Research
Adherence
School procurement policies that restrict unhealthy competitive foods and beverages are effective in reducing student intake and obesity prevalence.
Schools can significantly reduce childhood obesity by banning sugary drinks and limiting high-fat/sugar snacks in cafeterias and vending machines. Government-mandated policies are more effective than voluntary ones.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Overall, the interventions appeared generally effective in reducing intake of unhealthful competitive foods and beverages and decreasing incidence and prevalence of overweight/obesity.
Why this rating
Strong evidence from randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies.
Source
CVD Prevention Through Policy: a Review of Mass Media, Food/Menu Labeling, Taxation/Subsidies, Built Environment, School Procurement, Worksite Wellness, and Marketing Standards to Improve Diet
Ashkan Afshin et al. · Current Cardiology Reports · 2015
DOI 10.1007/s11886-015-0658-9
narrative_reviewCited 180×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Food pricing strategies, specifically taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy foods, effectively alter consumption, with stronger effects on lower-income populations.Good
- Focused mass media campaigns targeting specific dietary factors (fruits, vegetables, salt) effectively improve population-level dietary intake.Moderate
- Food and menu labeling has inconclusive or minimal effects on consumer behavior and sales.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
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- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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