Evaluating the impact of public policies on health and consumer behavior

Causal effect estimation of public policies on purchasing behaviors, consumption and health outcomes

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11060902

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060902 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in urban areas affected by sugary beverage taxes, particularly those from underserved communities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume sugary beverages or who live in regions without such public policies may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.