The Impact of Calories Information Displayed on Menus on Fast Food Consumption Among Teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background The Saudi population's dietary habits and nutritional patterns have shifted significantly due to rapid industrialization, technological advances, and cultural changes. Fast food, high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium, has become prevalent, contributing to rising rates of obesity and associated metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. To combat this, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) introduced a mandatory menu calorie labeling policy in 2018 to improve public awareness and promote healthier eating choices. However, the impact of this policy on dietary behavior remains mixed and poorly understood. Methods This descriptive-analytical study involved 316 male and female teachers in the Riyadh region, selected using stratified random sampling from public and private schools. The study utilized a questionnaire to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding menu calorie labeling and barriers to its usage. The data were statistically analyzed to explore the association between awareness of calorie labeling and demographic variables. Results Most participants (n = 288 (91.2%)) had sufficient knowledge about calorie content in macronutrients, and 234 (74%) found menu calorie information easy to understand. However, misconceptions persisted, with 159 (50.3%) participants unaware that vitamins and minerals do not contain calories. While 175 (55.4%) participants believed that calorie labeling met daily energy requirements, it had a limited impact on weight management or medical condition-related food choices. Females were twice as likely as males to be aware of calorie information (OR: 2.32, = 0.026). Participants who visited restaurants less frequently were more conscious of menu calorie information ( = 0.009). Conclusion While the SFDA's calorie labeling policy has increased public awareness, its influence on actual dietary choices remains inconsistent. Many individuals, particularly female teachers, demonstrate awareness of calorie content but do not always incorporate this information into healthier eating practices. The study highlights the need for further educational initiatives to improve understanding and utilization of calorie labeling, especially for individuals with health conditions.