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Nutrition information, Mediterranean diet, and weight: A structural equation approach

Author

Listed:
  • Alessia Cavaliere

    (Department of Environmental Science and Policy (EPS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy)

  • Elena Siletti

    (Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM) - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy)

  • Alessandro Banterle

    (Department of Environmental Science and Policy (EPS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy)

Abstract

This paper studies the relationships between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, food-related information, and possible effects they could jointly exert on weight status. The empirical analysis was conducted via a consumer survey using face-to-face interviews, and a structural equation model was implemented to the data analysis. This model choice was led by its ability to simultaneously evaluate multiple constructs. The results outline the central role played by adherence to the Mediterranean diet and food-related information, both in terms of nutritional knowledge and expert recommendations, which seem to be the key drivers affecting healthy weight. Moreover, food label use increases the nutritional knowledge of consumers, which in turn favours a healthy diet.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessia Cavaliere & Elena Siletti & Alessandro Banterle, 2020. "Nutrition information, Mediterranean diet, and weight: A structural equation approach," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 66(1), pages 10-18.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlage:v:66:y:2020:i:1:id:25-2019-agricecon
    DOI: 10.17221/25/2019-AGRICECON
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    References listed on IDEAS

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