Rudd Center

An overweight young man sits on a bed, gazing out the window with an air of melancholy. People with type 2 diabetes face stigma that can adversely affect their health.

UConn Rudd Center: People with Type 2 Diabetes Face Multiple Forms of Stigma, with Concerning Health Implications

Researchers say efforts are needed to improve support and reduce harmful effects on health

October 21, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

Kid drinking a cola drink

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Sugary Drink Consumption Exacerbated by Exposure to Neighborhood Fast Food and Convenience Stores

A county-wide campaign targeting sugary drinks was associated with overall decreases in youth consumption, according to a new study

August 6, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

Research & Discovery
Adolescents report feeling disconnected from school, and worried about their ability to catch up with work in the coming school year.

Pandemic Has Teens Feeling Worried, Unmotivated, and Disconnected from School

In the coming school year, social connection and communication between students and teachers should be prioritized

August 2, 2021 | Leah M. Lessard, Postdoctoral Fellow at the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity

Teenager is looking mesmerized at her phone in bed in a dark bedroom

Adolescents Report Increase in Weight Stigma on Social Media during COVID-19 Pandemic

Body dissatisfaction also increased during the pandemic, especially among girls and teens with higher weight

July 28, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

Centers that do not participate in CACFP are less likely to serve healthier options, such as nonfat or low-fat dairy and whole grains, and less likely to serve fruits and vegetables with meals.

Federal Child Care Nutrition Program Helps Centers Provide Healthier Options to Children

Study shows childcare centers not participating in the program are less likely to meet state nutrition standards

June 29, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

As fast-food companies increase their spending on advertising, they are disproportionately targeting young Black and Latino people, according to new research.

Rudd Center: New Study Finds Fast-Food Companies Spending More on Advertising, Disproportionately Targeting Black and Latino Youth

Industry spent $5 billion on advertising in 2019, and Black youth viewed 75% more ads than their white peers 

June 17, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

An illustration of hands pointing at a woman who is overweight. A new study examines the experience of weight stigma across six different countries.

Weight Stigma is a Burden Around the World – and Has Negative Consequences Everywhere

Contrary to public perceptions, weight stigma does not motivate people to lose weight; it worsens health and reduces quality of life

June 11, 2021 | Rebecca Puhl, Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences and Deputy Director, UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

People who engage in self-stigma and self-blame for their weight are more likely to avoid health care, obtain less frequent checkups, and perceive less respect from doctors, according to new research.

International Study of Weight Stigma Reveals Similar, Pervasive Experiences Across Six Countries

Findings also show negative implications of weight stigma for health care 

June 1, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

A grocery bag full of fruits and vegetables. Food pantry clients have said they want more healthy options, according to new research.

Color-coded Nutrition Info Helps Food Pantry Clients Choose Healthier Options

The study reinforces earlier findings that food pantry clients want healthy food options

May 25, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

Community Impact
A child in a fast food restaurant. Voluntary policies at fast food restaurants have not increased the likelihood that parents will purchase healthier meals for children, according to new research.

Study: Fast Food Restaurants’ Voluntary Healthy Meal Options for Children Unlikely to Result in More Nutritious Food Purchases for Kids

The research assessed purchases of healthier kids’ meals before and after policies were introduced at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Subway

May 6, 2021 | Kristin Messina, UConn Rudd Center

Research & Discovery