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Calorie‐labeling has been suggested as an anti‐obesity measure but there is no evidence for its effect, to date. Early adulthood is a critical life‐cycle period for unwanted weight gain and obesity development. This study examined whether providing calorie information would help young adults to avoid weight gain.

Using a pragmatic interrupted time‐series study design, weight changes over 36 weeks were reported among two year‐groups, each of 120 young adults, similar in age, gender, and ethnicity, living in fully‐catered accommodation. Year 1: subjects were observed without calorie‐labeling, apart from a 5‐week pilot. Year 2: calorie‐labeling was present prominently and consistently at main meals for 30 of the 36 weeks.

Mean weight changes over 36 weeks, per protocol, were +3.5 kg (95% CI = 2.8‐4.1 kg) (n = 64) in Year 1 and −0.15 kg (95% CI = −0.7‐0.3 kg) (n = 87) in Year 2 …