Menu-labeling as a potential strategy for addressing the obesity epidemic: A health impact assessment

Background: Mandated posting of calorie information on menus at fast food and other chain restaurants has garnered growing support as a potential strategy for addressing the obesity epidemic. Yet, no studies have assessed the potential impact of menu-labeling on the obesity epidemic.

Methodology: We conducted a health impact assessment of menu labeling, as proposed in California in 2007 (Senate Bill 120), on the obesity epidemic in Los Angeles (LA) County. The obesity epidemic was quantified using data from the California Physical Fitness Testing Program and the LA County Health Survey. Additional data sources were used to estimate the number of meals served annually in LA County at large chain restaurants included under the state bill. The percentage of restaurant patrons that would order reduced calorie meals and the amounts of calorie reductions as a result of menu labeling were estimated using both published and unpublished data. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate a plausible range of impacts of menu labeling on the obesity epidemic.

Results: Using conservative estimates (i.e., 10% of large chain restaurant patrons order reduced calorie meals with an average reduction of 100 calories per meal), menu labeling would avert 43% of the 6.95 million pound average annual weight gain in the county population. Substantially larger impacts would be realized with higher percentages of patrons ordering reduced calorie meals with greater calorie reductions.

Conclusion: Mandated menu labeling at large chain restaurants may have a substantial salutary impact on the obesity epidemic, even with only modest changes in consumer behavior.