Knowledge, Nudge or Nanny: societal choices to encourage a healthy diet

By | October 9, 2017
12 October 2017, 6.00 PM – 12 October 2017, 8.30 PM

Professor Susan Jebb, University of Oxford

Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building

Summary
Poor diet is the leading risk factor in the UK for ill-health and premature death. But while the fundamental components of a healthy diet are well established – we need to consume less saturated fat, sugar and salt  and eat more fibre, fruit and vegetables – much less is known about effective interventions to improve the nation’s diet that will be acceptable to society. Actions to date have relied heavily on increasing knowledge and educating individuals to make better choices, but new research shows that most of what we eat is not the result of a deliberative process, but instead occurs below the level of conscious decision-making. This implies that nudges in the environment to change the default to a healthier alternative may be an important component to improve eating habits. But some question whether this will be enough.Is stronger policy action required – a nanny to protect  society from eating its way to an early grave?
Admission: Free, but requires booking in advance

Please note that registration will close on Tuesday 10th.

Contact information

phph-adminsupport@bristol.ac.uk