Abstract
BackgroundInadequate fruit and vegetable consumption causes a considerable disease burden and premature mortality. Despite public health promotion of a healthy diet, the average consumption is still below recommended levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption influences human skin color, increasing red/yellow/orange pigment in the skin. Given that this color is deemed attractive and healthy-looking, the appearance benefit may motivate to eat more fruit and vegetables. Such appearance motivation could be particularly useful in young individuals who currently eat the least fruit and vegetables.ObjectiveOur objectives were to assess how widely the impact of diet on skin color is known within the UK and to compare the strength of motivation to eat fruit and vegetables based on health and appearance benefits among different demographic groups.MethodsFour groups of UK residents (N=200 per group) were recruited through the Prolific online platform. Groups comprised younger (aged 18-24) and older adults (aged 40-60) of low and high self-reported socioeconomic status (1-5 and 6-10 on a 10-point rating scale). Facial images simulating the skin color associated with low and high fruit and vegetable diets were shown to participants. Questionnaires were used to assess (1) background knowledge of the health and skin color effects of dietary fruit and vegetables, (2) the specific motivational impact of the skin color illustration, and (3) the relative importance of motivation to consume fruit and vegetables arising from health and skin color appearance benefits.ResultsWe found that 61% (n=487) of all participants were unaware of the dietary–skin color association. We also found that 57% (n=457) of participants found the simple demonstration of the dietary impact on skin color positively motivating to eat more fruit and vegetables. The visual demonstration was equally motivating for participants of high and low self-reported socioeconomic status (P=.63) and different ethnic backgrounds (White N=453, Black N=182, Asian N=87, P=.22). Health benefits from a diet high in fruit and vegetables were regarded as more motivating than skin color appearance benefits. The appearance-changing benefits of a high fruit and vegetable diet (compared to the health benefits) were relatively more important for the younger participants (Mann-Whitney U=96,263, P<.001) and for women (N=489) than for men (N=310, U=83,763, P=.01).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the promotion of the skin color effects of diets high in fruit and vegetables could provide additional motivation for a healthier diet. Our study indicates the broad appeal of appearance benefits from dietary fruit and vegetable (across ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and particularly amongst young adults where an inadequate diet is most prevalent.
Highlights
Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption is estimated to lead to between 5.6 to 7.8 million premature deaths per year worldwide [1], through incidences of cardiovascular disease including coronary heart disease and stroke [1,2,3], diabetes and its complications [4,5] and several cancers [1,2,6]
Questionnaires were used to assess (1) background knowledge of the health and skin colour effects of dietary fruit and vegetables; (2) the specific motivational impact of the skin colour illustration and (3) the relative importance of motivation to consume fruit and vegetables arising from health and skin colour appearance benefits
These findings indicate that promotion of the skin colour effects of diets high in fruit and vegetables could provide additional motivation for a healthier diet
Summary
Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption is estimated to lead to between 5.6 to 7.8 million premature deaths per year worldwide [1], through incidences of cardiovascular disease including coronary heart disease and stroke [1,2,3], diabetes and its complications [4,5] and several cancers [1,2,6]. Inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables is responsible for the loss of up to 103 million years of healthy life due to disability [7]. In addition to the consequences for personal wellbeing, poor population health contributes to an overburdening of healthcare systems and fiscal strain due to lost productivity [8] Only 29% of adults in the UK [9] report eating the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Much has been achieved in terms of understanding what psychological techniques may work or not to facilitate healthy eating [12], given the current state of inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, we are still in need of novel and innovative methods in addition to existing ones to encourage healthy eating
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