A study published in the journal pediatrics suggests that parents choose lighter products for their children when presented with the caloric content of the food. The calorie reduction seen among the 99 parents was 20%, with no correlation with the frequency of consuming fast-food. The 102 calorie reduction might be one step towards improving the health of overweight and obese children. This study has been very encouraging for the states that now consider making nutrition imformation on menus mandatory in the US.

According to ABC news, a recent study of 10 restaurants showed that the calories written on the menu can be far away from reality. At some restaurants, such as Chang’s large Sichuan-style asparagus, had double the amount. From 200 to 400 calories for one menu item it can sure add up in the long run. On average the 29 menu items tested contained 18 % more calories than advertised, a number accepted by the FDA. The Food and Drug Administration has set a 20% margin of error. The problem is that customers are not aware of this, and the restaurants are not exactly happy about spreading the word.