More study needed to determine whether adding calorie counts to menus curbs obesity, researcher says

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Going to McDonald’s or KFC? What if you see the calorie counts posted on the menu? Would you change your plans? Researchers in New York tried to answer the question. You can read about their study here.

It’s no surprise that eating habits are hard to change. But the lead researcher also notes that it’s hard to assess the many anti-obesity public health efforts underway. Brian Elbel of New York University says more research is needed into the effects of putting calorie counts on menus.

It’s possible, he says, that the labels -- required in New York since July 2008 -- need more time to make a difference. Or perhaps the effect is hard to track at fast-food outlets. The researchers surveyed customers and examined receipts from several fast-food places. But what if the labels have kept some people away all together?

Elbel and other researchers are still evaluating the data they collected. And they’re planning another study, this time in a city (still to be decided) that’s about to adopt labeling laws, so they can look at the before and after.

Menu labeling is just one effort to combat obesity, and the diseases associated with it -- such as high blood pressure and diabetes. And Elbel says it may take several programs in conjunction. In L.A., the City Council banned new fast food spots in South Los Angeles -- an effort that isn’t likely to help, according to a Rand Corp. study.

-- Mary MacVean