The Relationship Between Calorie Labeling, Weight Concern, and Weight Perception Among Females in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) initiative by determining whether participants' food selection behavior has changed since calorie information has been listed on restaurant menus, as well as to look into the relationships between calorie information on restaurant menus, body weight, and weight perception in Saudi Arabian women. To carry out a quasi-experimental design, this study used a convenience sample of 333 undergraduate female students with an average age of 20.38±1.77 years. The control group (non-calorie listed menu169, 50.7 %) and the experimental group (calorie listed menu169, 50.7 %) were divided into two groups based on the type of menu used (calorie listed menu164, 49.3 % ). When compared to the control group's mean calorie intake, the experimental group's mean calorie consumption reduced by 59 calories, showing a significant difference between the two groups. The presence of calories impacts a greater number of people in the experimental group (64.6%), who have a significantly higher mean weight concern (7.94±3.13) and mean behavioral intention (11.82±4.65) than the control group. Participants in the experimental group who were classed as obese or overweight had the highest level of weight perception and concern, despite significant changes in calorie consumption.  In adults, calorie counting has a considerable influence on calorie reduction and weight maintenance. This effort is a useful, low-cost, and easy-to-understand tool, as well as a great place to start for people and communities interested in obesity prevention and reduction.