New legislation comes into force today in restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 staff, insisting that calories be displayed on menus.
The Government say the move is to help tackle the growing problem of obesity in the UK and the subsequent impact on the NHS, by encouraging healthier food choices.
Damaging for those recovering from EDs
However many eating disorder (ED) charities are calling for the system to be opt in, allowing those with or recovering from EDs to choose from menus that do not display calorie information.
Around two per cent of the UK population are affected with EDs, which in comparison to those dependent on alcohol (0.9 per cent) is larger than many people might imagine.
ED and mental health charities say the information displayed on menus could trigger a relapse in those recovering from EDs, and with a shortage of mental health support, could create a bigger problem.
Petition for alternative menus
An online petition calling for alternative menus for those with eating disorders has attracted almost 6,500 signatures.
If you would like to add your name to the petition head over to the Change.org Website.
What are EDs?
There are more than eight types of eating disorders – a mental illness that affects people of all ages, genders and background – and 1 in 5 females aged 16–24 has an eating disorder.
As the ED charity, BEAT, explains,
“An eating disorder is never the fault of the person experiencing it, and anyone who has an eating disorder deserves fast, compassionate support to help them get better.”
Anyone suffering with an ED can seek help and support from a number of charities, including BEAT.
A growing problem for young Islanders
The Island Youth Mental Health Census carried out by the Isle of Wight Youth Trust found that 36 per cent of respondents aged 11-25 hide or sometimes hide their eating habits.
Youth Trust CEO, Jo Dare, recently said,
“Whilst anxiety remains by far the most common concern young Islanders are presenting with to our Counsellors and Wellbeing practitioners, we are seeing increasing numbers of young people seeking support for low mood, disordered eating and self-harm.”
Thanks to News OnTheWight reader David S for sharing details of the petition.
Article edit
9.45am 6th Apr 2022 – Clarification added for size of establishment affected by the rules
Sources: BEAT, Guardian, MQMHR, BBC
Image: jessie mccall under CC BY 2.0
