Unhealthy by Design: System Dynamics and Stakeholder Power in the Food Delivery App Environment

Key Findings

• Nine reinforcing feedback loops keep unhealthy meals dominant on FDA platforms — driven by algorithmic visibility, data optimisation, and profit incentives.

• FDA platforms and franchise chains hold high influence but low interest in changing the status quo; policymakers hold power too yet remain largely inactive.

• The deepest leverage lies in redefining platform success metrics to include public health beyond revenue and retention.

• Short-term structural changes (e.g., algorithm transparency, tiered commissions) can catalyse broader regulatory reform.