Don’t Count on Calorie Signs to Solve Obesity Problem

Here’s a quick quiz: When was the last time you read the nutritional information on the side of bag of Cheetos?

Question 2, Parts A and B: Do you know that many restaurant chains have nutritional information available for consumers? Have you bothered to look at it?

Question 3: Will including calories on menus at restaurant chains cause you to change your eating behavior?

Advocates of a recently approved calorie-posting law in California are hoping the answer to Question 3 is “yes.”

They may be right, but it will be a long process.

Like the story about leading a horse to water, you can lead a consumer to a calorie list, but can you make them read it? And will it change what they drink or eat?

So-called “fast food” restaurants get a lot of the blame for today’s obesity “epidemic” in the United States. But we haven’t seen anyone roping passersby and forcing them to eat giant cardio- burgers against their will.

Will the people who order triple cheeseburgers with bacon, sauce and a giant order of french fries be surprised to discover their favorite meals are full of calories? Will they even notice?

The California law requires restaurant chains to list calorie counts on menus or message boards or to provide more detailed information in pre-printed brochures as of July 1. As of 2011, the calorie counts would have to be posted regardless of whether a brochure is available.

In the wake of a California law, the parent company of five popular chains has decided to post calories nationwide at its company-owned KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s and A&W restaurants.

Making such information readily available to consumers is a good idea. The fact that Yum Brands is making the move nationwide could be seen as a pre-emptive strike to slow the push for more laws like California’s – or it could be seen as a response to consumer interest. The increase in “healthy” options at fast-food places shows consumer interest in nutrition.

Posting calorie information might not alter the habits of those eating products that are obviously high in calories, but being armed with the facts can help people make healthier choices. Some products people perceive as more nutritious can be higher in calories and fat than people think.

Our advice to consumers is to devour information with as much fervor as you devour a juicy steak.

But health advocates shouldn’t count on success until counting calories becomes a national habit.

(c) 2008 Pantagraph. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.