Useful calorie counts

SIR – Eminent and well-qualified commentators argue against the inclusion of calorie counts on menus (Letters, December 9), on the grounds that they will not reduce obesity rates but risk damaging the health of those who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

This argument challenges the majority’s right of access to information that might prove helpful to preserving a healthy lifestyle – and, with appropriate guidance, might also help those with eating disorders.

To withhold such information seems akin to denying drinkers access to alcohol content figures for fear that a few might see them as a means of selecting the most powerful brews. Indeed, some do – but, rightly, there is no clamour for the figures to be suppressed. Bruce Denness

Whitwell, Isle of Wight

SIR – People seem to focus on the amount of calories burnt through taking exercise.

But how much more weight would they lose if they turned down the heating in their houses? This would also save them money and use less fossil fuel. Miles Garnett

Northallerton, North Yorkshire