The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has released a study that for the first time shows posting calorie information on menus and menu boards at large chain restaurants (with 15 or more outlets in California) could have a significant impact in reducing the obesity epidemic. The study found that if just 10% of restaurant goers ordered reduced-calorie meals (average reduction of 100 calories per meal) as a result of calorie information provided on menus, it would result in a 40% decrease in the 6.75 million pound average annual weight gain in the county population.
Obesity is one of the most serious public health threats we face today, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. This study shows that providing restaurant customers with calorie information at the point of purchase could lead to more informed decisions, and have a dramatic effect on reducing the overall obesity epidemic.
The study looked at a range of consumer responses in calculating potential impacts on the obesity epidemic. The results indicate that with public education, pricing incentives, or other strategies to promote reduced-calorie meals, the impact on reducing the epidemic could be greatly enhanced. For example, if 20% of restaurant patrons ordered reduced calorie meals (average reduction of 100 calories per meal) 77.7% of the county population’s annual weight gain could be prevented.
The study also found that dropping 100 or more calories from a typical restaurant meal is an achievable goal. It examined calorie information from three fast food restaurant chains and found that creating a reduced-calorie meal could be as simple as ordering a medium-sized soft drink instead of a large (saving 95 calories), ordering medium-sized French fries instead of a large (saving 163 calories), or ordering a single-meat patty hamburger instead of the double (saving 244 calories). Just one change in how a person orders could cut calories where they count.
The Health Impact Assessment titled Menu Labeling as a Potential Strategy for Combating the Obesity Epidemic can be viewed at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov