We would like the Government to rethink the decision of publishing calories on restaurant and takeaway menus.

The Government has launched a new strategy aiming to ‘tackle’ obesity which states its goal is to “empower adults and children to live healthier lives.” Part of this includes introducing a new legislation forcing restaurants and takeaways to add calorie labels to their menus. 

Although well-intentioned, this has dangerous consequences that the Government are failing to see.

Between 1.25 and 3.4 million (est.) people in the UK have an eating disorder. It has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. 

This decision will be incredibly damaging. Not only those struggling with disordered eating but also the general public - especially in a society so engrained in diet culture.

Having personally struggled with food in the past, I understand the impact this will have. However, with refusal to consult with eating disorder professionals the Government simply do not understand the effect this will have.

From my point of view this will only cause more people to relapse & more eating disorders to be formed which will affect the already underfunded mental health services. 

We should be striving for everyone to have a healthy relationship with food, not for everyone to become calorie obsessed.