Effect of deprivation on the grocery shopping behavior of obese and nonobese consumers

Int J Obes. 1983;7(4):307-11.

Abstract

The universal Product Code (UPC) checkout system was used to determine the type of unplanned purchases made by obese and nonobese in a supermarket under various levels of deprivation. The results show that deprivation differently affects the saliency of food-related cues for obese and nonobese. Obese individuals purchased more unplanned items when not deprived than when deprived. Moreover, the majority of the unplanned purchases were items that were on an end aisle or point-of-purchase display. The results are discussed in terms of previous research that have demonstrated that the obese and nonobese interpret and respond differently to internal and external cues of hunger.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Food Deprivation*
  • Humans
  • Hunger / physiology
  • Impulsive Behavior*
  • Obesity / psychology*