to restaurants is related to the risk for obesity and describes what studies show about inequalities in access to different types of restaurants. Read the brief.
Bringing Healthy Foods Home: Examining Inequalities in Access to Food Stores (July 2008)
Each week, the average household in the United States spends about $100 on groceries and makes two shopping trips. This research brief outlines where people shop for food, what they tend to buy, and the obesity-related effects of inequalities in access to supermarkets and access to healthy foods. Read the brief.
School Foods Sold Outside of Meals (Competitive Foods) (May 2007)
Schools that provide federally reimbursed meal programs must meet federal nutrition standards. But snacks and drinks sold outside of these programs—so-called "competitive foods"—do not have to meet these requirements. This brief examines the availability of competitive foods, their nutritional content, their impact on students' food consumption, and policies for improving the school food environment. Read the brief.
Promoting Good Nutrition and Physical Activity in Child-Care Settings (May 2007)
While children spend a substantial amount of time in school, more than half of kids aged 5 to 14 years are also spending time in a child-care setting. This is also an important out-of-home setting for preschool-aged children. This research brief outlines federal food programs and regulations that govern nutrition and physical activity in child-care settings—and what research has demonstrated about the nutritional quality of foods offered in child-care settings. Read the brief.
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