Fast food meals are not commonly considered a healthy diet choice.  However, a recent study published online in BMJ shows that diners at fast food restaurants may be consuming even more calories than they think.

The study was run by a researcher from Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.  USA Today summarizes the study.  The study surveyed 3,400 participants at 89 fast food restaurant locations. Researchers used locations of McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Wendy’s, KFC, and Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants.  They surveyed participants in three groups: adults, teens, and adults with school-aged children.

By asking the participants to estimate the calories in their fast food meals and collecting receipts, researchers were able to identify the discrepancy between estimated calories and actual calories in the meal.  Adults underestimated calories by 20 percent, parents of school-aged children by 23 percent, and teens by 34 percent.  One in four participants underestimated calories by 500 calories or more.

Nutrition information for fast food restaurants is often publicly available.  Some have information in the restaurant and others have it online.  However, it is apparent that many are not using this information.  Consumers may not be actively seeking out the information prior to choosing a convenient fast food meal.  If information were posted on the menu within the restaurant, awareness of calorie would certainly change and may even alter behavior.

A lesser known requirement of the health reform law, colloquially known as Obamacare, is that all major restaurant chains will be required to put calorie information on menus inside the restaurant and in the drive-through area.  The implementation timeline for this requirement is unclear.  However, some cities have already mandated that restaurants start including this information.

A study in the American Journal of Public Health examined the change in awareness of calories after New York City mandated that fast food chains included calorie information on their menus and menu boards.  The study collected data three months before the city began enforcement and three months after.  They found a significant increase in awareness of calories and 27 percent of consumers reported using calorie information to make their dining choices.

Unfortunately, the New York Times notes that teenagers are less affected by posting nutritional information inside the restaurant.  While more than half notice the information, less than 10 percent said the labeling causes them to buy a lower calorie meal.  With concerns over the rate of childhood obesity, reaching teenagers will continue to be a challenge.

After alarming results like those revealed in Super Size Me, there is a desire for consumers to make better dining choices and improve their current and future health.  Better posting of this information may help increase awareness and shift behaviors in some groups, but researchers will need to continue to look for ways to reach and influence everyone.