Graphic health warnings on food packets – similar to those used for cigarettes – could prompt people to abandon “hedonistic impulses” and choose healthier foods, a study suggests.

The study, by the University of Melbourne and Cancer Council Victoria, monitored the brain activity of 95 people as they were shown packages of 50 foods such as chips, chocolate bars, biscuits, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

It found that warning labels prompted people to exercise more self-control rather than act on impulse.

“The study shows that if you want to stop people choosing fatty and sugary packaged foods, health warnings actually work,” said Stefan Bode, from the University of Melbourne.

“The food industry uses all sorts of positive cues to encourage you to eat, playing on taste, how it will make you feel good, making it look appetising, but when it comes to unhealthy foods – this is dangerous.”