Staffordshire doctor fears calories on menus could trigger eating disorders
It's as a government scheme rolls out to list calories and cut obesity
Last updated 6th Apr 2022
A Staffordshire doctor who recovered from an eating disorder is warning that a new government initiative to tackle obesity could impact those suffering with the condition.
From Wednesday (April 6th), businesses with over 250 employees- including cafes, takeaways and restaurants- will be required to show the number of calories on menus.
Nearly two thirds of adults in the UK are classed as being overweight or obese, with conditions relating to obesity costing the NHS an estimated £6.1 billion every year.
A survey carried out by Public Health England found that four in five people supported the government’s move to make calories clearer on menus.
However, the initiative has had a mixed reaction with some fearing that it could affect those suffering from eating disorders harder.
Calories to be listed next to each meal
“If I look back to how I was feeling at the heart of my eating disorder, I think it would have had a profound affect,” said Dr Sunni Patel, the co-founder of Dish Dash Deets who suffered from the condition during his teenage years.
“On one hand, I appreciate that some of the limited understanding and reasoning on why calorie intake should be included. However, it is not the full story on wellbeing. I am not someone who usually looks at calories because I know it will start a spiralling effect for me.
“The recovery journey is not a fixed journey. If calorie counting is one of your triggers, it could continue that vicious cycle.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said that the Government had to act when it came to the issue of obesity: "We are all used to seeing nutritional information on products sold in supermarkets and displaying calorie information on menus can help us consume fewer calories when eating out or getting a takeaway," he said.
"The regulations will also allow businesses to provide menus without calorie information at the request of the customer."
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