Knowledge of calories and its effect on eating behavior in overweight, normal weight, and underweight individuals

Background: To assess changes in the eating behavior of overweight, normal weight, and underweight individuals in response to knowledge about the caloric content of then-food. Methods: Anonymous self-report questionnaires were completed by 1041 staff members attending the Innsbruck University Hospital cafeteria shortly after it started to display the caloric content of all meals. The questions covered the subjects' weight history, body image, eating behavior, and response to knowledge of caloric content. Results: Among the respondents, 141 were classified as overweight, 728 as normal weight, and 118 as underweight. Overweight individuals reported a significantly more frequent change in eating behavior in response to the information, and were also significantly more distressed about weight and eating and dissatisfied with their bodies and their weight than normal and underweight individuals. Conclusions: Overweight individuals were more likely to report that they had modified their eating in response to information about calories. Whether this reflects an actual change in eating behavior, or merely a wish to give socially desirable responses, remains uncertain. © 1999, Editrice Kurtis.