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Sure, We Read the Calorie Charts—Then Eat More

Customers say they seek guidance from signs, but receipts tell a different story

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – A new study casts doubt on the effectiveness of calorie-counting charts in fast-food restaurants. Half of those surveyed in New York City say they noticed the charts, and about 28% say the information influenced their orders for the better. But a look at overall customer receipts shows people are ordering slightly more calories than they did before the signs went up in 2008.

“I think it does show us that labels are not enough,” the lead author of the study tells the New York Times.

The drive-thru menu of a McDonald's restaurant in Manhattan. (AP Photo)

A McDonalds drive-thru menu in New York printed with calorie counts for each food item. (AP Photo)

A worker puts up new menus featuring calorie counts at a Subway restaurant in New York. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

Netstorm2k10

Oct 7, 2009 1:25 AM CDT

All this article did was make me hungry.

zackmasson

Oct 6, 2009 10:54 AM CDT

LOL, obviously most people who eat at fast food establishments don't give a shit about stuff like that. I eat fast-food maybe 10 times a year. And I can happily say im very healthy. If you eat at mcds often you have NO excuse. My aunt lives on fast food and her two girls are .... obese. I feel sorry for them.

Enoughie

Oct 6, 2009 6:29 AM CDT

Posting calories is not enough. They might as well tell you "you're fat" when you're ordering, it's not gonna make a difference. Here's an advice: if you care about your health or diet - don't go to fast-food restaurants!

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Sure, We Read the Calorie Charts—Then Eat More

Customers say they seek guidance from signs, but receipts tell a different story

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

obesity • New York City • fast food • consumption • calories • health study • calorie-posting law • restaurant chain

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More Newser Stories

Kids Who Hate Mom Twice as Likely to Become Obese

Toddlers with poor relationships with mom may suffer in terms of health

Time to Replace Calorie Counts With Exercise Warnings

One cola requires hour's run to work off

Dozens Sickened Trying to Kill Bedbugs

CDC even reports one death over misguided use of pesticides

290-Pound Man Sues White Castle Over Booths

Martin Kessman says the seats violate his rights as a fat person

Work Is Less of a Workout These Days

We burn fewer calories on the job than people in the 1960s

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Sure, We Read the Calorie Charts—Then Eat More

Customers say they seek guidance from signs, but receipts tell a different story

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

obesity • New York City • fast food • consumption • calories • health study • calorie-posting law • restaurant chain

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Kids Who Hate Mom Twice as Likely to Become Obese

Toddlers with poor relationships with mom may suffer in terms of health

Time to Replace Calorie Counts With Exercise Warnings

One cola requires hour's run to work off

Dozens Sickened Trying to Kill Bedbugs

CDC even reports one death over misguided use of pesticides

290-Pound Man Sues White Castle Over Booths

Martin Kessman says the seats violate his rights as a fat person

Work Is Less of a Workout These Days

We burn fewer calories on the job than people in the 1960s

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?