How front-of-pack nutrition labels affect food choices in people with eating disorders
The Impact of Warning Labels vs Traffic Light Labels on Food Choice and Negative Emotional Response in an Eating Disorder Population Group
This study will test whether front-of-pack warning labels or traffic-light labels change food choices and emotional reactions in adults with current or past eating disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 246 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Liverpool Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Liverpool) |
| Trial ID | NCT07339969 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This online randomized trial asks adults with current or past eating disorder diagnoses to make hypothetical food choices before and after exposure to different front-of-pack labels. After a baseline no-label task, participants are randomly assigned to see warning labels, traffic-light labels, or no labels and repeat the task 24 hours to one week later. Each participant completes five trials viewing six packaged food items per trial that vary by sugar, salt, fat, saturated fat, and calorie content (three items high in the nutrient and three not). Primary outcomes are food choice, calories/nutrients selected, and negative emotional responses, and participants are given a cover story so they do not know the study hypotheses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) in the UK with a current or past eating disorder diagnosis who are fluent in English and not currently engaging in fasting or other restrictive eating are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are currently fasting or following specific dietary restrictions or intolerances (for example vegan or gluten-free) are excluded and would not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help design front-of-pack labels that discourage unhealthy choices without unduly increasing distress in people with eating disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in the general population shows warning and traffic-light labels can reduce unhealthy purchases, but their effects and emotional impact in people with eating disorders are less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current or past eating disorder diagnosis * Aged 18+ * Live in the UK * Fluent English speaker Exclusion Criteria: * Currently partaking in a fast or any other restrictive eating * Any dietary restrictions/intolerances (eg. Vegan, Gluten-free, etc.)
Where this trial is running
Liverpool
- University of Liverpool — Liverpool, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Robinson, PhD — University of Liverpool
- Study coordinator: Rebecca Evans, PhD
- Email: r.k.evans@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: 0151 794 9832
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.