Calorie labeling on menus could help prevent over 28,000 cases of cancer related to obesity and 16,700 deaths over a lifetime, according to a study by Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The study was part of a National Institutes of Health project called the Food Policy Review and Intervention Cost-Effectiveness initiative. The analysis of food choices found that the mandatory adoption of calorie labels on menus helped produce a net decrease in calorie intake of between 20-60 calories per meal, while also yielding savings of $2.8 billion in healthcare costs.

Calorie labels on menus have long been a subject of debate, with some questioning their effectiveness in promoting healthy eating habits. However, a new study has shed light on the potential impact of calorie labeling, revealing that it could potentially avert thousands of cancer deaths. The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from several institutions, suggests that providing calorie information on menus could play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cancer, as well as promoting overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the findings of the study and discuss the potential implications for public health policies.


Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy has released a study suggesting that implementing calorie labeling on menus could help to reduce tens of thousands of potential cancer cases and deaths. In 2018, the US Food & Drug Administration mandated the requirement that all chain restaurants with more than 20 outlets add calorie labels to their menus. The change has already resulted in a net decrease in calorie intake of between 20 and 60 calories per meal at affected restaurants, indicating small but significant impacts. The study, published in the BMJ Open journal, indicates that this reduction in calorie intake could prevent over 28,000 cancer cases related to obesity and 16,700 deaths over a lifetime. The savings to healthcare infrastructure and society total $2.8 billion. The study was part of a National Institutes of Health project to discover beneficial nutrition strategies called the Food Policy Review and Intervention Cost-Effectiveness initiative (Food-PRICE).
 
The study collected nutritional survey data from adults over 20 in the years 2015–2016 and combined these figures with national cancer statistics to model the cohort’s risk of developing any of 13 obesity-related cancers, and the potential impact of those health outcomes on the healthcare system. Cancers linked to obesity are estimated to represent up to 43.5% of direct cancer care costs. Although weight loss was not reflected in the study’s model, the researchers concluded that the implementation of calorie labeling on menus could result in a pound of weight loss per year. Young adults aged 20–44 showed the biggest benefits from the policy, and Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black people were likely to see a greater reduction in cancer deaths. 
 
Although the study provides strong evidence of the positive impact of calorie labeling on menus, more needs to be done to share this knowledge with underrepresented communities. The study’s lead author, Mengxi Du, suggests that people with higher education and income levels are more likely to understand menu labeling and the necessary nutritional information, so efforts should be made to educate underrepresented, low-income, or at-risk communities to address disparities. Senior study author Fang Fang Zhang, a cancer epidemiologist and Neely Family Professor at the Friedman School, emphasizes that labeling policies that promote healthy dietary decisions can go a long way toward cancer prevention and reducing obesity-associated risks. 
 
Reference
Du, Griecci CF Cudhea F et al. What is the cost-effectiveness of menu calorie labeling on reducing obesity-associated cancer burdens? An economic evaluation of a federal policy intervention among 235 million adults in the USA. BMJ Open. 2023;13:e063614. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063614
 
This content has been adapted from a press release issued by Tufts University.


In conclusion, it is evident that introducing calorie labels on menus could have a significant impact on preventing cancer and improving public health. With an estimated 80,000 cancer cases linked to excess weight and obesity each year, simple changes such as displaying calorie information could help avert thousands of unnecessary deaths. Although small steps are being taken in this direction, there is still a long way to go to ensure that calorie labels become mandatory in restaurants and food outlets worldwide. However, the potential health benefits make this a step worth taking, and we should all be advocates for better food labeling to promote healthier living.