Does Attitude to Food Label Matter and What Are Its Effects on the Anthropometric Measures of the Working Class in a Developing Economy?

Abstract

Objectives: Food labels supplies information that aid consumers in building a well-balanced diet and avoiding risks that may be connected with inappropriate nutrition consumption of foods. Owing to increasing diet-related public health problems, food labeling has been considered very important, mainly because it can provide consumers with information that can be used to make informed and
healthier food choices. Furthermore, there is paucity of information on attitudes of consumers to food label as well as its effect on nutritional outcomes in Nigeria. Thus, consumers’ behavior towards food labels and its effect on the health status of University of Ibadan staff was investigated.

Methods: A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting 304 staffers of the University of Ibadan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Body Mass Index (BMI) and ordered logit regression model.

Results: About two-thirds (67.76%) of the respondents had normal weight, while 22.7%, 6.91% and 2.63% were overweight, obese and underweight, respectively. The majority of the consumers (92%) read the basic information like date of production and expiry date, which were considered as the most important information on the food label of a food bought for the first time. The probability of being overweight and obese increased with age but declined with being a male and good attitude to food labels.

Conclusion: This study finds that age, gender, and attitude toward food labels significantly influence BMI among Nigerian university staff. Overweight and obesity is more prominent among female workers with poor attitude towards food labels than among their male counterparts. While most of the respondents check expiration dates, few consider nutritional details. Public health programs should
enhance food label literacy, particularly for women and older adults, to promote informed food choices and reduce obesity risks. Stronger regulations and awareness
campaigns are needed to maximize the benefits of food labels for healthier diets and improved well-being.