Has posted calories on fast food menus had an impact on childhood obesity

Researchers surveyed the menu selections of 349 children and adolescents. They were eating at fast-food restaurants both before and after they listed the calorie content of their products.

The young people in *this* study came from low-income communities in New York and Newark, New Jersey and ranged in age from one to seventeen.

The restaurants included four of the largest chains: McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and K-F-C.

The results-- published in the International Journal of Obesity-- are discouraging to those who hope calorie labeling will help stem the tide of childhood obesity.

The authors say the labels had *no* effect on the number of calories in the kids' food choices.

While many of the adolescents noticed the calorie listings, only *nine* per cent said they considered the information when ordering.

The authors note that adolescents in the survey reported their parents had *some* influence on their food selection-- suggesting some guidance from mom and dad *could* help them make healthier choices.