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Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 12-08-2022 | Original Article

Appearance-based health promotion messages for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption: gender, age and adverse effects

Author: Katherine M. Appleton

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Aim

This study sought to investigate the effects of body-weight-based compared to health-based public health messages for encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption, dependent on gender and age, while also gauging adverse consequences.

Subject and methods

Using an independent groups design, male and female participants, aged 18–65 years, were randomized to view either a weight-based (N = 245) or a health-based (N = 231) public health message for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and intentions to consume, immediate selection and subsequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and biscuit/cake-bars, adverse consequences and various confounders were assessed.

Results

Weight-based messages resulted in greater immediate selection and subsequent fruit and vegetable consumption compared to health-based messages in females (smallest Beta = 0.375, p = 0.04), specifically younger females (least significant Beta = 0.683, p = 0.04). No effects were found in males. Intentions to consume fruit and vegetables, biscuit/cake-bars and subsequent biscuit/cake-bar consumption were predicted only by confounders. Adverse consequences of the messages were low (χ²(1) = 44.16, p < 0.05; smallest t(148) = 10.22, p < 0.01), and did not differ between weight-based and health-based messages (χ²(2) = 2.72, p > 0.05; largest t(278) = 0.75, p = 0.46).

Conclusions

This work demonstrates a role for weight-based compared to health-based public health promotion messages for increasing fruit and vegetable selection and consumption in young females. Adverse consequences following the messages were low, but care may still be needed.

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Title: Appearance-based health promotion messages for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption: gender, age and adverse effects
Author: Katherine M. Appleton
Publication date: 12-08-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01746-8

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Springer Medicine

Appearance-based health promotion messages for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption: gender, age and adverse effects

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusions

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