• Hatim I Alassaf, Yazeed A Alaskar, Bader F Alqulaysh, Mohammed A Alshehri, Moath Y Alnosian, Abdulwahab A Alshamrani, and Mohamad A Al-Tannir.
• College of Medicine, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. hatimalassaf@gmail.com.
• Saudi Med J. 2020 Mar 1; 41 (3): 296-303.

ObjectivesTo assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults regarding the implementation of calorie labeling in restaurants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 1443 adults invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 4 parts that assess demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mandatory menu labeling. The survey was conducted in all 5 regions of Riyadh.ResultsWe entered 1265 surveys into final data analysis with a response rate of 88%. Of this, 1036 participants (82%) understood the meaning and values of calories, while 53% knew the average daily caloric intake. Regarding participants' attitudes, 1053 (83%) perceived the importance of calorie labeling and (88%) supported this policy. Approximately 50% (n=626) of the participants were significantly more likely to be influenced by the calorie labeling to place a healthier order. Married (p=0.050), educated (p less than 0.001), and higher monthly income (p less than 0.001) were significantly influenced to place a healthier restaurant order compared to their peers.ConclusionAdults in Riyadh showed satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice since the implementation of this policy. Our findings showed that knowing the value of calories and average caloric intake had a significant positive influence for a healthier diet. This highlights the importance of menu labeling regulations campaigns for the public.

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