Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Food Menu Labelling Effects on Individuals With Eating Disorders and Other Mental Health Conditions.

The government introduced calorie labelling in England for food bought outside the home, hoping people would make healthier choices. However, some worry this might be unhelpful for individuals with eating disorders or other mental health conditions. This study is exploring how different food labels, including calorie counts and a system called 'Nutri-Score', affect people's food choices and their feelings. Nutri-Score uses a simple colour and letter system (A to E) to show how healthy a food is overall, not just its calories. Researchers want to compare these labels to no label at all. The study will look at people with eating disorders, those with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, and those without these conditions, to understand the different impacts.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

900

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Food Labelling Eating Behaviour Mental Health Eating Disorder

What is this study about?

When you buy food and drinks from restaurants, cafes, or takeaways (what we call 'out-of-home' food), you might have noticed calorie information on menus. The government introduced this in England to help people make healthier choices and encourage food companies to offer lower-calorie options. However, there's been some concern that focusing only on calories could be difficult for people with eating disorders or other mental health conditions, as it might make them feel anxious or distressed.

This study wants to understand if different ways of labelling food can be more helpful and less harmful. It's looking at a system called 'Nutri-Score'. Instead of just calories, Nutri-Score gives foods a simple colour and letter rating from A (very healthy) to E (less healthy), based on many factors like fibre, protein, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The idea is that this gives a more complete picture of a food's healthiness and might be better for everyone, especially those who struggle with eating and body image.

Researchers will use a pretend online food ordering platform to test how calorie labels, Nutri-Score labels, or no labels affect the food choices people make, how they feel (their mood), and their overall mental well-being. They will specifically compare how these labels affect people with a past or current eating disorder, those with other common mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, and people who don't have these conditions. This will help us learn which labelling methods are most beneficial and least harmful for different groups of people.

Key takeaways

This study explores how different food labels impact people's food choices and feelings.
It compares calorie labels, 'Nutri-Score' labels, and no labels at all.
The research specifically looks at people with eating disorders, other mental health conditions, and those without.
The goal is to find out which labelling methods are most helpful and least harmful.
Participation involves an online task using a pretend food ordering website.
Your contribution could help shape future food policies.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must live in the UK and be at least 18 years old. You should also regularly eat food from places like restaurants or takeaways, at least once a month. You'll need to be able to understand English well and use a laptop or desktop computer to complete the study.

The study is looking for three main groups of people. One group will be those who have been diagnosed by a doctor with an eating disorder at some point in their life. Another group includes people who have been diagnosed by a doctor with a common mental health condition like anxiety or depression, but do not have an eating disorder. The third group will be people who haven't been diagnosed with any eating disorder or mental health condition.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've already taken part in a very similar online food choice study before, you won't be able to join this one. This helps make sure the study results are clear and accurate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I live in the UK.
I am 18 years old or older.
I eat food from restaurants/takeaways at least once a month.
I can read and understand English well.
I have access to a laptop or desktop computer (not touchscreen).
I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll complete an online task using a laptop or desktop computer. You'll be asked to use a mock (pretend) food ordering website, similar to a real takeaway platform, where you'll see different food menu items with various types of labels (calorie labels, Nutri-Score labels, or no labels). You'll then be asked to choose food items and answer some questions about your choices and how you feel. There are no in-person visits, no medication involved, and no long-term follow-up required. The entire study will be completed online and is expected to take a short amount of time, likely less than an hour.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us understand how food labelling affects different people, which might lead to better, more supportive food policies in the future. You might find the questions interesting, and you'll be contributing to important research. As with any study involving mental health or food, some people might find certain questions or food labelling information a little upsetting or triggering. However, the researchers have designed the study to minimise this, and you are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and your decision will not affect your care in any way. There are no direct medical benefits to you from participating.

Locations (1)

University of Liverpool
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Nutri-Score?

Nutri-Score is a food labelling system that uses a colour and letter scale (A to E) to show how healthy a food is overall, considering both good and bad nutrients, not just calories.

Will I have to eat any food?

No, you won't have to eat any food. You'll only be making choices on a pretend online food ordering platform.

How long will the study take?

The study will be completed online and is expected to take a short amount of time, likely less than an hour.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by researchers investigating the effects of food labelling. The full details would be in the study information provided to participants.

Do I need a special computer?

You need a laptop or desktop computer (not a touchscreen device) and a good internet connection to take part online.

How to find out more

Eric Robinson, PhD

robinsoe@liverpool.ac.uk +44 151794 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.