Behavioral and Economic Interventions: A Path to Improved Dietary Behaviors.

Abstract

This narrative review provides a summary and critical discussion of the effectiveness of behavioral and economic interventions in promoting healthier eating habits. While financial incentives alter food choices through changes in prices and monetary incentives, behavioral nudges leverage human biases to subtly push individual choice toward welfare-enhancing options without restricting freedom of choice or using monetary instruments. Review articles and empirical studies were selected on the basis of predefined criteria, focusing on the impact of interventions on food purchase, consumption, and adiposity indicators. Our findings highlight the strengths and limitations of both approaches and reveal potential synergies and gains from financial and behavioral interventions. This narrative review identifies research gaps and provides recommendations for future investigations to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of interventions aimed at improving dietary behaviors.