Menu Labels and their Impact on People with Eating Disorders

Introduction

If you have recently been to a restaurant or cafe, you may have noticed calorie information displayed on the menu for each item. This is one example of so-called “out-of-home” nutritional labels, referring to any food and drink bought outside the home which is not already prepackaged. Several countries have introduced these types of menu labels to reduce obesity levels.

Spotting Menu Labels

Spotting menu labels can lead to different reactions in different people. Some may not pay much attention, others may use the information to make a choice about their order.

Recent Evidence

While there is recent evidence that such labels lead to small reductions in calories selected, concerns have been raised about the effect these labels have on people with eating disorders.

Concerns about Menu Labels

Eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions. Common symptoms include restricting food intake and being preoccupied with thoughts about weight. It is these symptoms that people are concerned about when thinking about menu labels.

Impact on People with Eating Disorders

Our review of the existing evidence found that people with eating disorders said they felt as if they were being ordered to cut down on what they eat and that the labels reinforced their beliefs about overeating. People with eating disorder symptoms said they were more likely to notice menu labels and change their behavior based on seeing menu labels compared to people without these symptoms.

Eye-Tracking Research

People with eating disorders also said that their eyes are drawn to calorie information on menus. And this is supported by evidence from eye-tracking research.

Food Choices and Social Experience

Food choices are not the only aspect of eating out. For many, going to a restaurant or cafe is a social experience. Something fun to do with friends or family. A way to celebrate a special occasion.

Conclusion

Menu labels represent a policy that involves giving people information and putting the onus onto them to change their behavior. But this type of strategy can come with negative side-effects. For one person, encouraging them to eat fewer calories may be helpful, but for another it may be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the impact of menu labels on people with eating disorders?

A: Our review of the existing evidence found that people with eating disorders reported negative effects, including feeling as if they were being ordered to cut down on what they eat, and the labels reinforcing their beliefs about overeating.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of menu labels?

A: The labels can lead to negative side-effects, such as reinforcing harmful beliefs and behaviors, and potentially triggering eating disorder symptoms.

Q: What are some alternative policies to address obesity?

A: Other policies, such as advertising bans and bans on “buy one get one free” deals for unhealthy food and drinks, may be more effective and less harmful than menu labels.

Q: Who is affected by eating disorders?

A: Eating disorders affect a diverse group of people, including those with restrictive symptoms, those with binge eating symptoms, and those with gender and age differences.