In a bid to combat obesity, a proposed law in the UK could require dining establishments to list calorie counts on their menus. But what impact can this regulation really have on eating habits? And how can restaurants navigate consumer interest in nutritional info with the cost it may bring?

Despite rising awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, many Britons are finding it hard to manage their weight. As a result, the government and public health campaigners have challenged food and drink brands to enable healthier choices, but is this enough to stem an obesity crisis?

Portion sizes have grown over the last 50 years, along with the perception that bigger meals offer better value for money. Yet there is increasing evidence that people value brands that help them to be healthier, and when it comes to portion sizes, they can be persuaded that less is more.

With obesity at the forefront of many consumers’ minds, they are looking for healthier snacking options. In response, snack and beverage brands are implementing new strategies, including reducing portion sizes, ‘premiumising’ their products and using clearer labelling.