Social Ideological Influences on Food Consumption and BMI
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Wei C, Worsley Anthony, Cunningham Everarda G
Primary Institution: Deakin University
Hypothesis
Individuals who hold egalitarian views are more likely to have positive attitudes towards health and to practice healthier dietary behaviours than those who are less egalitarian.
Conclusion
Social ideological beliefs appear to influence health attitudes and thereafter, the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods and BMI via different pathways.
Supporting Evidence
- Egalitarianism positively influences health behaviour perceptions.
- Materialism and masculinity negatively impact health attitudes.
- Health attitudes affect food consumption and BMI differently in younger and older adults.
Takeaway
People's beliefs about fairness and health can change what they eat and how much they weigh, and this is different for younger and older adults.
Methodology
A survey was conducted among shoppers aged between 40 and 70 years at Eastland Shopping Centre, Melbourne, Australia, using structural equation modelling.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in self-reported ideological beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and consumption patterns could have influenced the results.
Limitations
The sample consisted of over 80% women, and the study did not capture portion sizes or frequency of consumption beyond a certain point.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged between 40 and 70 years, with a mean age of 57.45 years; 81.5% were women, and the majority were born in Australia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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