For each Louisiana Public Square program, the studio audience is given a pre-and a post-show survey. Analysis of the responses provides an opportunity to track any changes in opinions that may be the result of the deliberative process experienced by our participants. Below are some of the most striking modifications of opinions about this month’s topic in Louisiana.

Among our studio participants, there was some movement toward greater recognition of environmental influences in personal health risk factors. These changes are never particularly large, but there does appear to be a pattern across questions. There is one interesting and notable exception – the support for gastric bypass surgery. This may reflect perceptions regarding medical need, or, alternatively, increased information about the what the surgery is.

Full pre-and post-survey results follow.

Q2. A series of explanations people give about why Louisianans are overweight follows. Please indicate your response to each statement.

a. There is too much unhealthy and fatty food in restaurants and supermarkets.

b. Being overweight is something you inherit from your parents.

c. Most people spend too much time watching television or using computers and not enough time engaged in physical activities or exercise.

d. Louisiana's culture and traditions emphasize celebration through food and festivals.

Q3. Now we'd like to ask you some general questions about government policies and society. There are no right or wrong answers here. We'd just like to know your feelings about some political and social issues that people often talk about. Please indicate your response to each statement.

a. We should outlaw smoking in all public places like restaurants, airports, and stadiums.

b. There's too much advertising for junk food and fast food on television that is aimed at children and the federal government should regulate these ads the way they do for cigarettes and alcohol.

c. The government should impose "snack taxes" on unhealthy food and use the proceeds to support the production and distribution of nutritious foods.

Q4. Would you support or oppose allowing health insurance providers to charge less in premiums for people who engage in health lifestyles, including, e.g., exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, etc.

Q5. Would you support or oppose allowing health insurance providers to charge more in premiums for people who regularly smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes?