Did you know that one in six fast food customers used calorie information and purchased lower calorie menu items since the introduction of a labeling system in the U.S.? This is according to a new study published on the British Medical Journal website. A ScienceDaily article also says that obesity rates for children and adults currently are at an all time high in the U.S. with 13 percent of children and 33 percent of adults being obese. It’s more important than ever to begin making healthy choices.
The researchers found that there have been small, positive impacts from a law that was introduced in New York in 2008 that requires restaurants with more than 15 locations nationally to provide calorie information on menus and menu boards in the city. Although this is a positive change, the researchers said that menu labeling is only one piece of the framework to address the obesity epidemic. They concluded that special attention should be focused on educating customers on how to interpret and use nutrition information.
Although only select eating establishments in Houston are offering nutrition information on their menu boards currently, the American Heart Association encourages consumers to ask questions about the calories they consume. This will increase the ability of consumers to make informed choices in the food and beverages that they purchase in restaurant.
So, the next time you are dining out, become an informed consumer and ask questions about nutrition information prior to making your purchase. Asking questions leads to a healthier choice.
Please see the link below to the full article. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726213458.htm
M. Allen
October 21, 2011
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