Calorie counts on menus won’t combat obesity
SIR – I have been treating children with eating disorders for 25 years.
I can assure the Government that putting calorie counts on menus will do absolutely nothing to lower obesity levels, but will greatly increase the number of vulnerable children needing treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Even now the NHS cannot cope with the demand for mental health services.
Menus stating calories should be given only to those who want them.
Dr Dee Dawson
London N20
SIR – Recently my lunch in a cafe was tainted by the novel experience of reading calorie counts on the menu.
Obesity is clearly a national problem, but the solution is not to spoil what is usually a treat. When I commented on this to the person serving me, I was told that the most common reaction to this bizarre measure was from people who were anxious about the effect on those suffering from eating disorders.
Perhaps perversely, I took great pleasure in making an extra order, thereby adding 150 calories to my meal in protest.
Joanna Gillum
Nottingham