King's College London: Calorie labels HELP some with binge eating

April 16, 2026

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

For many, seeing calorie counts on restaurant menus might trigger anxiety. But new research from King's College London suggests these labels could actually be a surprising source of comfort and control for people struggling with binge eating disorders.

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

The study, published in BMJ Public Health, found that while about half of participants with eating disorders found calorie labels made their symptoms worse, a significant quarter viewed them positively. Another quarter remained neutral. This highlights the complex impact of such policies.

Finding Control in Numbers

Some participants reported feeling reassured by calorie labels. They said it gave them a sense of control over what they were eating. This was particularly true for those who regularly binge ate.

Dr Tom Jewell, Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at King’s College London, noted the importance of these findings. "Our findings provide important insights for both evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of the policy in England, given the unintended negative consequences experienced by a vulnerable group in the population."

Who Benefits Most?

The research indicated that people who binge ate regularly, older individuals, men, and those with a higher body mass index were more likely to have positive views on calorie labels. Conversely, those with restrictive eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, tended to have more negative reactions.

Optional Labels Could Be Key

The study also explored alternatives. Optional calorie labels, perhaps accessed via QR codes, were the most popular policy. This approach could minimise distress for some while still providing information for those who find it helpful.

Dr Nora Trompeter (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) stated: “The bottom line is that people with eating disorders have a variety of views about calorie labels, but people with binge eating are more likely to find them helpful."

Supporting Recovery and Preventing Relapse

The findings could inform future government policy. Dr Tom Jewell added: "Eating disorders are highly recurrent in nature with approximately 30% to 40% of patients relapsing within 10 years of successful treatment." "Public health policies need to consider not only the needs of people with current eating disorders, but also those with past histories, to reduce risk of relapse and aid recovery."

One study participant shared: “For me, calories on menus enable me to eat at restaurants with friends, family and colleagues with minimal anxiety.”

Author

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

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