Consumer Views on Nutrition Labels that Contextualize Energy Content with Physical Activity and Calorie Labeling on Quick-Service Restaurant Menu Boards
Nutrition labels are one strategy being used to combat the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandates that calorie labels be added to menu boards of chain restaurants with 20 or more locations. This research design includes a systematic review of observational and experimental studies testing calorie menu labels, with a focus on studies published since the last review on the topic in 2008. This review includes six studies, two of which were judged to be of good quality, and four of which were judged to be of fair quality. The evidence suggests that calorie labeling does not have the intended effect of decreasing calorie purchasing or consumption. Physical activity equivalent labels present calorie information in terms of the amount of physical activity that would be required to expend the calories in a specified food item. In an effort to frame nutritional information in a more familiar and tangible way, physical activity labels might have greater potential to influence choice than other label formats. The proposed research design is for a qualitative study that would serve as the initial evaluation of a physical activity label, and provide feedback to refine the label format. Participants in focus groups would provide information on comprehension, usability and acceptability of the label. Future research would include a survey to evaluate performance of the label design, and experimental studies either in the laboratory or real world settings to compare consumer behavior using physical activity equivalent labels versus calorie labeling alone and traditional menus.Master of Public Healt
