Understanding consumer acceptance of intervention strategies for healthy food choices: a qualitative study

Colin Bos,Ivo A Van Der Lans,Hans Cm Van Trijp,Frank J Van Rijnsoever

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-1073

Colin Bos, Ivo A Van Der Lans + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1073

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity poses a major threat to public health. Intervention strategies for healthy food choices potentially reduce obesity rates. Reviews of the effectiveness of interventions, however, show mixed results. To maximise effectiveness, interventions need to be accepted by consumers. The aim of the present study is to explore consumer acceptance of intervention strategies for low-calorie food choices. Beliefs that are associated with consumer acceptance are identified.MethodsData was collected in the Netherlands in 8 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus group discussions (N = 39). Nine archetypical strategies representing educational, marketing and legal interventions served as reference points. Verbatim transcriptions were coded both inductively and deductively with the framework approach.ResultsWe found that three beliefs are related to consumer acceptance: 1) general beliefs regarding obesity, such as who is responsible for food choice; 2) the perceived effectiveness of interventions; and 3) the perceived fairness of interventions. Furthermore, the different aspects underlying these general and intervention-specific beliefs were identified.ConclusionsGeneral and intervention-specific beliefs are associated with consumer acceptance of interventions for low-calorie food choices. Policymakers in the food domain can use the findings to negotiate the development of interventions and to assess the feasibility of interventions. With respect to future research, we recommend that segments of consumers based on perceptions of intervention strategies are identified.

Highlights

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity poses a major threat to public health
(the lack of) physical activity is an important part of the obesity problem, curtailment of overconsumption is of greater importance
Intervention strategies that reduce the amount of calories consumers choose potentially achieve both economic benefits and improvements of personal and public health [6]

Summary

Introduction

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity poses a major threat to public health. Intervention strategies for healthy food choices potentially reduce obesity rates. The aim of the present study is to explore consumer acceptance of intervention strategies for low-calorie food choices. From 1980 to 2008, the overweight and obese population almost doubled worldwide It consists of an estimated 1.46 billion adults and 170 million children [1]. People with overweight and obesity are more vulnerable to non-communicable diseases such as type II diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases [2]. The costs of these diseases in terms of quality of life and healthcare are enormous. Intervention strategies that reduce the amount of calories consumers choose potentially achieve both economic benefits and improvements of personal and public health [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion