Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) have identified a correlation between awareness of Nutrition Facts labels and healthier food choices among adolescents. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into adolescent dietary habits.
"This study suggests an opportunity for school-based nutrition education or social media campaigns aimed at secondary students", said Deanna Hoelscher. "Teaching students about nutrition label use can help improve dietary intake, which is important for the prevention of chronic diseases both now and in the future."
Nutrition Facts labels, which detail information such as calorie content, calcium, fiber, cholesterol, and sodium levels, have been a staple on most packaged foods since 1990. Since 2016, these labels have been updated to include added sugars in grams and display calories and suggested serving sizes in larger font. These modifications aim to aid consumers in making informed decisions about their diet, according to a news release from UTHealth Houston.
The recent study conducted at UTHealth Houston involved eighth-grade and eleventh-grade students. The research aimed to identify any correlation between the use of Nutrition Facts labels and healthy food choices. The study was spearheaded by Christopher D. Pfledderer, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Deanna Hoelscher, PhD, RDN, John P. McGovern Professor in Health Promotion at UTHealth Houston was the senior author. The findings underscored the significance of educating individuals about Nutrition Labels for promoting healthy food choices, as per a news release from UTHealth Houston.
In the course of the study, it was found that eleven percent of students almost always used food labels while twenty-eight percent occasionally did so. However, sixty-one percent admitted to never reading nutrition labels. Students who regularly referred to nutrition labels made healthier food choices such as opting for baked meats, vegetables, and whole grains. Conversely, those who didn't read the labels often chose less healthy options like potato chips, fried foods, and desserts more frequently - a pattern highlighted by a news release from UTHealth Houston.
Pfledderer commented on the findings: "With recent changes in Nutrition Facts labels, which make them easier to read and comprehend, this is a great example of how higher-level changes in policy and environment can promote positive health behaviors among adolescents. Even something that seems small may have a big impact on health and well-being," as reported by a news release from UTHealth Houston.
