How regulation really does change eating behavior

Which transformed the anti-smoking movement more: Telling people smoking was bad for their health or the regulations that placed taxes on cigarettes, banned advertising, set age limits and restricted smoking in public places? All the limits placed on the tobacco industry are available to junk food companies: widespread availability, billions spent on advertising, and very low prices.

A study in Pediatrics found lower rates of obesity in children where schools restricted the availability of junk food. Canadian researchers found children were three times more likely to choose a healthy meal if it came with a toy. Though not tried, research at Yale Rudd Center has shown color-coding food labels could encourage healthier food choices.