Do supermarkets set us up to fail dietarily?

An article from The Rand Corporation and UCLA published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the role that impulse marketing and customer psychology in supermarkets contributes to obesity and related health problems. The authors discussed the role of placement and display of products in retail outlets, noting that goods placed in end-of-aisle locations account for about 30% of all supermarket sales. 

People who try to make healthy choices can find their ability to resist foods difficult because high fat and sugar items are placed in prominent locations, such as near the cash register. If distracted or stressed, this can cause mental processes that increase the likelihood of purchasing unhealthy foods that are convenient and eye-catching.

Steve: Will supermarkets limit unhealthy foods displayed in prominent locations? Some are trying. Hy-Vee introduced "Blue Zones" checkout lanes that replace sugary and fatty foods with healthy ones like fresh fruits and healthy snacks. Martin's Food Markets installed healthy-food checkout lanes in eight stores in the Richmond, Va., area.

This is a slippery slope because grocery store chains get paid a premium to place food in prominent locations. Big Food is front and center with this practice. Unless healthy food companies meet or exceed Big Food's payola, it will be difficult to see any change. Of course, the most effective way to change this practice is for customers to ignore the unhealthy items no matter where they are placed. Payola cannot make up for foods do not move off the shelf.

To avoid impulse buying, prepare your grocery list prior to visiting the supermarket. When shopping, do not deviate from your list. This will quell your "inner shopping demon".