Bringing together data from previous studies, we found no evidence that those from more deprived groups are less likely to act on their intentions to change their behaviour, including changing their diet. However, we found some differences between more and…
Review finds communicating genetic risks does not change health behaviour
A systematic review led by researchers at the Behaviour and Health Research Unit (BHRU), published on the 16th of March in the BMJ, has found the most conclusive evidence to date that communicating the results of DNA tests has little or no impact on behaviour change, such as stopping smoking or increasing physical activity.
The authors reviewed the results of 18 randomised controlled trials on the effects of communicating genetic risk estimates of a range of diseases for which behaviour change could reduce that risk. The results showed no significant effects of communicating DNA based risk estimates on smoking cessation, diet, or physical activity. There were also no effects on any other behaviours (alcohol use, medication use, sun protection behaviours, and attendance at screening or behavioural support programmes).
These results are timely, given high levels of interest in personalised medicine and increasing use of direct-to-consumer testing for a range of common complex disorders. They mean that existing evidence does not support expectations that such interventions could play a major role in motivating behaviour change to improve population health.
The impact of communicating genetic risks of disease on risk-reducing health behaviour: systematic review with meta-analysis. Hollands, French, Griffin, Prevost, Sutton, King, Marteau. 2016
What are the policy options to “Downsize” portions, packages and tableware?
In this paper we outline a range of actions with the potential to avoid the excess consumption of food and drink that consistently occurs when people are presented with larger portions, packages and tableware size. The actions focus on reducing the size,…
How can researchers understand healthy vs. less healthy food choices?
Dr Suzanna Forwood, former Research Associate in the BHRU, and now Lecturer in Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, has written a focus piece on the challenges involved in researching choices people make when purchasing or consuming food. The article draws on examples from her own research as well as the wider environment and policy issues. To see the full article click here.
Seeing the wood as well as the trees: the importance of the ‘macro’ perspective for public health
We are pleased to welcome Professor Richard Smith, Dean, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, as part of the Bradford Hill Seminars, on Friday 11th March 2016, 13:00-14:00. Professor Smith will talk on…