Work

Differences in consumer use of food labels by weight loss strategies and demographic characteristics

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about national patterns in the use of fast food and packaged food labels among adults by weight loss strategies and demographic characteristics. METHODS: We analyzed the Consumer Behavior Module in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 among adults (N = 9,690). For each of the outcome variables - use of packed food and fast food menu labels - multiple logistic regressions were used to adjust for potential differences in population characteristics by weight loss activities and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 69 percent of adults reported they would use fast food information and 76 percent reported using the nutrition facts panel on packaged foods. Adults trying to lose weight had a greater likelihood of reporting use of nutrition information to choose fast foods (OR = 1.72; 95 % CI: 1.29, 2.29) and using the nutrition facts panel on food labels (OR = 1.92; 95 % CI: 1.60, 2.30). Black and Hispanic adults were more likely to report using ingredients lists on packaged foods compared to Whites (White -63 %, Black/Hispanic -68 %, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regardless of weight loss activities or demographic characteristics, a majority of adults report they would use fast food nutrition information.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2651-z

Authors: Sara N. Bleich, Julia A. Wolfson

Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290