calorie Labels on Menus: A small Step Toward Healthier Choices or a Costly Burden?
Calorie labels on menus and food packets have been touted as a tool to combat obesity,but their impact might be smaller than expected. A recent study reveals that these labels encourage people to choose healthier options, but only by a mere 11 calories—equivalent to a single Pringle crisp.
The research, published by the cochrane Library, analyzed 25 previous studies involving over 10,000 participants from countries like the UK, France, and the US. It found that displaying calorie data in cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets leads to an average reduction of just 1.8% in total calorie consumption. For a typical 600-calorie meal, this translates to a reduction of 11 calories—about the same as two almonds.
“our review suggests that calorie labelling leads to a modest reduction in the calories people purchase and consume,” said Dr. Gareth Hollands from University College London,a senior author of the study. Dr. Natasha Clarke of Bath Spa University, the lead author, added, “This review strengthens the evidence that calorie labelling can lead to small but consistent reductions in calorie selection.”
Despite the modest impact, Clarke emphasized that “the cumulative effect at a population level could make a meaningful contribution to public health.”
Since April 2022, English law has required large cafes, restaurants, and takeaways with more than 250 staff to display calorie counts on menus, online platforms, and food delivery apps. Though, the hospitality industry argues that the policy’s benefits are outweighed by its costs.
“In practice, the policy has only increased costs for businesses, with many facing thousands of pounds in additional expense each year. Given these findings and the continued cost to businesses, I would urge the government to review this policy,” said Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality.
On the other hand, the Food and drink Federation, representing supermarkets and food producers, defended the labels, stating they “help consumers understand the nutrients and calories that are in the food they’re eating [and] choose lower-calorie options which can support their longer-term health.” However, a spokesperson acknowledged that “labelling alone isn’t a silver bullet for tackling the complex issue of obesity.”
Experts remain divided on the significance of calorie labels in addressing obesity. Tom Sanders, a professor emeritus of nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London, questioned whether such a small change could impact body weight in the long term. “People only lose weight if they consume 200 fewer calories a day for a prolonged period,” he said, adding that consumers also “get fatigue from calorie labelling in the long term.”
In contrast, Amanda Daley, a professor of behavioural medicine at Loughborough University, argued that “calorie labelling has a role to play” in promoting healthier eating. “Based on people having three meals a day, these small amounts can add up and potentially contribute to reducing overweight in the population,” she said.
| Key Findings on Calorie Labelling |
|—————————————|
| Average calorie reduction: 1.8% |
| Equivalent to 11 calories per meal |
| Impact: Modest but consistent |
| Cumulative effect: Potential public health benefit |
| Industry concern: Increased costs for businesses |
While calorie labels may not be a game-changer, they represent a small step toward healthier choices. Whether their benefits justify the costs remains a topic of debate. What’s clear is that tackling obesity requires a multifaceted approach—one that goes beyond menu labels.
what do you think? Should calorie labelling policies be revised, or do they play a crucial role in public health? Share your thoughts below.
Calorie Labels on Menus: A Small Step Toward Health or a Costly Burden? Expert Weighs In
In an effort to tackle the global obesity crisis, calorie labeling on menus has been implemented by many governments worldwide. However,the effectiveness of this policy remains a topic of heated debate. While advocates argue that it empowers consumers to make healthier choices, critics claim that the impact is minimal adn the costs for businesses are important.
The Science Behind Calorie Labeling
A comprehensive review published in the Cochrane Library analyzed 25 studies involving over 10,000 participants from countries including the UK, France, and the US found that displaying calorie information results in an average reduction of just 1.8% in total calorie consumption. For a typical 600-calorie meal, this equates to a reduction of 11 calories—roughly equivalent to a single Pringle crisp or two almonds.
“The review suggests that calorie labeling leads to a modest reduction in the calories people purchase and consume,” said Dr. Gareth Hollands from University College london, a senior author of the study. Dr. Natasha Clarke of Bath Spa University, the study’s led author, added, “This review strengthens the evidence that calorie labelling can lead to small but consistent reductions in calorie selection.”
While the average reduction in calorie intake may seem minor, experts emphasize that the cumulative effect at a population level could still make a meaningful impact on public health. “Based on people having three meals a day, these small amounts can add up and potentially contribute to reducing overweight in the population,” noted Amanda Daley, a professor of behavioral medicine at Loughborough University.
Though,the hospitality industry argues that the financial burden of implementing calorie labeling outweighs it’s benefits. Since April 2022, large cafes, restaurants, and takeaways in England with more than 250 staff have been required to display calorie counts on menus, online platforms, and food delivery apps.Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, highlighted that the policy has resulted in significant additional costs for businesses, with many facing thousands of pounds in additional expense each year and The Food and Drink Federation has defended the labels, stating they help consumers understand the nutrients and calories in the food they’re eating and choose lower calorie options which can support their longer term health. A spokesperson acknowledged that labelling alone isn’t a silver bullet for tackling the complex issue of obesity.
Experts remain divided on the significance of calorie labels an addressing obesity. Tom Sanders, a professor emeritus of nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London, questioned whether such a small change could impact body weight in the long term. People only lose weight if they consume 200 fewer calories a day for a prolonged period,” he said, adding that consumers also “get fatigue from calorie labelling in the long term.
In contrast, amanda Daley, a professor of behavioural medicine at Loughborough University, argued that calorie labelling has a role to play” in promoting healthier eating. Based on people having three meals a day, these small amounts can add up and potentially contribute to reducing overweight in the population”, she said.
| Key findings on Calorie labelling |
| Average calorie reduction: 1.[{[{[{[{
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calorie labels impact obesity healthier choices costly burden public health 1.8% reduction hospitality industry food and drink federation weight loss
