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Calorie labels are a SHAM! Study shows pathetic effect of nanny state policy on our meal choices

Calorie labels are now seen on menus in most of our favourite chain restaurants - but have they made any difference at all to the amount we eat?

Source: Cubes | 

04.12.2024, 16:26

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Cubes

Calorie labels on menus have no effect on dietary habits because people ‘don’t understand what the numbers actually mean’, a study suggests.

In April 2022, the government introduced a policy in England that orders the use of calorie labels by all food outlets with more than 250 employees.

It was hoped that by providing the number of calories next to each dish, consumers would think twice about what they eat when they visit takeaways, cafes and restaurants to help battle soaring rates of obesity.

But the policy has had no significant effect on the number of calories people buy or consume, a study suggests – and it could be because people still don’t understand exactly what the numbers mean.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool conducted two surveys before and after the implementation of the law to see whether it led to any behaviour changes.

They collected data from more than 6,500 people of all ages who had purchased food from more than 300 outlets including pubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and entertainment venues.

Analysis revealed that after the law was implemented, people were more likely to notice and use the calorie labelling system.

They were also more likely to accurately estimate the calorie content of their meals.

Researchers found awareness of calories in food was greater in women, and in those who were better off.

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