The study consisted of a study group of 300 people of mixed gender between the ages of 18 and 30. Each person was asked to order food from a fake fast food menu containing food items such as cheeseburgers, French fries, salads, sodas, and desserts. However, there were three different versions of the menu; the first version contained no caloric label to any food item whatsoever, the second contained the caloric value of each food item, and the third contained the amount of time exercising it would take to burn off the calories of that food item. 

Interestingly enough, the study found no difference whatsoever between the people who ordered off the no label menu and the caloric value menu; thus validating that the caloric value label next to fast food items is ineffective. However, the study did show a significant difference in the amount of calories that was ordered by those who ordered off of the menu with the amount of necessary exercise. These people ordered, on average, over 150 calories less than the people who ordered off of the other two menus. 

Now, 150 calories is not going to make or break anyone’s weight loss goals, but it is a start. This study has shown that it may be more effective to present fast food meals with their necessary work out time to better illustrate to the consumer just what exactly they are eating than simply a meals caloric value. This study has shown that the caloric value of a meal doesn’t resonate as well with the consumer as well as the amount of physical work necessary to burn off a meal. 

Sources: CNN Health