Evaluating the impact of public policies on health and consumer behavior
Official title: Causal effect estimation of public policies on purchasing behaviors, consumption and health outcomes
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11060902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how taxes on sugary drinks influence what people buy and their health, especially in communities that need more support, to see if these taxes really help reduce sugar intake or if people just shop elsewhere to avoid them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $295,929 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136515-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in urban areas affected by sugary beverage taxes, particularly those from underserved communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume sugary beverages or who live in regions without such public policies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how public policies, such as taxes on sugary beverages, affect consumer purchasing behaviors and health outcomes. It aims to understand whether these policies effectively reduce sugar consumption or if consumers find ways to circumvent them by shopping in areas without such taxes. The study will utilize advanced statistical methods to analyze data from various cities, focusing on underserved populations to ensure comprehensive insights. By examining these dynamics, the research seeks to provide a clearer picture of the true impact of health-related public policies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public health policies that genuinely improve health outcomes and reduce obesity rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that public health policies can significantly influence consumer behavior, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitra, Nandita — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mitra, Nandita
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.