Read Food Product Labels to Help Achieve Weight Loss Goals

Advancements in nutritional science have revolutionized the extent of detail on food product labeling.  Bidisha Mandal, from Washington State University (Washington, USA), and colleagues investigated the use of food labels as a weight loss behavior, comparing against regular exercise, among middle-aged Americans.   They found that people who observe the labels, but do not exercise, display a slightly greater likelihood of weight loss, as compared to those who do exercise but do not pay attention to food labels.  Specifically, the team found that women between the ages of 37-50 years are more likely to read food labels than men, and are therefore more likely to lose weight.  Thus, the team submits that product label readers who simply add a regular exercise routine to their lifestyle may substantially increase their changes of losing weight.