Calorie estimation accuracy and menu labeling perceptions among individuals with and without binge eating and/or purging disorders

Eat Weight Disord. 2013 Sep;18(3):255-61. doi: 10.1007/s40519-013-0035-x. Epub 2013 May 16.

Abstract

Menu labeling is a public health policy that requires chain restaurants in the USA to post kilocalorie information on their menus to help consumers make informed choices. However, there is concern that such a policy might promote disordered eating. This web-based study compared individuals with self-reported binge eating disorder (N = 52), bulimia nervosa (N = 25), and purging disorder (N = 17) and those without eating disorders (No ED) (N = 277) on restaurant calorie information knowledge and perceptions of menu labeling legislation. On average, people answered 1.46 ± 1.08 questions correctly (out of 6) (25%) on a calorie information quiz and 92% of the sample was in favor of menu labeling. The findings did not differ based on eating disorder, dieting, or weight status, or race/ethnicity. The results indicated that people have difficulty estimating the calories in restaurant meals and individuals with and without eating disorders are largely in favor of menu labeling laws.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Binge-Eating Disorder / psychology*
  • Body Weight
  • Bulimia / psychology*
  • Choice Behavior
  • Eating / psychology*
  • Energy Intake*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception
  • Restaurants*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult