Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already mandated food manufacturers to provide an information label about calories in their products, experts believe this isn't enough. Most people have a very low literacy with regard to calories and unaware of the 2,000-calorie benchmark, which may not apply to their own health. A new study suggests harnessing education with a weekly text message.
A new study conducted by the team of John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and published on September 9, 2014, in Health Promotion Practice revealed that a simple text message sent every week may be one of the keys to help consumers choose ingredients wisely and eat healthy. It is also in support of the Monday Campaigns since the participants received their text message each Monday night.
For the research, they reached out to more than 240 participants who dined in the hospital cafeteria. The team then measured their knowledge on the 2,000-calorie daily recommendation. While the food options have calorie labels, they didn't mention about the FDA benchmark. They then chose people who were to receive a weekly reminder via e-mail or text. Some of the subjects didn't receive any at all. The experiment was then conducted for 4 weeks, after which they performed a follow-up survey.
After the study, the researchers found out that those who received weekly text reminders are able to determine the correct daily calorie value twice as likely as those who didn't receive any form of reminder.
They see a simple text message as more effective than the FDA's proposed inclusion of calorie values in fast-food chains. With constant reminder, consumers are able to make better and meaningful food choices.
The 2,000-calorie daily allowance is based on the caloric needs of a healthy average U.S. adult. Depending on your gender, physical condition, and weight, among others, your actual need may be higher or lower than the FDA's recommendation.