An Empirical Study on the Influence of Social Networks and Menu Labeling on Calorie Intake in a University Dining Hall

Obesity is a major health problem for both adults and children. It is particularly important for college students to focus on weight management due to weight persistence from adolescent to adult. This study analyzes the influence of peer effects and menu labeling on calorie intake at a university dining hall with posted nutrition facts. Data were collected at the Citrus Dining Hall on Polytechnic Campus of Arizona State University by means of a questionnaire. Groups of four members each were interviewed for a total of 112 individual observations. The results show that individuals who are dining in a group with at least one obese member consume more calories. Also food-related interactions in a group influence the amount of calorie consumption regarding pizza and interactions in a group influence the amount of calorie consumption regarding pizza and pasta. Looking at nutrition facts when ordering the food decreases the amount of calories but the effects of menu labeling on calorie intake are not amplified through peer effects. The strength of ties indicated by closeness does not significantly influence calorie intake. There is a need for future research in which more approaches related to social networks need to be tested regarding healthy diets.