Strategic Science:Using Research to Inform Policy

Marlene B. Schwartz, Ph.D.

YSPH Alumni Day

June 1, 2012

Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

Our mission is toimprove the world’s diet

prevent obesityand reduce weight stigma

through creative connections between

science and public policy

Research and Policy

During the process

Document amount and nutrition

TVAdvertising

Adver-gaming

Other YouthWebsites

Bunnies

Life

Hannah Montana

Clifford Crunch

Mighty Bites

Honey Sunshine

Puffins

Cheerios

Kix

EnviroKids Organic

Mini Wheats

Organic Wild Puffs

The Best Dozen

None

TVAdvertising

Adver-gaming

Other YouthWebsites

x x x

x

x x x

x x x

x x x

x x x

x x x

x x

Reese’s Puffs

Cap’n Crunch

Count Chocula

Trix

Froot Loops

Smorz

Lucky Charms

Golden Grahams

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Corn Pops

Cocoa Puffs

Fruity/Cocoa Pebbles x x x

The Worst Dozen

General Mills and Kellogg’s

“Food isn’t nutrition until it is eaten.

Children won’t eat low-sugar cereals”

We said:“You have healthy cereals. Why don’t

you market those to children?”

The influence of pre-sweetened cereal on children’s breakfast

consumption

Harris, Schwartz, Usjanauskas, Ohri-Vachaspati, Brownell (2011) Effects of serving high-sugar cereals on children’s breakfast-eating behavior. Pediatrics, 127, 71-76

Will children eat low-sugar cereals?

Percent of children who refused to take cereal or eat low-sugar cereal: 0%

1 2 3 4 5

Grams consumed from cereal and sugar

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

(n = 19) (n = 14) (n = 24) (n = 29)

High sugar Low sugar High sugar Low sugar

5-7 years 5-7 years 8-12 years 8-12 years

Gra

ms

Cereal (less sugar content) Sugar in cereal Sugar from packets

Recommended Serving Size = 30 grams

Conclusions

More refined sugar (24 g vs. 13 g) Comparable calories (383 vs. 345) Comparable milk consumption (2/3 cup) Less likely to put fruit on cereal

– 8% in high-sugar condition– 54% in low-sugar condition

McDonald’s said:“We do not have a default Happy Meal. We offer choices to everyone that include milk, juice, and apple dippers”

We said:“You have healthy options. Why don’t

you make those the default?”

Sales Practices Audit

• June 2010• 250 restaurants national sample

• 50 each: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Subway

• Field personnel request children’s meal • Hamburger / beef taco / roast beef sandwich

• Side and beverage provided automatically

Offered no choice of side

Offered no choice of beverage

We said:

…coming soon –

The CFBAI said:“We care about children and want to be

part of the solution. Government regulation is unnecessary. We can self-

regulate.”

When trying to pass a controversial policy

Know your opposition Don’t get mad…get data Use the media to influence public opinion Don’t give up

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Thank you!