Study analyzes why eating well is a bigger challenge for the poorest
The FGV survey shows how the search for satiety can hinder healthy eating among low-income individuals.
Low-income consumers tend to adopt less healthy eating habits than wealthier ones, a problem often attributed to limited access to healthy foods and their high prices. However, studies by the Getulio Vargas Foundation's Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration (FGV EBAPE) indicate that, in addition to these factors, the search for satiety can be an important barrier to healthy eating among the most vulnerable. The research, recently published in the Journal of Marketing, was carried out by FGV EBAPE researcher Yan Vieites, in partnership with Larissa Elmor, also from FGV, Bernardo Andretti and Eduardo Andrade, both from Imperial College London.
The article is the result of research using data from eight studies conducted between 2019 and 2024. During these five years, 2,902 people were interviewed in two key areas of Rio de Janeiro: Complexo de Favelas da Maré and Leblon. In the article, the researchers show that low-income consumers, who are more vulnerable to food insecurity, look for foods that provide satiety, while wealthier consumers, who live in contexts of food abundance, prioritize health more. The value given to satiety by low-income consumers overrides the importance of health, but not taste, which is an important criterion for everyone, regardless of social class. This priority for foods that bring greater satiety makes healthy items less desirable, since these are generally perceived as less satiating, particularly by those with fewer resources.
As a result, low-income consumers may find healthy foods less attractive, even when accessible and affordable, if they are not perceived as satisfying, which challenges policies focused solely on the supply of these foods. These findings suggest that policymakers can improve diets by incorporating satiety into dietary guidelines and promoting healthy foods that are more satiating. "Considering both the accessibility and attractiveness of healthy foods, especially in relation to satiety, is essential for reducing nutritional inequality and promoting healthier habits among low-income populations," summarizes researcher Yan Vieites.
Leia também