Checkout food environment and healthiness of food choices

Abstract

The global rise in obesity is a major public health concern. Evidence suggests that environmental factors, including the food environment in grocery stores and supermarkets, contribute to the overconsumption of unhealthy foods and unwanted weight gain. In-store intervention strategies may hold promise in the fight against obesity. One strategy to promote healthier choices is to change the choice architecture of the food environment by placing healthy foods and beverages in highly visible and accessible locations. However, a common food stimulus is the strategic placement of unhealthy foods and beverages at store checkouts to encourage impulse purchases. Available research has shown that prominently displaying healthy food options at supermarket and other store checkouts improves the healthiness of shoppers' food choices. These findings support healthier checkouts as a useful target for public health policy.