New York City's three-year-old calorie-labeling law has helped a portion of fast-food diners make conscientious choices about their food, according to new research from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The DHMH says that the 15 percent of fast-food patrons in the city who use the calorie information posted in the restaurants eat an average of 106 fewer calories than those who don't see or ignore the calorie content, Crain's New York reports.
That contradicts findings released earlier this month from a similar study by NYU, which found that calorie count information did not affect teenagers' food choices at restaurants.
The DHMH's research project started in the spring of 2009, and cataloged 12,000 lunch receipts at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and eight other fast-food chains in the city.
City officials would not share the details with NBC New York because the study was being peer-reviewed for possible publication in an academic journal, said a DHMH spokesperson, and pointed only to the Crain's article for further reference.
Have you found that calorie information in chain restaurants has helped you make better choices? Share your thoughts below!
City Hall health study shows a dent in supersizing diners [Crain's]
Calorie Labeling Has Barely Any Effect on Teenagers' or Parents' Food Purchases [NYU]
