WASHINGTON -- The government is hoping to put a dent in the country's obesity problem by teaching people how to read nutrition labels.

The Food and Drug Administration is using the Internet to help people better understand food labels.

One site leads users through a series of exercises so they can see the relationship between serving sizes and calories. It will also help them figure out how to limit certain nutrients while getting enough of others.

Health experts admitted the labels can be confusing but said if people understood them, they'd make better choices

"Learning how to read labels is not going to cure our obesity problem overnight, but it is just one aspect," said dietician Mary Hardy. "We need to understand what's in the food we eat. We need to understand about our portion sizes."

More Information:

• FDA: Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements
• FDA: Food Labeling And Nutrition