Is Calorie Labeling on Menus Related to Weight Disturbances among Females in Saudi Arabia?

Abstract

Calorie labeling is a recent initiative from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) aimed to reduce the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by influencing people to make healthier food choices when they eat out and can also help people with weight disturbances to be more aware of their calorie intake. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the use of calorie labeling on restaurant menus, calorie intake, weight concern, body weight perception, and weight-control behaviors among young women. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among female students at a university restaurant. Participants were assigned to two groups: food menus with (experimental group) and without (control group) calorie labeling. The logistic regression model assessed the predictors of using calorie information separately for the experimental and control groups. Calorie labeling had a significant effect on reducing calorie consumption in the experimental group by 59 calories compared to the control group. The higher weight concern in the control group (OR = 0.410; 95% CI 0.230-0.730; P ≤ 0.002) was a predictor for using calorie information. The experimental group had higher weight concern (OR = 1.530; 95% CI 1.107-2.115; P ≤ 0.01) and body weight perception (OR = 4.230; 95% CI 1.084-6.517; P ≤ 0.038) and lower calorie intake (OR = 1.005; 95% CI 1.001-6.517; P ≤ 0.008) predictors for using calorie information. Weight-control behaviors did not significantly predict the use of calorie information in the groups. Calorie labeling might increase the weight disturbances among young females. More investigation is needed across various populations to gain a better understanding of calorie labeling as an effective food choice among people who are vulnerable to weight disturbances or already have weight disorders.