Experts warn calorie labelling “dangerous” for people with eating disorders

Calories on menus are negatively impacting the recovery of people with eating disorders and making them eat out less, according to a recent survey by an eating disorder charity.

Last month, Beat carried out a survey of more than 400 people in England with lived experience of eating disorders and their carers.

The survey found that 9 in 10 people affected by eating disorders believed the introduction of calories on menus in England last year has had a negative effect, with 84% saying the change has negatively impacted their recovery.

Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) reported that seeing calories affected their menu choices, while 67.5% said they were going out to eat less frequently and avoiding outlets where calorie counts were present.

In addition, 7 in 10 people didn’t think it was possible for calorie labelling on menus to be introduced in a way that does not pose risks to people living with eating disorders, and said measures put into place to mitigate harm, such as allowing restaurants to provide a calorie-free menu on request, caused embarrassment and encouraged unwanted questions about their eating disorder.

Tom Quinn, Beat’s director of external affairs, said: “It’s been a year and the results from the government’s under-researched, arbitrary idea are clear to see. Calorie counts on menus harm people with eating disorders – it's that simple.

“People with eating disorders will change their meal choice based on calorie count, but they are also the people who shouldn't. There’s clear and compelling evidence to show the harm calorie counts cause, and only a tiny amount of poor-quality research to show they might work on the general population.

“The government heard the concerns from us, people with lived experience and other mental health professionals and still chose to go ahead with a policy that they knew was ineffective and would hurt the 1.25 million people who are affected by eating disorders.

“They now have a chance to put this right: scrap this dangerous policy immediately and instead look into measures which look at health holistically, and crucially, actually work without causing harm.”

The Scottish and Welsh governments are considering similar legislation, although a decision has not yet been reached.

Chef Sven-Hanson Britt warned last year that the introduction of calorie counts on menus could prove difficult for customers with eating disorders as well as stifling chef creativity. Research has found that nearly two thirds of people say they would alter their choice of meal if it contained more than 1,000 calories.

The government was reported to be reviewing its anti-obesity policies to measure the impact of rules such as including calorie counts on menus.

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s health, you can contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, on 0808 801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk.

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