saturated fat

nutrition education

nutrition health

peptide yy

energy dense

dietary interventions

Journal of Consumer Research

Why is America a land of low-calorie food claims yet high-calorie food intake? Four studies show that people are more likely to underestimate the caloric content of main dishes and to choose higher-calorie side dishes, drinks, or desserts when fast-food restaurants claim to be healthy (e.g., Subway) compared to when they do not (e.g., McDonald’s). We also find that the effect of these health halos can be eliminated by simply asking people to consider whether the opposite of such health claims may be true. These studies help explain why the success of fastfood restaurants serving lower-calorie foods has not led to the expected reduction in total calorie intake and in obesity rates. They also suggest innovative strategies for consumers, marketers, and policy makers searching for ways to fight obesity. As the popularity of healthier menus increases, so does the weight of many Americans. Between 1991 and 2001, the proportion of obese U.S. adults has grown from 23 % to 31 % of the population, a 3 % annual compound rate (National Center for Health Statistics 2002). In the same period, the proportion of U.S. adults consuming low-calorie food and beverages grew from 48 % to 60 % of the population (a 2.3 % annual compound rate), and the proportion of U.S. consumers trying to eat a healthy diet grew at a 6 % annual

The Biasing Health Halos of Fast-Food Restaurant Health Claims: Lower Calorie Estimates and Higher Side-Dish Consumption Intentions