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A recent trial in English secondary schools has examined the effectiveness of labeling foods with the physical activity required to burn off their calories.
Researchers from Loughborough University’s Center for Lifestyle Medicine and Behavior (CLiMB), led by Dr. Natalia Iris and Professor Amanda Daley, conducted a study involving nearly 100,000 purchases of cakes and biscuits across 11 school canteens over a six-week period. Six schools introduced Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent (PACE) labels on their sweet treats, while five schools continued with their standard labeling practices.
PACE labels indicate the amount of physical activity needed to expend the calories in a food item. For instance, consuming a 230-calorie chocolate bar would necessitate approximately 46 minutes of walking or 23 minutes of running to burn off those calories.
The findings revealed that schools implementing PACE labeling experienced a modest reduction in the purchase of cakes and biscuits—about 11 fewer items per week per 100 students—compared to schools without PACE labels. Dr. Iris noted that while the decrease was small, it suggests that PACE labeling could be a viable strategy to lower sugary food consumption among students.
However, the study also uncovered concerns among some schools regarding potential negative impacts on student well-being. These apprehensions highlight the need for further research to comprehensively assess the broader implications of such labeling initiatives.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers seeking personalized guidance on nutrition and health are advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals.
