Calorie labels on restaurant menus are harming individuals with eating disorders, according to a new study. The research revealed that those diagnosed with an eating disorder altered their behaviors when faced with menus displaying calorie counts.
Calorie labels on restaurant menus are harming individuals with eating disorders, as indicated by a recent study published in the BMJ Public Health.
This groundbreaking review was conducted by researchers at King’s College London. The study found that people with eating disorders tended to change their behaviors when confronted with calorie-labeled menus.
These changes included avoiding certain restaurants, experiencing disorder-related thoughts, and focusing more on calorie information as revealed through eye tracking studies.
Some individuals reported that seeing calorie counts on menus reinforced their eating disorder beliefs.
The research assessed existing studies to understand the effects of nutritional labeling on those with firsthand experience of eating disorders or unhealthy eating patterns. It analyzed 16 studies across the UK, US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, involving a total of 8,074 participants.
The findings suggest that those with eating disorders may feel marginalized by obesity prevention efforts, which often overlook their struggles.
Additionally, physical health cannot be defined solely by weight. Critics argue that calorie labeling serves as a simplistic approach to a complex issue, putting individuals with eating disorders at risk.
The implementation of food labeling regulations began in England in 2022, requiring restaurants, takeaways, and cafes with over 250 employees to display calorie information on their menus, online platforms, and takeaway services. This measure aimed to address the growing concerns over obesity. Similar regulations exist in the United States and Canada, yet few initiatives have considered the adverse effects on those with eating disorders.
According to the eating disorder charity Beat, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders. The rate of hospital admissions for these conditions has risen by approximately 7% annually since 2005-2006.
Dr. Tom Jewell, the senior author and a Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at King’s College London, stated, “Our study underscores the frustration of individuals with eating disorders who feel overlooked in discussions about calorie labeling.”
“It is crucial to balance the positive and negative effects of calorie labels in public health policies. Policymakers must consider the implications for both obesity and eating disorders when determining nutrition labeling standards. Although a recent review indicated that calorie labeling has a modest impact on behavior, it is essential to weigh this against the potential harm it may cause to those with eating disorders.”
Co-author Dr. Nora Trompeter, a Research Fellow at University College London, remarked, “This study is a significant contribution to the existing knowledge about calorie labeling. Much attention is usually given to the effectiveness of these policies in reducing obesity, but it’s equally important to explore whether they unintentionally cause harm to individuals with eating disorders. Our review indicates that additional research is necessary to thoroughly understand the implications of calorie labeling for those affected by these disorders, especially since none of the studies included young people.”
