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Regulating the Way to Obesity: Unintended Consequences of Limiting Sugary Drink Sizes

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  • Brent M Wilson
  • Stephanie Stolarz-Fantino
  • Edmund Fantino

Abstract

Objectives: We examined whether a sugary drink limit would still be effective if larger-sized drinks were converted into bundles of smaller-sized drinks. Methods: In a behavioral simulation, participants were offered varying food and drink menus. One menu offered 16 oz, 24 oz, or 32 oz drinks for sale. A second menu offered 16 oz drinks, a bundle of two 12 oz drinks, or a bundle of two 16 oz drinks. A third menu offered only 16 oz drinks for sale. The method involved repeated elicitation of choices, and the instructions did not mention a limit on drink size. Results: Participants bought significantly more ounces of soda with bundles than with varying-sized drinks. Total business revenue was also higher when bundles rather than only small-sized drinks were sold. Conclusions: Our research suggests that businesses have a strong incentive to offer bundles of soda when drink size is limited. Restricting larger-sized drinks may have the unintended consequence of increasing soda consumption rather than decreasing it.

Suggested Citation

  • Brent M Wilson & Stephanie Stolarz-Fantino & Edmund Fantino, 2013. "Regulating the Way to Obesity: Unintended Consequences of Limiting Sugary Drink Sizes," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-4, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0061081
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061081
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Young, L.R. & Nestle, M., 2002. "The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the US obesity epidemic," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(2), pages 246-249.
    2. Vartanian, L.R. & Schwartz, M.B. & Brownell, K.D., 2007. "Effects of soft drink consumption on nutrition and health: A systematic review and meta-analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(4), pages 667-675.
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