Who runs the PEACH Lab?
- The PEACH Lab is directed by Christina Roberto, PhD, the Mitchell J. Blutt and Margo Krody Blutt Presidential Associate Professor of Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a psychologist and epidemiologist whose research aims to identify and understand factors that promote unhealthy eating behaviors and design interventions to improve eating habits.
What kind of research does the PEACH Lab conduct?
- The PEACH Lab conducts research to identify and understand environmental forces that shape what we eat like food marketing and food access and prices. We also examine how these environmental influences interact with human psychology to encourage people to overconsume unhealthy foods. Much of our work is focused on leveraging insights from psychology and behavioral economics to design interventions and policies that promote healthy eating habits and prevent nutrition-related chronic diseases.
How has the PEACH Lab made an impact?
- Our research on Philadelphia’s “soda tax” demonstrated that after one year of its implementation, taxed beverage purchases dropped by 38%. Our study provides evidence that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages is one of the most effective policy strategies to reduce the purchase of these unhealthy drinks.
- Our randomized-controlled study on restaurant menu labeling helped inform the national requirement that calorie labels on restaurant menus include a statement that places that information in the context of an adult’s recommended daily caloric intake. In the study, participants were randomly assigned to a menu with 1) no calorie labels, 2) calorie labels, or 3) calorie labels and information on what the recommended daily caloric intake is for the average adult. The researchers found that those who received menus with calorie labeling ordered meals with fewer calories. However, they also discovered that participants who saw calorie labels (but not daily caloric intake recommendations) consumed more calories after the study dinner than those in the other two groups. Taking into consideration calories consumed during and after the study dinner, the participants who were given information on calories and the recommended daily caloric intake consumed an average of 250 fewer calories than the other groups, providing evidence that menu label legislation should require this additional context.
- Our research examined the 2009 “Smart Choices” front-of-package food labeling system, which sought to help people make healthier decisions while food shopping. However, we found that 64% of products in the Smart Choices system would not meet objective criteria for a healthy product. These results informed the Connecticut Attorney General’s calls for legal investigation of the program. Shortly after, the program was halted.
- Our research on restaurant sodium warning labels informed the design of the final Philadelphia sodium warning requirement. found that designs with warning text could improve consumer understanding of the levels of sodium in their meals and reduce the amount of sodium ordered. Chain restaurants in Philadelphia now use an image to inform restaurant-goers of meals that exceed 2,300 mg of sodium.
- Our research on percentage of customers using fast food drive-thru lanes was cited in a menu labeling bill introduced in Connecticut advocating for the inclusion of labels on drive-thru menus. The study found that 57% of customers of 6 different chains purchased food through the drive-through lanes instead of entering the restaurants. “Menu labeling legislation should mandate the inclusion of menu labels on drive-through menu boards to maximize the impact of this public health intervention,” we concluded.
How can I partner with the PEACH Lab?
- Please fill out this form here with your name, email address, and message.
How can I work for the PEACH Lab and Christina Roberto?
How can I learn more about what the PEACH lab is working on?
- Follow Dr. Roberto on Twitter @RobertoCA and sign up for our newsletter.
