The Impact of Calorie Labelling on Food Consumption: The Moderating Role of Body Dissatisfaction
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Calorie labelling is a recent obesity prevention initiative that aims to influence individuals to make healthier informed decisions when eating out. Although calorie labelling can potentially reduce the excessive caloric intake in overweight and obese individuals, it may also lead to a greater calorie awareness in individuals with eating disordered cognitions and/or behaviours. The current study examined the impact of calorie labels on food choice and food intake in a nonclinical sample of female undergraduate students as well as the moderating role of body dissatisfaction on these outcomes. The sample consisted of 59 female students from Western University. Participants had their height and weight measured, completed a packet of questionnaires and selected a single item to eat from a snack menu, either with or without calorie labels. Participants’ food intake was measured by weighing the food item prior to and post consumption. The results demonstrated that there were no significant relationships between calorie labels, food intake, and food choice. Moreover, body dissatisfaction was not significantly correlated with food choice, nor did it moderate the relationship between calorie labels and food consumption. These findings suggest that calorie labelling may not be effective in influencing eating behaviour across groups of people, including those with higher body dissatisfaction. Since some of the results were in the expected direction, it would be beneficial to conduct more research to ensure these are true null findings. Having a better understanding of the relationship between calorie labelling and eating disorder symptomology can enable clinicians to better understand and assist in mitigating the potential risk factors their clients may face when eating out.
Authors: Gillian Shoychet, Lindsay P. Bodell
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3206496604