Restaurant meals contain more calories than fast food, study finds

Restaurant meals contain more calories on average than those served by fast-food chains, a "shocking" study published by the BMJ has found.

Researchers looked at the calories contained in 13,500 meals served at 21 chain restaurants with more than 50 outlets and six fast food operators.

The average restaurant dish contained 1,033 calories, while the average fast food dish contained 751 calories.

Dr Eric Robinson, lead researcher from the University of Liverpool, described the results were "shocking", particularly as the study did not include drinks, starters or desserts.

The report states: "Although the poor nutritional quality of meals from fast food restaurants has been well documented, the energy content of meals in full service restaurants in the UK tends to be higher and is a cause for concern."

Hungry Horse restaurants had the highest average meal calorie content of restaurants at 1,358 calories, while KFC topped the list of fast food chains with an average of 987 calories per meal.

Public Health England recommends adults should consume 600 calories or less at lunch and dinner, with the government considering mandatory calorie labelling.

PHE warns hospitality businesses to cut sugar or face further government action>>

Public Health England drives forward plans for 20% calorie reduction>>

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