Nutrition Label Policies May Have Negative Impact on People With Eating Disorders

Association noted for eating disorder pathology with noticing labels more frequently, more frequent changes in behavior due to caloric values

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Out-of-home nutrition label policies have a potential negative impact on individuals with eating disorders, according to a review published online Jan. 29 in BMJ Public Health.

Nora Trompeter, Ph.D., from University College London, and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the impact of out-of-home nutrition labels on individuals with eating disorders or disordered eating. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria: five experimental/quasi-experimental studies, five cross-sectional studies, and six qualitative/mixed-methods studies.

The researchers observed an association for eating disorder pathology with noticing labels more frequently, paying more attention to caloric intake, and more frequent changes in behavior due to caloric values across studies. Being drawn to calories, facilitating the eating disorder, reassurance, social eating, and frustration were the themes identified in the metasynthesis.

“Further research and consultation with individuals with lived experience of obesity and eating disorders are required to identify policies that benefit the general population without causing harm to those with eating disorders,” the authors write.