Let's Give Parents More Information

Most parents want to make the right chocies for their children's health and wee-being. In a new study from the Seattle Children's the amount of calories selected by parents for their child’s hypothetical meal at McDonald’s restaurants were reduced by an average of over 100 calories when the menus clearly showed the calories for each item.

At a pediatric practice in Seattle, 99 parents of 3- to 6-year-olds who sometimes eat in fast food restaurants with their children were surveyed about their fast food dining habits. They were presented with sample McDonald’s restaurant menus which included current prices and pictures of items, and asked what they would select for themselves and also for their children as a typical meal. Half of the parents were given menus that also clearly showed calorie information for each item. Choices included most of the items sold at McDonald’s, including a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, dressings, side items, beverages, desserts and children’s “Happy Meals.” Parents who were given the calorie information chose 102 fewer calories on average for their children, compared with the group who did not have access to calorie information on their menus. This reflects a calorie reduction of approximately 20%.

Sadly knowing calorie content didn't influence parents' chocies for their own meals.