Would calorie labels on alcohol packages make heavy drinkers cut back?

A study has found that heavy drinkers would consider changing their drinking habits if calorie labels were added to alcoholic beverages.

A study conducted in England has shown that people might cut back on their alcohol intake if calorie labels are mentioned on beverage packages.

Researchers found that in a survey of 4,684 adults, more than half of the heavy drinkers would consider changing their drinking habits if calorie labels were added to alcoholic beverages, according to a study by UCL researchers.

The study, published in BMJ Open, found that 54% of "hazardous drinkers" would alter their drinking behaviour, compared to 44% of lighter drinkers. Over a quarter of heavy drinkers said they would opt for lower-calorie drinks, while 18% would drink less frequently, and 17% would reduce their overall consumption.

Lead author, Professor Andrew Steptoe, stated that calorie labelling could help higher-risk drinkers cut back on the hidden calories from alcohol, contributing to healthier weight management.

Alcohol currently accounts for 9% of men's and 5% of women's daily calorie intake, according to the study, making it a significant contributor to excess weight.

The survey also revealed that hazardous drinkers were more aware of the calorie content in alcoholic beverages than lighter drinkers or non-drinkers.

However, the researchers warned that simply improving public knowledge of alcohol's calorie content might not be enough to reduce consumption. Instead, changing attitudes towards drinking could prove more effective.

In a statement, co-author Professor Jamie Brown said that while calorie labels could play a role in reducing alcohol-related harm, it should be part of a broader strategy, including regulations on alcohol marketing, availability, and pricing.

The researchers also called for increased availability of lower-calorie drink options, which were a popular choice among heavy drinkers in response to labelling.