A new study suggests that food delivery apps can help tackle obesity by promoting healthier food options. The study, presented at the European Congress of Obesity, involved creating a simulated food delivery app and conducting three randomized controlled trials involving 23,783 adult participants. In each trial, participants were asked to choose a meal and the number of calories in their basket was measured at checkout. The app was altered in different ways, including pre-selecting smaller portions by default, positioning lower-calorie foods more prominently, and displaying calorie labels. The results showed that all three trials involving app modifications recorded reductions of up to 15% in the number of calories purchased.
The study’s recommendations included the use of filters that let users switch calorie labels on and off; communication of recommended energy intake per meal, not just per day; and avoiding judgmental calorie label messaging or formatting, such as by using red font. The findings provide proof-of-concept evidence that small tweaks in delivery apps could help many people to identify and select healthier foods. Delivery apps could reach millions of people and help us select healthier food options, said Dr Filippo Bianchi, who led the research.
The use of food delivery apps has increased by 55% since 2015, with 25 million adults in the UK using them regularly. Studies have shown that takeaway foods are often high in calories, with 47% of meals containing at least 1,000 kcal or more, which is about half of an adult’s daily recommended energy intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously said that Britain is on track to become the most obese nation in Europe. In a major report published last year, it said the growth of meal delivery apps was driving the UK’s obesity crisis.
According to the researchers, food delivery apps could help fight obesity by promoting healthier food options. By making lower-calorie options more prominent on their sites, food delivery apps can help consumers identify and select healthier food choices. Apps could also provide filters that allow users to switch calorie labels on and off, communicate recommended energy intake per meal, and avoid judgmental calorie label messaging or formatting.
In addition to promoting healthier food options, food delivery apps should also be transparent about their nutritional information. This includes providing calorie and nutrient information for each menu item, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices about what they eat. Apps could also provide nutrition information for special diets, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Food delivery apps have the potential to reach millions of people and could play a key role in preventing and treating obesity. By promoting healthier food options and providing nutritional information, food delivery apps can help consumers make informed choices about what they eat. As the use of food delivery apps continues to grow, it is important that they prioritize public health and work to tackle the growing obesity crisis.
