Healthy eating organisations have praised recent proposals to make eating out healthier – but for those affected by an eating disorder, calorie labelling could cause serious harm, a charity has claimed.

A study carried out earlier this year by Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, found 93% of people affected by eating disorders believe displaying this information would negatively affect them.

Emma Broadhurst, the charity’s National Officer for Scotland, told healthandcare.scot the changes could worsen mental health issues.

She said: “Whilst we appreciate the Scottish Government's desire to improve public health with their out of home action plan, including calories on menus causes great distress to those affected by eating disorders.

“We know that their inclusion could exacerbate eating disorder thoughts and behaviours, which have the potential to be devastating.”

In proposals published last week, mandatory calorie labelling at the “point of choice”, including menus and online, would apply for all takeaways and restaurants in Scotland.

Obesity continues to be one of the biggest and most complex public health challenges; around two thirds of people in Scotland are overweight or obese, the long-term effects of which is costing the Scottish health service over £360m a year.

Research from Food Standards Scotland (FSS), which helped produce the new plan, shows 98% of people are now eating some food prepared out of their own home, with much of these skewed toward high calorie, high fat meals.

FSS Chair Ross Finnie said: “The pandemic has added new focus on the need to address the issues around the Scottish diet.

“Food Standards Scotland welcomes the news that Scottish government are making commitments to progress actions with the out of home sector which are essential steps needed to improve the food environment to one that enables healthier choices.”

But Beat warns there is “very limited evidence to suggest that calorie labelling leads to a reduction in calories purchased by the general population.”

A recent independent review found there is little high-quality data to show calorie labelling works in reducing the number of calories people consume, with the researchers concluding further well-conducted studies are needed to establish effect.

The Scottish government will now consult on the detailed proposals, which Beat say they optimistic about engaging with.

Ms Broadhurst said:

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government on developing responsible public health measures, which have a non-stigmatising, holistic approach to health and wellness, and do not cause harm to those affected by or vulnerable to eating disorders.

“We will also be advising on the implications of calorie labelling and helping to investigate solutions as part of the upcoming consultation.”

Read more: Eating disorders review leads named; Uneven support for deadliest mental illness; Programme for Government: the reaction.

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