Figure 1
Policy response to the global cardiovascular crisis arising from obesity.
UK = United Kingdom, SA = South Africa, US = United States of America.
Table 1
Elements in National Obesity Reduction Efforts.
| COUNTRY | KEY POLICIES | IMPACT |
|---|---|---|
| Chile (16) | Front-of-pack warning labels, marketing restrictions, junk food bans in schools. | Drop in sugary drink purchases; decrease in sodium content and saturated fat; improved nutrition understanding; industry reformulation. |
| UK (17) | Sugar tax, calorie targets, and food labelling. | Sugar reduction in soft drinks and less sugary drink intake. |
| Mexico (18) | Sugar/food taxes and marketing limits. | Drop in sugary drink purchases; more substantial effect in low-income groups; improved diets. |
| France (6) | ÉPODE program via schools, parents, and local leaders. | Obesity reduction in pilot towns; replicated in other countries. |
| South Korea (19) | National health plans, food labelling. | Stable child obesity; higher awareness of healthy diets. |
| Australia (20) | Health Star Rating, Healthy Food Partnership, and school initiatives. | Labelling improved awareness; substantial population health gain. |
| Brazil (21) | Traditional diets, dietary guidelines, and school meals from local farms. | High trust in guidelines; healthier school meals; cultural food habits preserved |
| South Africa (22) | Sugar tax, dietary guidelines, school nutrition programs. | Drop in sugary drink intake; product reformulation; strong impact on low-income groups. |
| Thailand (23) | Front-of-pack labelling, school reforms, ThaiHealth campaigns. | Reduced sugary drink intake; industry reformulation; community health engagement. |
| Peru (23) | Front-of-pack black octagons, school food/ad bans. | Better consumer understanding, improved purchasing habits, and increased industry compliance. |
Table 2
Global Evidence of Behavioural Economic Nudges in Obesity Reduction.
| NUDGE TYPE | DESCRIPTION | EVIDENCE OF IMPACT |
|---|---|---|
| Default Options | Pre-setting healthier choices as defaults. | Fruit is offered as the default. Fruit consumption increased. |
| Product Placement | Positioning healthy foods prominently. | Increased sales of fruits and vegetables; higher selection of water over sugary drinks. |
| Social Norms Messaging | Promoting healthy behaviours as standard/socially accepted. | Increased stair usage; increased fruit and vegetable consumption. |
| Portion Size Reduction | Serving smaller portions or using smaller plates. | Reduced calorie intake without compensatory eating. |
| Framing Effects | Presenting nutritional information in positive/negative frames. | Positive framing improved healthy food choices; calorie labels reduced caloric intake. |
| Incentives & Rewards | Financial or voucher-based rewards for healthy behaviour. | Increased purchase of healthy foods; improved physical activity adherence. |
| Commitment Devices | Encouraging public commitments to health goals. | Improved weight loss maintenance and diet adherence. |
[i] This summary table underscores the diversity and efficacy of behavioural economic nudges tested worldwide. While effects vary by context and design, these nudges are valuable, low-cost tools that can complement broader obesity prevention strategies globally.