Reading, use and interpretation of nutritional labels by fitness center users in Huancayo, Peru 2015

Introduction: Nutritional labeling helps users to make healthier choices, nevertheless, this is overseen, misunderstood or not used at all. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency and the factors associated with the reading, interpretation and use of nutritional labels by fitness center users in the city of Huancayo, Peru. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 385 users of a fitness center chain. Interpretation was measured by using a test with 2 labels, reported reading (frequently or not) and the reported use to choose a product (frequently or not), as well as demographic, dietetic and fitness-center-related variables. The association was evaluated by calculating the prevalence ratios adjusted based on the significant variables from bivariate model. Results: The participants were, in average, 27.8 ± 9.3 years, 44.7% were men and 49,4% had college degree. 27.5% report reading frequently and 55.7% of them reports use frequently, furthermore 17.4% know how to interpret. The reading was associated with dietetic factors and gym use, and interpretation with prior training of reading labeling. The use was mainly high to select low fat products (65.1%), high in protein (64.2%) and low in low sodium products (47.2%). Conclusions: Reading, use and interpretation frequency of nutritional labels is low. Prior training of reading labeling is a required factor to make healthier choices. It is necessary to establish educative strategies for teaching to interpret the nutrition labels in an adequate way.