A new study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, takes a new look at combating childhood obesity.  The researchers try to alter adolescent consumption behavior by providing caloric information.  They found that, by providing this information, adolescents were less likely to buy a sugar-sweetened beverage, especially one larger than 16 ounces.

According to Time Magazine, the study provided children between the ages of 7 and 18 information about the calories by telling them how far they would have to walk to burn off those calories.  The study was conducted in an area of Baltimore that is lower income, and sugary drinks account for 98 percent of beverage purchases by adolescents.

When researchers provided calorie information in colorful signs, sugary drinks dropped to 89 percent of beverage purchases.  The most effective sign for reducing sugary drink purchase and consumption was the one that informed children they would need a five-mile walk to burn off those calories.  According to Valley Public Radio, this also translated to 50 minutes of running to burn off that soda.

Researchers argue that while laws already require beverage manufacturers to post caloric information, calorie numbers may not mean all that much to many consumers. More practical information, including statistics about how long it will take to burn calories, is easier to grasp.  While this study focused on adolescents, it is likely that such information would be more impactful for adults, too.