Proximity's Influence on Estimated and Actual Candy Consumption

International Journal of Obesity 30.5 (2006): 871-875

5 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2014

See all articles by Brian Wansink

Brian Wansink

Retired - Cornell University

James Painter

Eastern Illinois University

Y-K Lee

Kyungpook National University

Date Written: 2006

Abstract

Objective and purpose: Although there is increasing interest in how environmental factors influence food intake, there are mixed results and misunderstandings of how proximity and visibility influence consumption volume and contribute to obesity. The objective of this paper is to examine two questions: first, how does the proximity and salience of a food influence consumption volume? Second, are proximate foods consumed more frequently because they are proximate, or are they consumed more frequently because people lose track of how much they eat?

Research methods and procedures: The 4-week study involved the chocolate candy consumption of 40 adult secretaries. The study utilized a 2.2 within-subject design where candy proximity was crossed with visibility. Proximity was manipulated by placing the chocolates on the desk of the participant or 2m from the desk. Visibility was manipulated by placing the chocolates in covered bowls that were either clear or opaque. Chocolates were replenished each evening, and placement conditions were rotated every Monday. Daily consumption was noted and follow-up questionnaires were distributed and analyzed.

Results: There were main effects for both proximity and visibility. People ate an average of 2.2 more candies each day when they were visible, and 1.8 candies more when they were proximately placed on their desk vs 2m away. It is important to note, however, that there was a significant tendency for participants to consistently underestimate their daily consumption of proximately placed candies (-0.9) and overestimate their daily consumption of less proximately placed candies (þ0.5).

Discussion: These results show that the proximity and visibility of a food can consistently increase an adult’s consumption of it. In addition, these results suggest that people may be biased to overestimate the consumption of foods that are less proximate, and to underestimate those that are more proximate. Knowing about these deviation tendencies is important for those attempting effectively monitor their consumption of fat and sugar.

Keywords: consumption, proximity, convenience visibility, candy, estimation, salience, food intake

Suggested Citation

Wansink, Brian and Painter, James and Lee, Y-K, Proximity's Influence on Estimated and Actual Candy Consumption (2006). International Journal of Obesity 30.5 (2006): 871-875, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2474870

Brian Wansink (Contact Author)

Retired - Cornell University ( email )

James Painter

Eastern Illinois University ( email )

Charleston, IL 61920-3099
United States
217-581-6677 (Phone)
217-581-6090 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://castle.eiu.edu/~jpainter/

Y-K Lee

Kyungpook National University

Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

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