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 to improve the world’s diet prevent obesity and reduce weight stigma through creative connections between science and public policy

Research and Policy Policy Change Before Literature review and reports After Test implementation and impact

During the process Policy Change Document why policy is needed How to frame the message Identify barriers Test for “unexpected consequences”

Reduce harm from food marketing to children Document the amount and nutrition quality Test industry progress in self- regulation Test out industry statements Test messages with parents

Document amount and nutrition

TV Advertising Adver- gaming Other Youth Websites Bunnies Life Hannah Montana Clifford Crunch Mighty Bites Honey Sunshine Puffins Cheerios Kix EnviroKids Organic Mini Wheats Organic Wild Puffs The Best Dozen None

TV Advertising Adver- gaming Other Youth Websites xxx x xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx 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 xxx 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? l Percent of children who refused to take cereal or eat low-sugar cereal: 0% 12345

Grams consumed from cereal and sugar Recommended Serving Size = 30 grams

Conclusions l More refined sugar (24 g vs. 13 g) l Comparable calories (383 vs. 345) l Comparable milk consumption (2/3 cup) l 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 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 l Know your opposition l Don’t get mad…get data l Use the media to influence public opinion l Don’t give up

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