Food Choices: The Influence of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent Food Labelling
Date
2020
Authors
Alexander, Chelsea
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Thesis
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Abstract
The world is facing an obesity epidemic, with billions of adults overweight and millions
obese. Previous interventions have predominantly focused on media campaigns and dietary
guidelines rather than changes to the food environment. More recently, researchers have
proposed the use of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent (PACE) food labels as an
intervention. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of PACE labels in encouraging
healthier food choices. PACE labels were hypothesised to be more effective than calorie
labels in doing this. A secondary aim was to explore demographic and health-related factors
associated with PACE label outcomes. 321 Australian adults (18 to 68 years) completed an
online survey between April and May 2020, exploring the likelihood of consuming foods
presented with calorie and PACE labels. Demographic factors and measures of physical
activity, exercise, diet, health literacy, and self-rated health were also analysed. A significant
difference was found between the two food label groups, with participants making healthier
food choices when referencing PACE labels compared to calorie labels. Overall, most
participants made healthier choices when referencing PACE labels. However, some
participants’ choices remained unchanged, while some indicated less healthy choices when
referencing PACE labels. The perceived benefits of exercise, self-rated health, and cognitive
restraint were significantly associated with PACE labels resulting in healthier food choices,
while gender and cognitive restraint were associated with PACE labels resulting in less
healthy choices. Findings suggest that overall Australian adults are more likely to make
healthier food choices when referencing PACE labels compared to calorie labels.
School/Discipline
School of Psychology
Dissertation Note
Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2020
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