Understanding how people shop for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages in grocery stores; understanding drinking experiences at home
This study, run by the University of Oxford, explores whether adding calorie labels to alcoholic drinks could help reduce how much alcohol people in the UK buy and drink. Currently, there isn't much clear evidence on how these labels work in real-life situations. The research will involve adults aged 18 and over in Leeds. Participants will first take part in a simulated grocery shopping task, where some drinks will have calorie labels and others won't. Then, they will track their alcohol consumption at home for two weeks. The study hopes to understand if these labels can make a difference in people's drinking habits. It aims to gather important information to help reduce excessive alcohol consumption, which can have negative effects on health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research wants to find out if putting calorie labels on alcoholic drinks can help people in the UK choose to buy and drink less alcohol. You might see calorie information on food packaging, and this study wants to see if the same idea works for alcoholic drinks too. Scientists know that drinking too much alcohol can be bad for your health, so they are looking for practical ways to help people cut down.
While a few studies have looked into this before, there isn't enough strong evidence, especially in the UK. This study is designed to be more like a real-life situation. It will watch what people buy in a pretend supermarket and then track their actual drinking habits at home to see if the labels make a difference. The main goal is to understand if seeing how many calories are in an alcoholic drink can encourage adults to drink less.
This study is important because if calorie labels are found to be effective, they could become a helpful tool to improve public health in the UK by encouraging healthier drinking choices. The findings could help shape future government policies or public health campaigns related to alcohol consumption.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if calorie labels on alcoholic drinks affect buying and drinking habits.
- It involves a simulated supermarket shop and two weeks of at-home drinking tracking.
- Participants must be UK adults aged 18+ and able to attend the lab in Leeds.
- Results could help create better public health advice on alcohol.
- There are no direct benefits, but also no expected risks for participants.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older and live in the UK. You must be able to speak and read English well and be able to come to the study lab in Leeds. It's also important that you agree to take part and understand what the study involves.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you already have, or have had, issues with drinking too much alcohol, or if you have certain mental health conditions. Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant, and anyone taking medication that advises against drinking alcohol, cannot participate. Also, if you don't drink alcohol at least once a week, or if you don't do your main food shop in a physical supermarket at least once a month, you won't be able to join.
The study also needs to make sure participants are not at risk, so if you drink a very high amount of alcohol regularly (35 units or more per week), or if spirits make up a large part of your regular drinks, you unfortunately won't be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you travel to Leeds for a research visit?
- Do you drink alcohol at least once a week?
- Do you regularly (at least once a month) shop in a physical supermarket for your groceries?
- Have you spoken to your doctor about any past alcohol or mental health issues?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, it will involve two main parts. First, you'll visit a special lab in Leeds that looks like a supermarket. Here, you'll be asked to do a typical weekly shop for drinks, just as you normally would. Some of the alcoholic drinks will have calorie labels, and others won't. The researchers will observe what you choose to buy.
After your shopping trip, you'll take the drinks home. For the next two weeks, you'll be asked to keep track of your alcohol consumption at home. This will involve filling out online questionnaires and sending pictures of the alcoholic drinks you bought and consumed. The study will look at how many drinks you chose, their total calories, how long it took you to drink them, and the overall amount of alcohol and calories you consumed. The total duration of your participation will be the shopping task day, followed by two weeks of at-home tracking.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Blue YonderCity onlyLeeds, England
Common questions
What is a 'calorie label' on an alcoholic drink?
It's information on the drink's packaging showing how many calories it contains, similar to food labels.
Why is the study interested in how I shop?
Researchers want to see if seeing calorie labels might change which alcoholic drinks you pick up in a shop.
Will I have to drink more alcohol than usual?
No, the study isn't designed to make you drink more. Researchers will limit the amount of alcohol you can take home to prevent this.
Where does the shopping part of the study happen?
It takes place in a special lab in Leeds that is set up to look like a supermarket.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.
How to find out more
Rachel Pechey
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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