Rigged Monopoly games sheds lights on overeating, food insecurity

Rigged Monopoly games sheds lights on overeating, food insecurity


Generations of Americans have enjoyed the board game Monopoly. But how would you feel if you knew the odds of winning were stacked against you?

A study led by a University of Florida researcher rigged the game to put some players at a disadvantage to better understand why Hispanic teens in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by obesity. Previous work has suggested social determinants of health such as food insecurity and low social status might contribute to the problem.

The goal was to recreate in the laboratory feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and inequity that many low-income youths experience in their lives.

The study involved more than 100 participants of both sexes, ages 15 to 21, who were divided into two groups. Low social status players received the shoe game piece, started with $1,000, collected only $100 for passing Go, and rolled only one die per turn. That prevented them from rolling their way out of jail with doubles instead of paying a $50 fine.

High social status players got the Rolls Royce piece, were game banker, started with $2,000 and collected $200 on passing Go. They got two dice.

Both groups received an all-you-can-eat lunch. In addition, they kept food diaries to track what they ate in the next 24 hours.

Hispanic teenaged girls in the shoe-piece group consumed about 200 more calories overall that their Rolls Royce counterparts. They reported feeling perceived powerlessness and increased frustration during the game. Investigators say findings suggest low perceived social status can lead to overeating, especially among girls with food insecurity.

Monopoly, as always, can offer a reflection of real life, one square at a time.

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