PACE - Not the Nation's Quick Fix

Agreement I do not AgreeBody  Dear Editor, Much has been published in the news as of late about the effects of physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) food labelling in order to reduce the nation’s calorie consumption. These labels aim to identify how many minutes of physical activity are required to burn off the calories in a particular food item. A systematic review and meta-analysis, by researchers at Loughborough University, found that food labelling may reduce the number of calories consumed compared with food that was not labelled or other types of food labelling (1). This was supported by the UK Royal Society for Public Health which had already advocated for PACE to replace the current labelling system (2). Overall, it found this technique could lead to a reduction of 100 calories per day combined with an increase in physical activity. Many nutritionists have been quick to criticise, stating that it loses sight of the fact that food goes beyond calories and is fundamental for social aspects of life (3). Additionally, the nutritional content of food might be neglected. For example, it might be easier to “burn off” a chocolate bar than something with much more nutritious such as nut butters or a banana. This could result in people picking the easier but not necessarily the “healthier option.” Digestion is complex and although foods such as nuts and oats might be high in calories, their content results in slower processing and digestion. This allows people to feel fuller for longer and, thus, perhaps eat less (3). Therefore, PACE labelling might be too simplistic and ultimately might not be the ideal option for promoting a healthy balanced diet. People of lower socioeconomic classes are most at risk of suffering from obesity and the subsequent health related consequences of this (4). It is these same people who are likely to have less disposable income to join gyms, buy and cook fresh, nutritious meals and are less likely to access health care. Public Health England should be focusing on making healthy foods more accessible and cheaper so that everyone has the option to incorporate foods such as fruits and vegetables into their diet. Innovative ideas are needed to promote weight loss in the current obesity epidemic. However, more realistic steps are required to make sure that these are targeted at those who are most at risk. References 1. Daley AJ, McGee E, Bayliss S, Coombe A and Parretti H. lEffects of physical activity calorie equivalent food labelling to reduce food selection and consumption: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies. J Epidemiol Community Health. Published Online First: 10 December 2019. doi: 10.1136/jech-2019-213216 2. Royal Society for Public Health. Introducing “activity equivalent” calorie labelling to tackle obesity. [Internet]. 2016. [Cited 2019 December 15]. Available from: https://www.rsph.org.uk/uploads/assets/uploaded/26deda5b-b3b7-4b15-a11be... 3. Overby NC, Sonestedt E, Laaksonen DE, Birgisdottir BE. Dietary fiber and the glycemic index: a background paper for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2012. Food Nutr Res. 2013;57:10.3402/fnr.v57i0.20709. doi:10.3402/fnr.v57i0.20709 4. The World Health Organisation. Obesity and inequities. [Internet]. 2014. [Cited 2019 December 15]. Available from: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/247638/obesity-09051... No competing Interests YesThe following competing Interests Electronic Publication Date Sunday, December 15, 2019 - 12:09Highwire Comment Subject Effects of physical activity calorie equivalent food labelling to reduce food selection and consumption: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studiesWorkflow State ReleasedContributors SearleTamaratamarasearle@hotmail.co.ukMedical StudentUniversity of BirminghamFull Title  PACE - Not the Nation's Quick Fix Highwire Comment Response to Effects of physical activity calorie equivalent food labelling to reduce food selection and consumption: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studiesCheck this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously: 
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