Adherence
Mandatory calorie menu labeling on quick-service restaurant menus does not significantly reduce the calories purchased or consumed by consumers in real-world or laboratory settings.
Posting calorie counts on fast-food menus does not reliably lead to healthier choices or lower calorie intake for the average consumer. Policymakers and consumers should not rely on labeling alone to combat obesity; other strategies like education or menu reformulation may be more effective.
The current evidence suggests that calorie labeling does not have the intended effect of decreasing calorie purchasing or consumption.
Why this rating
The review includes seven studies, but notes methodological flaws, lack of generalizability in lab settings, and imprecision in observational studies.
Source
Calorie menu labeling on quick-service restaurant menus: an updated systematic review of the literature
Jonas J. Swartz et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2011
DOI 10.1186/1479-5868-8-135
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →