Fast eats in The Big Easy: A survey of advertising and healthy food choices of consumers at fast food restaurants in New Orleans

Background: 3 out of 5 adults in New Orleans are overweight and more than 1 out of 4 is obese. The aim of our research is to determine whether or not there is a market for “healthy” fast food in New Orleans, to determine who composes this market and what influence advertising has on them. Methods: We surveyed consumers at Subway and McDonald's on basic demographic information, the choices they made regarding their meal and if advertising about healthy options influenced them. A review of healthy food advertising and a SWOT analysis focusing on Subway and McDonald's also contributed to our research. Results: 86% of consumers were aware of healthy options on the menu, but only 29% made their choice based on that. Less than half (44%) claimed to be influenced by the healthy option advertisements. There was a discrepancy between the choices of the patrons at the two restaurants, with only 2% ordering based on the healthy options at McDonald's, and 37% at Subway. Conclusions: Healthy advertising campaigns did not have an overwhelming affect on people's restaurant or food choices. People choose their fast food restaurant based on location, not availability of healthy options. Most people order food based on taste, even though they are aware of the healthy options. Further research needs to be made to find out what would make fast food eaters in New Orleans choose the healthier options and if public health social marketing would ultimately improve the obesity problem we face.