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
Before
After
Literature
review and
reports
Test
implementation
and impact
Policy
Change
During the process
Identify
barriers
How to frame
the message
Document why
policy is
needed
Policy
Change
Test for
“unexpected
consequences”
Test industry
progress in
selfregulation
Document
the amount
and nutrition
quality
Test
messages
with parents
Reduce
harm from
food
marketing
to children
Test out
industry
statements
Document amount and nutrition
The Best Dozen
TV
Advertising
Advergaming
Other Youth
Websites
Bunnies
EnviroKids Organic
Puffins
Cheerios
Kix
Life
Hannah Montana
Clifford Crunch
Mighty Bites
Honey Sunshine
Organic Wild Puffs
Mini Wheats
None
The Worst Dozen
TV
Advertising
Advergaming
Other Youth
Websites
Reese’s Puffs
x
x
x
Corn Pops
x
x
x
Lucky Charms
x
x
x
x
x
x
Golden Grahams
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
x
Cap’n Crunch
Count Chocula
Trix
x
x
x
Froot Loops
x
x
x
Fruity/Cocoa Pebbles
x
x
x
Cocoa Puffs
x
x
Smorz
We said:
“You have healthy cereals. Why don’t you
market those to children?”
General Mills and Kellogg’s
“Food isn’t nutrition until it is eaten.
Children won’t eat low-sugar cereals”
The influence of presweetened 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
Grams
Cereal (less sugar content)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Sugar in cereal
Sugar from packets
Recommended Serving Size
= 30 grams
(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
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
We said:
“You have healthy options. Why don’t you
make those the default?”
McDonald’s said:
“We do not have a default Happy Meal.
We offer choices to everyone that include
milk, juice, and apple dippers”
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
The CFBAI said:
“We care about children and want to be
part of the solution. Government
regulation is unnecessary. We can selfregulate.”
We said:
…coming soon –
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

Thank you!
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