Shoppers, particularly women, who take the time to read food labels are thinner than those who don't.
These findings are from a recently released study authored by Steven T. Yen, a University of Tennessee professor in the Institute of Agriculture's Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, in conjunction with researchers at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the University of Arkansas and the Norwegian Institute for Agricultural Finance Research.
Women who read food labels weighed nearly 9 pounds less than women who didn't read labels, according to the study. It also found that women read labels more than men, and smokers paid even less attention to label information.
Reading food labels is important because it allows shoppers to improve diet quality by making more informed decisions in food purchases.
The study, which was published in the journal Agricultural Economics, examined the relationship between nutritional label use and obesity. The results showed that reading labels played a role in reducing obesity, especially among women.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.