Does Calorie Counting actually work?

Remember the days when you did not have that list on all foods, with calories, carbs (sugars), fats, salt etc. We, as a nation, and a world, continue to get fatter, so does it make a difference?

Putting calorie counts on menus could cut people's intake by 12 per cent and fight obesity, say researchers.  They are now calling on the Government to make these figures compulsory. (as of today).

Scientists analyzed data from 28 various studies looking at the impact of nutritional labelling on purchasing and consumption. Diners given the information averaged 48 fewer calories - or eight per cent - when eating a typical -calorie lunch - such as a pizza slice (people only eat a slice?) and a soft drink.  Other experiments in a laboratory suggested calorie counts may slash intake by up to 12 per cent.

Professor Susan Jebb, who worked on the review at the University Of Oxford, said: "this should provide policy makers with the confidence to introduce measures to encourage or even require calorie labelling on menus."

Her Co-Author, Professor Theresa Marteau, of the University of Cambridge, added; "while calorie labelling may help, other measures to reduce calorie intake are also needed."

Caroline Cerny, from the Obesity Health Alliance, said: "when we know the nutritional content of the food we are eating, the more likely it is that we will make healthier choices."

HMHB actively promotes a healthy diet as part of a lifestyle. Anything that can help you do that is great. Seeing calorie, sugar, salt, and fat content on products is great. But when you eat out, is that not meant to be a treat, a luxury, a time to indulge? As long as you do it sparingly, do enjoy yourself. But keep an eye on those targets!!!