It’s disappointing.
A recent review of evidence published on January 17 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that while nutrition labels on food products have a small impact on reducing calorie consumption, they do not lead to the significant changes some had hoped for. Analyzing data from 25 studies, the researchers found that calorie labeling only resulted in a modest reduction in the calories people choose, amounting to an average decrease of just under 2%, or approximately 11 calories per 600-calorie meal.
The studies involved more than 10,000 participants from high-income countries, including the U.S., Canada, France, and the U.K. Despite the small reductions in calorie intake, researchers acknowledged that while this change could have some health benefits at the population level, calorie labeling is unlikely to be a comprehensive solution to obesity or excessive calorie consumption. The findings confirm that the effect is real but modest, with the potential for long-term health benefits if applied consistently on a wider scale.
Researchers noted that the findings were an update to a 2018 review, which had shown a larger effect but lacked sufficient data at the time. The latest review concluded that while calorie labels may influence some consumers’ choices, the impact is not dramatic. Despite this, the evidence suggests that small, consistent reductions in calorie consumption could contribute to broader public health improvements, particularly as calorie labeling becomes more widespread in food establishments and packaged goods.
While this review strengthens the case for calorie labeling as a tool for reducing calorie intake, it did not address concerns about how such labels might affect individuals with eating disorders. There is still limited research on whether nutrition labels may have unintended negative effects on this group. Experts emphasized the need for careful implementation of these policies, ensuring they balance potential benefits with any associated risks.
In conclusion, while calorie labeling offers a modest but consistent reduction in calorie selection, it is not a miracle cure for health issues like obesity. The cumulative effect could have a meaningful public health impact over time, especially if labeling becomes more common across different sectors. However, researchers caution that any policy around labeling should carefully consider the potential for both positive and negative outcomes.
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