A systematic review of 16 studies suggests that mandatory calorie labels in restaurants and other food businesses may negatively impact individuals with eating disorders. While these policies aim to combat obesity, they could potentially exacerbate disordered eating behaviors. The review highlights the need for policymakers to consider the unintended consequences of such interventions and prioritize public health in a balanced manner.
By Priyanjana Pramanik, MSc.Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLMJan 31 2025 A systematic review of 16 studies suggests that mandatory out-of-home nutrition labels may reinforce disordered eating behaviors, raising concerns for policymakers.
A global obesity epidemic The World Health Organization estimated that one in eight people in the world lived with obesity in 2022; since 1990, adolescent obesity has quadrupled, while adult obesity has more than doubled. People living with obesity are at a higher risk of developing multiple health problems, including certain cancers, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Since eating disorders such as binge eating often co-occur with obesity, they could even exacerbate the issue they aim to solve. The negative health impacts of a policy must be balanced against its possible benefits. Therefore, understanding these impacts is critical. Most of the published research came from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with the remaining two from Saudi Arabia.
Studies that focused specifically on people with eating disorders. One study that included female undergraduates as participants found no differences in disordered eating or food choices when calorie labels were introduced.
EATING DISORDERS NUTRITION LABELS OBESITY PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY MENTAL HEALTH
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