Effects of UPF Warning Labels on Social Media Among Teens and Young Adults

University of Tennessee

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Nutrition; Healthy Diet; Food Preferences

Treatments: Behavioral: UPF Warning Labels; Behavioral: No Labels (Control)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07227519

25-10909-NHSR

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate whether Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) warning labels on social media posts improve consumer understanding and influence purchase intentions among teens and young adults. Participants aged 13-29 in the United States will be recruited and randomized into two groups: a control group (no label) and an intervention group (UPF warning). Participants will view social media posts featuring UPFs with or without warning labels and respond to survey questions following each post.

Full description

This study is designed to assess the effect of a highly visible UPF warning label on social media posts among adolescents and young adults in the United States. we will recruit approximately 500 US teens aged 13-17 and 500 young adults aged 18-29.

Participants will complete a between-subjects online randomized experiment. They will be randomized into either a UPF warning label group or a no label control group. Participants will view four social media posts featuring UPFs (with or without warning labels based on their assigned group) in random order. These posts are based on real Instagram advertisements from leading food and beverage companies; two posts will feature sugar-sweetened beverages and two will feature fast-food menu items. After viewing each post, participants will answer questions assessing consumer understanding, purchase intentions, and perceived healthfulness. At the end of the survey, all participants will also respond to questions regarding perceptions of control over healthy eating, policy support for UPF warnings, and their understanding of the term "ultra-processed food."

Enrollment: 1,000 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 13 to 29 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 13-29
• Reside in the US
• Can read and speak English

Exclusion criteria

• Under the age of 13 or over 29
• Reside outside of the United States
• Unable to complete a survey in English

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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1,000 participants in 2 patient groups

UPF Warning Labels

Experimental group

Description:

UPF warning labels will be placed beneath each social media post. Each label will feature an icon accompanied by explanatory text, using the exact health risk wording proposed in the Childhood Diabetes Reductions Act: "Warning: consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks can cause weight gain, which increases the risk of obesity and type-2 diabetes". All text will be left-aligned. The icon will consist of exclamation marks within a yellow triangle. The warning label will be large and highly visible and enclosed within a bold rectangular border.

Treatment:

Behavioral: UPF Warning Labels

No Label (Control)

Other group

Description:

No label

Treatment:

Behavioral: No Labels (Control)