Calorie labeling has modest effect, latest evidence shows

Putting calories on food labels and menus “is not a silver bullet,” say researchers who analyzed the best evidence to date on the policy’s effectiveness.

A review of 25 studies on calorie labeling in a number of countries found a small reduction in the calories people choose to eat – equivalent to two almonds – but even this modest effect could help prevent adults from gaining weight as they age.

The new rules on calorie labeling came into force in England in 2022 as part of government plans to encourage people to make healthier choices.

The government said it would continue to assess the impact, including on people with eating disorders.

Restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees must now indicate the number of calories in meals on their menu.

For Imara, a 27-year-old HR assistant from Birmingham, the change has been a positive part of her weight loss journey.

“It allowed me to stay on track, stick to my calorie deficit while still enjoying a nice meal with friends or my husband, all while having a good time without worrying about going off track.

“Sometimes I just eat a meal without thinking about the calories,” she says.

“But if it’s a day or week where I want to stay on track, I’ll look at the calories and see if it’s something that aligns with my goals.”

The research involved studies on the impact of calorie labels in supermarkets, restaurants and other food outlets in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and France.

In a 600-calorie meal, the study found an average reduction of 11 calories (or 1.8%) in foods chosen and purchased.

Lead author Dr Gareth Hollands of University College London said there was “a small but potentially significant effect on people’s food choices”, but that “we should not expect significant miracles.”

He said calorie labeling “could play a useful role” alongside other measures, such as food and drink taxes, marketing restrictions and reformulation, forcing manufacturers to adjust recipes. food products to make them healthier.

Dr Natasha Clarke from Bath Spa University, who started the project at the University of Cambridge, says the evidence is “strong”.

And as calorie labeling becomes more widespread, this effect could have a “significant contribution” to public health.

However, charities say the policy can make people with eating disorders more anxious about food, which could trigger a relapse.

Milly Goldsmith, 27, a lifestyle influencer from London, suffered from anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphia between the ages of 13 and 18.

She says counting calories is what “fed” her eating disorder.

“I really feel like it just reinforces these eating habits and makes it a really toxic way of looking at food.”

Although Milly is in recovery, she describes the constant battle between her “eating disorder brain” and her “logical brain” to not focus on the calories in her meals.

The review acknowledged a “lack of data” on possible harms, including impacts on mental health, and the authors recommended future research to assess this phenomenon.

To encourage healthier eating, the government has already announced plans to ban junk food adverts on TV and online in England, alongside calorie labeling.

This is part of a wider plan to tackle high rates of obesity.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We have also given local authorities stronger powers to block requests for unhealthy takeaways near schools, to prevent food giants fast food to target students. »

The Scottish Government has consulted on whether restaurants and cafes should display calorie levels.